Unexpected

Between the silver thread of the Sarthe and the well-kept secrets of the Baugeois, Anjou invites you on an adventure where nature and history intertwine. Here, rivers whisper stories thousands of years old, bell towers twirl skyward as if in defiance of logic, and the apothecaries of yesteryear preserve their mysterious remedies. Paddle gently on the water, push open the door of a sleepy château, decipher the riddles of a cabinet of curiosities... For a weekend, take the time to let yourself be surprised.

When winter lays its cloak over the Mayenne, Laval is transformed into a showcase of lights. At the heart of this atmosphere, one event sets the tone: Les Lumières de Laval. For over 30 years, this not-to-be-missed holiday event has transformed the city into a veritable theater of light. Between the end of November and the beginning of January, facades are illuminated, streets come alive and eyes are filled with wonder. During a three-day getaway, rediscover this thousand-year-old city in its most beautiful winter light.

There are places where time can be read in stone. In Anjou, limestone holds the memory of those who chose to live between two worlds: the sun-drenched world above, and the world below, where the coolness of troglodyte cellars tells a thousand stories.

Between limestone cliffs and medieval towns, Mayenne unfolds its history like a book. Here, time is written in stone and read in the open air. Follow the winding course of the Erve, the river that carved caves where the first artists left their mark 25,000 years ago. Then climb the rocky outcrop of Sainte-Suzanne, famous for having resisted the formidable William the Conqueror. End your journey in ancient Noviodunum, where the thermal baths and theater still tell the story of Gallo-Roman daily life. A suspended weekend, where every step takes you on a journey through the millennia.

Between golden vines and red brick facades, Clisson has been living a love affair with Italy for over two centuries. But this medieval town doesn't just play the role of Tuscan understudy. It also vibrates to the metal rhythms of the legendary Hellfest festival. Here, medieval castle towers stand alongside umbrella pines, cobbled alleyways lead to waterside cafés, and ancient statues seem to converse with post-apocalyptic sculptures. Is a weekend really enough to capture all these contrasts? Come and find out.