Festival weekends in Mayenne

Pardon… Mayenne?

Mayenne (not to be confused with the town and river of the same name, which are also located in the department of Mayenne!) offers must-see festivals each year. With an estimated population of approximately 307,000 inhabitants, this department is situated in the Pays de la Loire, in north-west France.

Although Mayenne is not well known, it offers hidden gems such as the small town of character, Sainte-Suzanne, which has been voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, if only for its castle dating from the medieval period (which was entrusted in 1422 to Joan of Arc’s companion), the town centre of Laval which offers atypical buildings as you can see in Rue du Pin Doré, but also the town of Lassay-les-Châteaux which has a surprising castle!

In this article you will discover some of our properties for sale in the department, but you will also discover the Top 5 festivals not to be missed in 2016 (yes, Sextant France has travelled through Mayenne to put this together for you), and finally our tips on “what to eat and drink when we are in Mayenne?” Enjoy.

A brief overview of our properties for sale in Mayenne!

Come and visit this very beautiful property which awaits you near the town of Lassay-les-Châteaux. Comprising a 5-bedroom manor house, an independent 4-apartment stone gite (totalling 15 bedrooms), a stone gite, a heated swimming pool and a jacuzzi, all set on 4,000 m2 of land (with a multitude of flowers and a fishing pond), this property is ideal for those wishing to develop the current bed and breakfast activity which is expanding!

But that’s not all! A 110 m2 house, with 1.69 hectares of land opens its doors in the commune of Saint-Pierre-des-Nids. What does it offer? 2 double bedrooms with their own bathrooms, 2 other bedrooms, a living room with a wood-burning stove, a fitted kitchen with a dining area, a laundry room, and a shower room. On the land you will find a well, a pond and several garden sheds!

Discover our complete list of properties.

FESTIVALS: where, when, who, how much?!

1. Bouts de Ficelles

Join us on Saturday 23rd April 2016 in the town of Daon to celebrate the 19th edition of the “Bouts de Ficelles” festival. Enthusiasts of old records will be delighted as a vinyl fair will be held during the day on Saturday. At 8pm, concerts will begin with artists such as Hilight Tribe, Gomad! & Monster and DJs Arturo and Pin’son, a selection of artists and different styles that will delight everyone. On Sunday, you can take part in lunch (roast pork!) and the afternoon will feature free concerts and a puppet show (“Wolf, Are You There?”).

How much? Advance tickets are available online for €12.99.

2. Ça Grézille from 13th to 14th May 2016

The “Ça Grézille” festival will celebrate its 7th edition on 13th and 14th May 2016 in the commune of Grez-en-Bouère. If you like Celtic rock, reggae and French chanson, this festival is for you. Artists such as Kervegan’s (Celtic rock), Volo (French chanson artist, we recommend listening to his track “T’es Belle”), as well as DJ Myrtille and many others.

How much? A 1-day pass is €7 in advance (€9 on the door) and a 2-day pass is €14 (€18 on the door).

3. Les 3 Éléphants from 27th to 29th May 2016

Many Mayennais await this festival with impatience, and perhaps it is awaited beyond the department’s borders! The “Les 3 Éléphants” festival, which is held in the town of Laval, attracts many people each year due to the extraordinary line-up on offer: Louise Attaque, Jain, Renart, Feu! Chatterton and other artists have answered “present” to the invitation received! We highly recommend it, many Mayennais who attended were not disappointed, this festival has very positive reviews. A great way to spend a weekend!

How much? A boat-concert ticket is available in advance at €6 (€8 on the door), a Friday or Saturday ticket costs €29 in advance (€32 on the door) and a weekend pass is €48 in advance (€52 on the door).

4. Les Mouillotins from 10th to 11th June 2016

Free festival until 10pm (and €8 after that time), the “Mouillotins”, will be held in the commune of Cuillé. Several artists will come from across France such as Redux (electro) from Nantes, Smokey Joe & The Kid from Bordeaux (electro hip hop live band), but also the group Evo’nlé coming straight from Benin will be there. Festivities and friendliness will be there to give you a good weekend, not to be missed!

How much? Entry is €8 after 10pm.

5. Les Foins de la Rue from 1st to 2nd July 2016

Les Foins de la Rue is undoubtedly one of the most awaited festivals in all of Mayenne. Artists from around the world come to perform on the stages of the town of Saint-Denis-de-Gastines. This year the line-up promises to be exciting, you can find Faada Freddy, General Elektriks but also Dub Inc for example! A campsite will be made available to festival-goers, it will be open from Friday 1st July at 3pm to Sunday 3rd July 2016 at 4pm.

How much? A 1-day pass costs €30 in advance (€35 on the door) and a 2-day pass is €48 (against €55 on the door).

There you have it, like a Mayennais, you now know all the festivals that will soon shake Mayenne. Young and old have their place there, and everyone finds something to enjoy. However, don’t forget your rain clothes in case the sun doesn’t make an appearance!

Tips: “What to eat and drink during a stay in Mayenne?” During your stay in Mayenne, taste the artisanal Suzannaise beer (brewed in Sainte Suzanne) and try the famous Camembert “Le Bon Mayennais” (raw or on the barbecue!) but also the rilletes and sausages from Gorron!