This town is in the Mayenne department (53) which you read about here and takes its name from this imposing Château which is a fortified castle with 8 towers, ramparts and a drawbridge and two other châteaux – Château du Bois Thibault and Château Bois Frou. Château de Lassay is owned by the Montalembert family but it opens its doors and gardens to the public in the summer months.
The town is classified as a small city of character. Given that it only has a population of just over 2,000 inhabitants the locals appear to be spoilt for choice on the châteaux front!
France awards the title of Petites Citées de Caractère to areas that have outstanding heritage which is promoted to its inhabitants and visitors. The locals have every reason to be proud to live amongst this rich heritage and every year (in July) they dress up and perform theatrical shows. This is known as the Entrelacés and is a street art festival for all the family.
Mayenne’s Tourism website quotes the famous writer, Victor Hugo when he discovered this charming town here:
“I came across Lassay one day, a charming little town, half-wild, planted right in the middle of the countryside, with three châteaux! I stopped and drew two of them, most admirable.“
You can also visit the Bernard Chardon Museum – a famous local French painter which displays his works of art. Unsurprisingly, there is also a cider Museum where you can taste and buy the local produce. Another local town that is well worth visiting which is nearby is Saint Fraimbault which we have written about here.
This beautiful town also has a primary and secondary school together with a sports hall, tennis club and outdoor swimming pool. It has a post office, two boulangeries, two restaurants, mini supermarket (a larger one on the outskirts of town) and two bars. Just 17km away you have the large town of Mayenne. So, everything you need at your finger tips and perfect for a lock up and leave holiday home or indeed a permanent residence.
Photo – Mayenne Tourism Website
We hope you enjoyed this little insight into the impressive and historical town of Lassay Les Châteaux.
