When I googled Laval, I found lots of mentions of Laval in Canada. However, both Canada and France have a city named Laval. To narrow my search, I specifically looked up Laval, France. I had no prior knowledge of Laval, which is situated approximately 300 km west of Paris. I visited my friend Juliette, who lives in a suburb near Laval. She was a friend of my roommate and lived in the same dorm building as me, so we became close. Laval is much less crowded and isn’t a major tourist destination, which is why I enjoyed spending almost a week exploring the area. Here’s a list of things I did in Laval:

Go see the Castle (Laval Château)

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Laval Château. This medieval castle is easily accessible and doesn’t require a strenuous climb like many other castles. Archaeologists have uncovered various artifacts from the medieval period around the castle, and there are informative posters detailing these finds. Although the explanations are in French, Juliette was able to help with translations, and Google Translate was also useful. Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, Laval Château also hosts a Native art exhibition, which was free to visit during my trip.

Meander Around the Old Quarter

Not far from the main square and Laval Château lies the enchanting old city quarter. This historic area is characterised by charming half-timbered facades that date back to medieval times. The cobblestone streets enhance the area’s old-world charm and invite leisurely exploration. You’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants throughout this district, including one intriguingly named Le Johannesburg. Although it’s curious that a French restaurant shares a name with a city in South Africa, Johannesburg is known as the economic capital of South Africa. If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast, you’ll find that the houses in this part of Laval resemble the quaint, picturesque buildings Belle strolls past in the animated film.

Visit Perrine Garden

Perrine Garden is a beautifully curated garden located on a scenic slope in Laval. Popular among locals, this stylish garden features a charming maze and a unique tree that bears books instead of fruit. Visitors are encouraged to take or leave books for free, fostering a sense of community sharing. The garden is also adorned with striking red frames perfect for memorable photos. Additionally, Perrine Garden is home to various animals, including rabbits and birds, making it a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts. The garden is meticulously maintained, ensuring a pleasant visit for everyone.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

One of the highlights of visiting Europe is exploring its historic churches, and Laval’s Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is no exception. This beautiful church offers free entry and stands out with its striking stained glass windows. While it is smaller and more modest compared to other European churches, this simplicity adds to its charm. The absence of elaborate gold leaf decor allows the stained glass to shine even more. If you appreciate historic architecture and serene settings, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Laval is a must-visit.

Pont Vieux

Pont Vieux, the historic old bridge in Laval, is a picturesque landmark that has stood the test of time. Spanning gracefully across the river below, it offers stunning photo opportunities. Its classic architecture and scenic setting make it a great spot for capturing memorable images of Laval’s charming landscape.

The Wash House

The historic wash house in Laval, where locals once gathered to do their laundry before the advent of modern washing machines, still stands today. One of the few remaining wash houses in France, it offers a glimpse into a bygone era. I’ll never forget the reaction of the staff member when my friend inquired about an English tour—he was both horrified and nervous. Fortunately, I quickly clarified that we didn’t need a guided tour, as Juliette graciously served as my guide. Inside, you’ll find old metal wash tubs and black-and-white documentary clips playing in the background, shedding light on the wash house’s history. Be aware that all the informational plaques and materials are in French.

River Cruise

A river cruise in Laval is a unique experience, even though there might not be a lot to see along the riverbanks. This scenic boat tour is a must-do, offering fantastic opportunities to photograph landmarks such as the historic old bridge. As someone who loves being on the water, I didn’t mind that the tour was conducted in French. The journey is relatively lengthy, providing ample time to capture stunning travel photos and enjoy the serene views.

Old Walls

Just a short distance from Laval’s city center, you can explore the remnants of the old city walls that once protected the town. These historic walls offer a glimpse into Laval’s past and are particularly picturesque during August when the area is adorned with blooming flowers. The vibrant floral displays add to the beauty of this historical site.

Henri Rousseau

In Laval, you can visit the birthplace of the renowned painter Henri Rousseau, located conveniently close to the church, right next to it. This site, known as Beucheress Gate, features part of the medieval city wall and resembles a section of a castle. Some of Rousseau’s paintings are featured in the Native art exhibit, and a commemorative stone, resembling a gravestone, can be found in Perrine Garden. Additionally, a modern art piece resembling Rousseau is displayed in front of Laval Château. As Henri Rousseau was born in Laval and became a famous painter, these landmarks celebrate his legacy and contributions to art.

Bakery

During my visit to Laval, I frequented a local bakery nearly every day, indulging in a delightful selection of French cakes and the ever-popular baguette. I highly recommend Au Pêché Gourmand for an authentic taste of French pastries. If you find yourself in the Bonchamp suburb, be sure to visit Bakery Dairou for a great variety of baked goods. For those craving exquisite macarons, Id Sucrées is a must-try. These bakeries offer a taste of Laval’s rich culinary traditions and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

How to Get There

By Bus
I traveled from Paris to Laval using the Oui Bus service. I departed from the Paris Porte Maillot bus stop, conveniently located near the Arc de Triomphe. The bus left at 14:30 and arrived in Laval’s train station parking lot at 18:40. The fare was €15 for the journey from Paris to Laval and €12 for the return trip. I used Flixbus for my journey between Essen and Paris, with tickets costing around €22.00 one way and €22.50 for the return trip. My trip to Laval was from August 7th to August 12th, 2016.

Oui Bus is an economical and comfortable option for traveling to Laval. The bus staff are friendly, and I was warmly welcomed to France. The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and charging ports. For ticket prices and scheduling, visit Oui Bus. It has since been bought by Blablacar You can use the Busbud app to find train and bus options to Laval.

At the time of my travel, Flixbus did not operate a route to Laval, but they do now. For more details, visit Flixbus or contact them via their FAQ page or email at service@flixbus.de, or call their hotline at +49 (0)30 300 137 300. They do offer trips from Paris to Laval now according to my knowledge.

By Train
Traveling by train reduces the journey time compared to the bus, although tickets can be more expensive. Booking in advance and choosing off-peak times can help save money. For example, a ticket from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Laval currently costs around €50, but prices can drop to €13 if booked for off-peak times such as a Friday at 12:00 pm. For more information on routes and fares, visit the website here .

Tourist Information Office
For more details about visiting Laval, check out the Laval Tourist Information Office website.

Thank you so much for reading. Feel free to comment.

Happy travels!