An enchanted stay in the heart of southern Mayenne: a gourmet and authentic journey
Imagine sailing on the tranquil waters of the Mayenne, lulled by birdsong and the gentle lapping of the water. The banks slowly unfold, revealing hidden treasures: majestic castles, picturesque mills and sunny orchards. Southern Mayenne is a generous land where every moment is an invitation to relax and discover. It's in this enchanting setting that we invite you to enjoy an authentic, gourmet duo holiday, in tune with the seasons. Spring colors the landscape in a thousand hues, summer invites you to stroll and autumn envelops the region in its warm, golden hues. So, are you ready to embark on a journey to the heart of southern Mayenne?
Day 1 : Dive into history and take a romantic stroll
Morning: Tour of the former Ursuline convent
Start your stay with a guided tour of the former Ursuline convent, a 17th-century architectural gem. Let us tell you all about the history of these places steeped in memory, the cloister and the theater, where past and present meet.
Afternoon: Stroll through the narrow streets of Château-Gontier
Discover Château-Gontier, a medieval city of character. Wander through the cobbled streets, admiring the half-timbered facades and mansions that bear witness to the town's rich past.
Evening: Bewitching dinner show at cabaret Le Live
End your first day in style with a spellbinding dinner and show at Le Live cabaret in Château-Gontier. Let yourself be transported by the performances of talented artists, and why not let yourself be tempted by the lunch or dinner-and-show option in front of a sumptuous show.
Day 2 : Sweet life on the water and gourmet delights
Morning: Soothing cruise on the Duc des Chauvières
Come aboard the Duc des Chauvières, a traditional boat that takes you on a guided cruise on the Mayenne River. Let yourself be lulled by the lapping of the water and admire the scenery as it passes before your eyes.
Afternoon: Visit to the Réauté chocolate factory and Vergers de la Rouerie
Immerse yourself in the gourmet world of the Réauté chocolate factory, where you'll discover the secrets behind the production of delicious local confectionery: chocolates, cookies, macaroons, sugared almonds, confectionery and gift ideas... There's something for every sweet tooth, and for them and everyone else, tasting is free. Then off to the Vergers de la Rouerie for a guided tour, a treasure hunt and a tasting of artisanal apple juice.
Evening: Dinner in a former priory
Enjoy dinner in a former 11th-century priory in southern Mayenne. Taste generous, refined dishes made from local, seasonal produce.
Day 3 : Nature walks and ancestral crafts
Morning: Bike ride along the towpath
Rent a bike from Canotika and set off on a bucolic ride along the towpath. Enjoy the calm and beauty of the landscapes along the Mayenne, between lush green meadows and woodland.
Afternoon: Discovering Maine Anjou cutlery
It doesn't matter whether it's a kitchen knife, a table knife or a pocket knife. The Mayennais is a tribute to the flat, all-metal knives that once lurked in so many pockets. Here's your chance to discover the secrets behind the manufacture of these exceptional Maine Anjou knives. This visit will plunge you into the fascinating world of the ancestral know-how of cutlery craftsmen.
Day 4 : Enchanted interludes in Petites Cités de Caractère® and rural discoveries
Morning: Visit to the Petite Cité de Caractère® of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou
Start your last day with a visit to the Petite Cité de Caractère® of Saint-Denis-d'Anjou, a medieval village with beautiful homes, flower-filled alleyways and courtyards, and three listed bell towers. Take a stroll through its narrow streets, and admire its canon house and Romanesque church.
Afternoon: Discover the Moulin Cavier de la Guenaudière and the Préhouillère farm
Immerse yourself in the history of this 19th-century water mill, still in operation. Appreciate the charm of this mill, the last remaining in Mayenne, and of this preserved site. End your stay with a visit to an authentic Mayenne farm in Bouère. Discover cattle breeding and the production of quality meat, and enjoy a tasting of local produce.
Evening: Dinner in a riverside restaurant
Conclude your delightful interlude in the heart of southern Mayenne with dinner at Les Copains d'Abord restaurant at the Neuville lock, where you can enjoy traditional cuisine featuring local produce in a magnificent setting.
