Guide to Mayenne & Property for Sale in Department 53

Mayenne is a department located in the northwest region of France, within the Pays de la Loire region. It is named after the Mayenne River, which flows centrally through the department from north to south, passing through Mayenne, Laval, and Château-Gontier. Several other departments border the department, including Manche, Sarthe, Orne, Maine-et-Loire, and Ille-et-Vilaine. Mayenne was one of the original 83 departments created on 4th March 1790, during the French Revolution. The northern two-thirds of the department corresponds to the western part of the former province of Maine, while the southern third corresponds to the northern part of the old province of Anjou. The department is numbered 53 and has no sea coast, although Mont Saint-Michel Bay is located around 30 kilometres to the northwest.

Laval: The Capital City of Mayenne

Laval is the capital and largest town of Mayenne, located in the department's centre, and it is known for its medieval heritage. The town's impressive Château de Laval dates back to the 11th century and is a popular tourist attraction. Orne is situated to the north, Sarthe to the east, Maine-et-Loire to the south, Ille-et-Vilaine to the west, and Manche to the northwest.

Geographic Features and Landscape

Mayenne has a roughly rectangular shape, with a length of 90 km, a width of 77 kilometres, and a total area of about 5,175 km2. A diverse landscape with hills, valleys, forests and rivers characterises the department. The Armorican Massif is the highest summit, a plateau eroded over time. The Mont des Avaloirs, located in the Armorican Massif, is the highest point in the department, standing at 417 meters above sea level. A range south of this plateau forms the ridge that divides the Mayenne Valley from the Vilaine Valley.

Administrative Divisions

Mayenne is subdivided into three arrondissements: Mayenne, Laval and Château-Gontier. The department is known for its history, cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the charming towns and villages, historic ruins, and scenic countryside.

Outdoor Activities and Attractions

The Mayenne River offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, while the regional parks provide a wealth of natural attractions and recreational activities.

Key Information about Mayenne

• Main City/Prefecture: Laval
• Nearest Airport: Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport or Paris
• Population: Around 307,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 5,175 sq. kilometres and 1,998 sq. miles
• Landmark: Château de Laval, an impressive medieval castle overlooking the Mayenne River.
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 1 million, attracted by the peaceful countryside, historic towns and riverside charm.

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