Why I love Lassay les Chateaux

Let us take a look at the beautiful and historical town of Lassay les Châteaux in the region of Pays de la Loire (dept. 53, Mayenne).

One of the main reasons I love this “Petite Cité de Caractère” is because I lived 15 minutes from it for 12 years between 2000 and 2012 and it was my local town to visit for banking, shopping and relaxing with a beer watching the world go by, a great location and not to mention the weekly markets, seasonal fairs and events as well as a annual comedy gala.

Nestled near the top of the Pays de la Loire region and close to the Normandy border is the town of Lassay les Chateaux. Surrounded by the beautiful and gentle rolling landscape of the Mayenne this medieval town offers more than just a magnificent chateau (in fact there are three!). Like elsewhere in the department of Mayenne the pace of life follows the seasons, the old rural ways and traditions don't try and keep pace with modern ways, instead the locals prefer the relaxed atmosphere.

The Chateau is set overlooking a lake which reflects the turrets and you would be hard pushed not to take a competition winning photo. The Chateau, lake and gardens of Lassay les Chateaux keep the visitors coming back time and again as well as attracting newcomers and holiday home owners.

As mentioned earlier, Lassay les Chateaux, as its name implies, is a town that has more than one chateau. Sadly, two of these are in ruins, but the main one is intact and is a fine example of 15th century architecture. Open to the public, the chateau is a must to visit and casts a marvellous atmosphere over the town.

Lassay is a market town, and on market day (Wednesday) the locals and visitors alike swarm around the market with a vigour that contrasts with its otherwise tranquil existence. During the summer and sometimes at other times of the year the town celebrates in typical French fashion with Brocante markets, festivals, events and other fete days. These various festivals held in and around the town vary from year to year but the most notable are a summer comedy and music gala and of course, Bastille Day.

Whether you are planning to visit for a holiday or a property viewing trip, be careful as you may end up staying forever, it has such charm! The centre of town boasts a selection of shops and amenities with a lovely small village community feel. Banks, Post Office, hairdresser, bars and restaurants are easy to find alongside gift shops and the usual Boulangerie and Boucherie.

There are larger towns nearby if need be but Lassay has a new (opened 2011) large supermarket on the outskirts of the town. The area is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, these slower ways to see the area are the best and most enjoyable. Sports facilities include tennis courts, a sports hall and an outdoor swimming pool, which is open during the summer.

To get to Lassay les Chateaux the nearest ports are Caen, St Malo and Le Havre. Dieppe 155 miles (to Newhaven), Caen 65 miles (to Portsmouth), Cherbourg 120 miles (to Poole and Portsmouth), St Malo 85 miles (to Portsmouth and Channel Islands), Le Havre 105 miles (to Newhaven and Portsmouth), Calais 250 miles (to Dover and Folkestone).

By Air you could try Caen 65 miles, Rennes 70 miles, Angers 70 miles, Dinard 85 miles, Tours 105 miles, Nantes 115 miles, Paris Orly 150 miles, Paris Charles de Gaulle 165 miles, Paris Beauvais 170 miles (to / from a variety of UK airports).

By Train Laval is only 35 minutes away and Laval to Paris approx. 1 hour 30 minutes on the TGV.

Drivers will find the town from the N12.

So what about property prices and availability in and around Lassay les Chateaux?

Property here tends to be mid-priced in comparison to the region, in comparison to the UK everything seems to be a bargain!

We always have some excellent bargains available in and around Lassay, from inexpensive town properties to magnificent countryside farmhouses as well as some exciting renovation projects on the market for a very low price.

Chateau and Lake.