What to see and do in Laval
Museum of Naïve Art and Singular Arts
The naïve painter Henri Rousseau was born in Laval and you can see some of his works in the Chateau de Laval alongside many of the world’s leading artists in this field. Naive art may not be to everybody's taste, but I love it. It makes you smile, think, discuss with whoever you're with - just what were these artists thinking? This is one of the largest collections in France and absolutely fabulous. LavalTourism
Boat ride: Take a cruise on the River Mayenne and enjoy the scenery from a pedalo, electric boat or motor boat. If you want to go on a longer journey and spend several days on the water, visiting the many beautiful riverside towns, you can hire boats from Anjou Navigation.
Bike Ride: Follow the Velo Francette cycle trail through spectacular countryside on a designated cycle route. Of course you can go much further, it runs for 630km in total. It stretches from Ouistreham in Brittany to La Rochelle, taking in iconic landmarks from the D-day landing beaches, through the Loire Valley, through vineyards and along the most beautiful country lanes. www.lavelofrancette.com
Jardin de la Perine on top of the hill of Laval gives a fantastic view over the city and castle, a great place for a selfie says local Michel Talvard. Alain Gerbauot, the first man to cross the Atlantic alone was born in a house on the edge of this park and there's a small museum in his honour. French parterre style rose gardens soothe the soul and the English garden style woods offer a pretty place to rest.
Left: in the old town of Laval, cobbled streets and ancient buildings; above: copy of Henri Rousseau's The Dream, the original is in the MoMA, New York; right: on the River Mayenne