Visiting on business? Indulge in a bit of ‘bleisure’ (business leisure) with a car rental – enjoy your downtime away from work to pique your wanderlust in Laval. Start your time in the town at Château de Laval in the historic district. First built during the 11th century, it’s been rebuilt over the centuries and boasts a variety of architectural styles.

Take the guided tour to discover more about the castle’s history, wander along the ramparts and climb the steps to the top of the tower to enjoy incredible views of the town below. The Naïve Art Museum is also within the castle complex, where you can see works from local 19th century artist Henri Rousseau.

Afterwards, spend the rest of the day exploring the old medieval town center. Wander along a tangle of narrow streets and admire the parade of pretty half-timbered houses. You may come across Cathédrale de la Trinité de Laval on your travels, which dates back to the same era as the castle and has been reworked over the years. Spot Gothic, Renaissance and baroque features as you admire the façade.

Take a stroll along the town’s charming riverside which leads to the Jardin de la Perrine, a beautiful botanical garden overlooking the river with great views across the town. It makes the perfect spot for a picnic lunch – pick up local produce from the market near Rue Charles Landelle that takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

If you’re not in town on those days, drive out of the heart of Laval with your rental car to nearby Abbaye de la Coudre. The onsite store sells produce made by the nuns, ranging from homemade cakes to Trappe de la Coudre, a rich cheese made to a 19th century recipe.

Laval is at the heart of a major dairy production area and this fact is celebrated at one of the town’s more unusual attractions – Lactopôle, a museum dedicated to the history of the dairy industry. The exhibition features ancient milk delivery vans and an array of cheese labels – once you’ve seen the artefacts you can enjoy indulging in a little cheese tasting.

Venture out into the countryside to visit the picturesque village of Sainte-Suzanne. It’s known as one of the country’s most beautiful old villages and much of its medieval castle is still intact today, complete with a moat and drawbridge. Stroll around the 11th century Château de Sainte-Suzanne complex and enjoy its fairy tale charm. Renting a car in Laval means you can explore the wider area with more freedom.

Even more storybook magic can be found at Vitré. Explore the maze of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways that form the medieval town, passing pretty half-timbered houses and rampart ruins along the way.

Make a beeline for Château de Vitré. Admire the jaw-dropping, turreted façade before heading across the bridge and into its heart to discover more about the castle’s history.