Attractions and Places To See around Laval - Top 20

The patronage of this church has been entrusted to Saint Simeon, who is mentioned in the New Testament. According to the biblical account by Luke, he and the prophetess Anna were the two people present in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after the birth of Jesus Christ, when Mary and Joseph—following Jewish custom—entered the Temple with their firstborn son and an offering (two doves). The Evangelist records the following prayer on the occasion of this encounter between the elderly Simeon and Jesus as the promised Messiah: "Now, Lord, you are releasing your servant in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32)

The cathedral (i.e., a bishop's church) in Laval was not dedicated to one of the many people we venerate as saints, but rather, the ONE God in THREE Persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God's Holy Spirit – was chosen as its patron saint. Father Reinhard Körner writes about the mystery of the Holy Trinity: + "Among the great prayer-givers in the history of Christianity... I found prayer texts in which each of the divine Three was explicitly addressed – in the same prayer. When I tried to recite the texts, I could sense that these people had not only individually envisioned God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit – they were addressing a divine community. And it seemed to me that they could only do this in their written prayers because they also did so otherwise, quietly in their hearts."

This church was not dedicated to one of the many people who died as martyrs (witnesses to their faith) for their Christian beliefs, or whom we venerate as blessed or saints because of their exemplary lives. Rather, this parish has chosen God himself – in the "Holy Trinity" – as its patron saint. According to Christian doctrine, we believe in ONE God, who exists in THREE persons – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The following description can be found on the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) website: + “The word attempts to express the seemingly impossible, namely that God is simultaneously three and one. To understand this, it helps to consider how people have experienced God throughout history: as a Creator who loves his world and humanity like a father loves his children. As a God who himself became human in Jesus Christ, his Son, and shared human life. And finally, as a God who is still present and alive among people in the Holy Spirit.”

A quiet and cool place, perfect during the heatwave. Running to stay in shape 👍

Nice site, with a brasserie to warm up and eat a good hamburger.

The Catholic Church - Saints Cyr and Julitte d'Argentré dates from Roman times and is dedicated to Saint Cyr and Saint Julitte, two martyrs of the early Christian church. You can admire the fresco in the vault above the main altar, which features geometric patterns from the 12th century. You can also admire the marble altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, the clock from 1875, the paintings and stained glass windows from the 20th century. The church is open to visitors during Heritage Days which take place every year in September.

If you are looking for a hike combining nature, history and art, you can visit the Caves of Saulges and the prehistory museum. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the caves and shelters that were occupied by humans around 25,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic period. Some caves are decorated with rock art, such as paintings, carvings and graffiti. You can also visit the Prehistory Museum, which features archaeological collections and interactive exhibits related to prehistoric life in Mayenne. The site is located in the Erve valley, which is a protected natural area with rich biodiversity. The hiking trails allow you to admire the landscapes of the valley and the limestone cliffs. The site is open from April to November. You can check opening hours and prices on the website. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, a flashlight and a camera to immortalize your experience.

This church is a neo-Gothic building built in 1892 on the site of a Romanesque church. It has stained glass windows by master glassmaker Alleaume and a remarkable 18th century organ. The church is located in the picturesque village of Chailland, surrounded by hills and forests. There you can admire the Ernée river and the Rocher de la Vierge, which houses a statue of the Virgin Mary. You can also explore the surrounding trails which offer varying levels of difficulty and length. The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church in Chailland is a hike that will please both your eyes and your ears.