Nestling at the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, the small character town of Lassay-les-Châteaux is worth a look for several reasons, with its medieval fortress, two ponds, washhouses and granite houses, which all make it unbelievably photogenic. A particularly harmonious ensemble that is sure to delight lovers of old buildings! Lassay castle fort, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, is a remarkable example of medieval military architecture, as shown by the two-storey barbican, small castle, machicolated curtain walls and eight towers. Other undeniable attractions of the town are the rose garden, with 300 varieties of rose, located in the former meadow of the Benedictine convent, and the medieval garden made up of four parts - green carpet, medicinal herb garden, orchard and copse - with the castle's majestic form towering in the background!
Dramatised tours of Lassay-les-Châteaux are available in July and August.
Small village of the Pays de la Loire, Lassay-les-Châteaux takes place in the department of Mayenne, in the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park. The town is about fifty kilometers from Alençon and Laval.
The commune of Lassay-les-Châteaux is born with the installation of a hermit, Fraimbault, during the sixth century. First declared inhabitant, the saint founded at the same time a hermitage and the city still pays homage to him today. The castles which gave its name to the town appeared since the 11th century thanks to the lords of Mayenne. Others, such as the Château de Lassay, came rather in the sixteenth century.
Lassay-les-Châteaux, a former Huguenot stronghold, is now known for its tourist activity, as well as for its very important architectural heritage, which testifies to a rich and interesting past. The latter has also earned him the tourist label Small City of Character.
Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Château du Bois Thibault takes its place on the old foundations of the fortress of Foulques Nerra, dating from the 11th century. Classified as Historical Monuments, it is now owned by the commune after having passed in particular to the family of Bellay, whose poet Joachim du Bellay was a descendant. Only vestiges remain, including a main building consisting of two square buildings and round towers. Guided tours are organized during the summer period, and various activities such as treasure hunts regularly take place.
Also listed as a Historic Monument, the Lassay Castle is one of the most beautiful sites in the town. The current building was built in the sixteenth century on the remains of the original fortress of the twelfth century. The adjoining chapel is inscribed in the Historic Monuments and reveals very beautiful murals, themselves classified. It consists of eight imposing towers connected by ramparts, a drawbridge, barbicans, machicolations or curtains. A medieval garden recreated by the teams of the municipality is connected to the building.
From the Château de Bois-Frou, built in the 16th century, there is hardly anything left, only a few vestiges of the Renaissance period have stood the test of time.
A former convent of Benedictines, inscribed in the Historic Monuments, reveals some vestiges to Lassay-les-Châteaux. Installed in the old meadow, a rose garden proposes a real initiatory journey to discover the history of the rose through time. Space, as well as others, have also earned the municipality a reward of three flowers in the competition of towns and floral villages of France.
Lassay-les-Châteaux hosts many religious buildings, such as the Church of St. Lawrence of La Baroche-Gondouin built in the second half of the 19th century. In Romanesque style, it takes place on the remains of a much older building. You can also admire the Saint-Médard church of the 19th century, the Saint-Joseph chapel of the 17th century, or the chapels of Saint-Mathieu and Saint-Roch.
The market is held every Wednesday morning.
Every first weekend of June, the Painters in the Streets day allows to admire artists in action or exhibitions of works in the open air.
The city also hosts a painting exhibition in July and a photography contest in August.
Every year, on July 13 and 14, Lassay-les-Châteaux organizes Les Entrelacés, a festival of street arts, with various very festive shows.
Each year in July, on two dates, a treasure hunt on the theme of Arthurian legends is proposed to the castle of Bois-Thibault.
On the second Sunday in December, Moment d'Hiver offers free entertainment for children and a meal for parents.
A Christmas market is offered at the end of the year.
Renaudies gardens, floral park at Colombiers du Plessis.
Amusement park in the Colmont Gorron. Adventure park, swin-golf, mini-rafting ...
Hiking the jump-to-wolf Brecé near Gorron. Interpretive trail around the heritage and nature. 7, 12, 13, 15, 20 km.
