Château Gonthier à vélo
J. Damase - Mayenne

Château-Gontier

This town has been restoring and embellishing its heritage, which goes back in part as far as 1,000 years ago, and which you can discover by wandering around its winding lanes.

 

Château-Gontier and its immediate surrounds feature in the guidebook of Les Plus Beaux Détours de France, a select association of just 100 remarkable medium-sized French towns that can boast an exceptional heritage, a high quality of life and tourist amenities that remain open year-round.

The Mayenne River is the backbone of the town, giving it its structure and elegance.

Among heritage sights to discover, don’t miss the  Ursuline Convent, a model of classical artchitecture from the 17th century. In summer, you can even enjoy theatrical tours.

As to the Chapelle du Genêteil, dating back to the 12th century, today it’s been transformed into a contemporary art centre, showing sculptures, engravings, paintings and more.

 

Visit Château-Gontier

 

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Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

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Custom route

Laval / Château-Gontier

9 Laval / Château-Gontier

35 km
2 h 19 min
I begin / Family
The start of this stage affords fine views of the town of Laval and its two châteaux. The nine-arched railway viaduct here also has a footbridge open to cyclists, and links the Mayenne River’s east bank to Laval’s town centre and its river port. South of Laval, admire the well-known Abbaye du Port Salut (historically connected with popular Port-Salut cheese) before discovering more of the natural beauty of the Mayenne River.
Château-Gontier / Le Lion-d'Angers

10 Château-Gontier / Le Lion-d'Angers

34 km
2 h 17 min
I cycle often
Travelling along the Mayenne Valley, each meander reveals new delights to spur you on, with a château here and a mill there, or then a waterside village with a river port. Before the town of Le Lion-d’Angers, you’ll get a notion of the importance of the equestrian professions around here as you pass the Domaine de l’Isle-Briand, home to a world-class national stud farm that hosts equestrian events.