Guide to Mayenne & Property for Sale in Department 53

Mayenne is a department in northwest France, part of the Pays de la Loire region. Named after the Mayenne River, which runs through the centre from north to south, it passes through Mayenne, Laval, and Château-Gontier. The department borders Manche, Sarthe, Orne, Maine-et-Loire, and Ille-et-Vilaine. Established as one of the original 83 departments on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, it mostly covers the western part of the former Maine province in the north and the northern part of Anjou in the south. With the number 53, Mayenne has no coastline, though Mont Saint-Michel Bay is about 30 kilometres northwest.

Laval: The Capital City of Mayenne

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Mayenne is a department in northwest France, part of the Pays de la Loire region. Named after the Mayenne River, which runs through the centre from north to south, it passes through Mayenne, Laval, and Château-Gontier. The department borders Manche, Sarthe, Orne, Maine-et-Loire, and Ille-et-Vilaine. Established as one of the original 83 departments on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, it mostly covers the western part of the former Maine province in the north and the northern part of Anjou in the south. With the number 53, Mayenne has no coastline, though Mont Saint-Michel Bay is about 30 kilometres northwest.

Laval: The Capital City of Mayenne

Laval is the capital and largest town of Mayenne, located in the department's centre, and it is known for its medieval heritage. The town's impressive Château de Laval dates back to the 11th century and is a popular tourist attraction. Orne is situated to the north, Sarthe to the east, Maine-et-Loire to the south, Ille-et-Vilaine to the west, and Manche to the northwest.

Geographic Features and Landscape

Mayenne has a roughly rectangular shape, measuring 90 km in length, 77 km in width, and covering about 5,175 km². Its landscape is diverse, featuring hills, valleys, forests, and rivers. The Armorican Massif, a plateau that has been eroded over time, includes the highest summit. The Mont des Avaloirs, located within the Armorican Massif, is the highest point in the department at 417 meters above sea level. A range south of this plateau forms the ridge that separates the Mayenne Valley from the Vilaine Valley.

Administrative Divisions

Mayenne is subdivided into three arrondissements: Mayenne, Laval and Château-Gontier. The department is known for its history, cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the charming towns and villages, historic ruins, and scenic countryside.

Outdoor Activities and Attractions

The Mayenne River offers boating, fishing, and hiking, while the regional parks offer a wealth of natural attractions and recreational activities.

Key Information about the Mayenne (53)

• Main City/Prefecture: Laval
• Nearest Airport: Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport or Paris
• Population: Around 307,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 5,175 sq. kilometres and 1,998 sq. miles
• Landmark: Château de Laval, an impressive medieval castle overlooking the Mayenne River.
• Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 1 million, attracted by the peaceful countryside, historic towns and riverside charm.

Property Prices in Mayenne in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,596 (April 2026)
• Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €2,840  (April 2026)
• Price trends: +13% over the last 12 months, +59% over the last 5 years  (April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Mayenne in 2026

• Average House Price in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne: €1,907 per sq. metre  (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Mayenne: €1,572 per sq. metre  (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Laval: €2,046 per sq. metre  (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

If you are looking for a property in the Mayenne, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.