“Just wanted to let you know that we have had a fantastic holiday last week at the cottage. Absolutely fell in love with the house and area and would like to come back as there is so much to do and see!”
What to do and see
- If you are after unspoilt countryside, rich cultural heritage or outdoor adventure, the region (or Department) of Mayenne is the holiday location for you. From the prehistoric caves at Saulges to the Roman remains at Jublains, the Renaissance castles of Bourgon and Mezangers, there is a treasure trove of secrets to be discovered.
- Champeon and the surrounding area is ideal for cycling and walking, with plenty of quiet lanes and footpaths for whiling away sunny afternoons. It is a haven for wildlife, with birds of prey, reptiles and red squirrels all regularly seen.
- Just 15 minutes drive away from La Trottiere is the historic town of Mayenne, with fantastic architecture and beautiful river views. Over the years, the importance of the Mayenne River has diminished. Nowadays, tourists use it to fish, swim and kayak or simply for a leisurely boat trip. Mayenne has all the normal facilities such as supermarkets, shops, cafes and plenty of restaurants, including traditional French cuisine, Italian and Chinese.
- In the nearby town of Evron, the abbey church Notre Dame de L'Epine has Roman and Gothic architecture and one of the best facades for miles around.
- In the historical town of Sainte Suzanne, the Musee de L'Auditoire served as a court of justice in the 17th and 18th Century - now it houses a museum that depicts the lifestyle and events of that era.
- At Saulges, the caves and canyon are well worth visiting with its ancient legend of a witch protecting the treasure.
- Jublains is the most prominent Roman site in the west of France, and the top of the theatre has panoramic views over the Evron plains.
- Laval is the department capital, the old town is delightful with an imposing feudal castle that looks out over the Mayenne River, and is ideal for a pre-lunch amble.
- South of Laval, at Chateau Gontier, is the Refuge De L'arche, a zoo with a wide variety of animals that have been rescued by Greenpeace and similar organisations. These animals mainly come from test laboratories and included peacocks, crocodiles, chipmunks, wolves, tigers and bears. The main attraction is ‘Baboon Island’, an island surrounded by lake with a large colony of baboons. The children are set the challenge of completing a 'letter quest', clues will lead them to each enclosure where they will have to translate the plaques and answer questions on the different species of animals.
- Just over the border into Normandy is the lovely spa town of Bagnoles de l'Orne set round a lake with thermal baths where you can take health treatments or just taste the water. There is a lakeside casino, leisure facilities and golf course plus a good choice of restaurants and shops.
- Also situated in Normandy, Domfront is a beautiful old town situated on a hill with breathtaking views. It dates back to the 11th Century and has impressive ramparts and towers. With its narrow streets, its inner courtyards and its half-timbered houses, it is a very pleasant town to visit.
- Head into Brittany and visit Fougeres, a fortress town that sits on a hill above the Nançon River. It is known for its immense 11th - 15th century Chateau de Fougeres and is surrounded by thick walls and a treacherous moat. The chateau is an excellent setting for children of all ages to really get a taste for medieval life. The gardens of Place aux Arbres are the ideal place to contemplate the chateau and from here you can wander down to the river passing medieval houses around Place Marchix. You really do feel like you've stepped back in time in Fougeres!
- The pretty town of Lassay les Chateaux is very close to the house, and has a fantastic medieval Chateau (with guided tours), award winning rose gardens and some small friendly bars and restaurants.
- If you want to be more energetic, the leisure park at Ambrieres les Vallees is well worth visiting. On the banks of the River Mayenne, the park has an outside swimming pool, kayaking, fishing, motor boats, tennis courts, play and picnic areas.
- Slightly further afield, there is Mont St. Michel, considered by many to be the wonder of the Western World. Nearby is Bayeux and the museum exhibiting the The Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts scenes commemorating the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Many choose to visit The D-day landing beaches both for personal or historical reasons. The Normandy invasion still remains the largest seaborne invasion in history, involving almost three million troops crossing the Channel from England to Normandy to a decisive allied victory.
- To the south of La Trottiere is the Loire Valley and the picturesque town of Saumur, famous for producing some of the best wine of the region, in particular a delicious sparkling white known as Saumur. You can visit many of the wine producers, (located within caves in the hillside) for guided tours and tastings before stocking up on very reasonable priced local wines to take home.
- Or why not book a TGV train to Paris, just 1½ hours from Laval, making this an ideal day trip.