Trail & Escape

From challenge to escape, trail running with a difference

Discover Laval differently.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking to relax in the great outdoors, Laval offers a multitude of experiences to suit all tastes. Go hiking on picturesque trails, take a canoe trip down the Mayenne, or explore our bike tours for total immersion in the local landscape. Whether you’re with family, friends or on your own, Laval is the place to be, with its passion for discovery and outdoor well-being!

Weekend trail

in Laval

Trail running, old stones and nature from every angle – you’ve got 400 kms of trails under your feet when you arrive in Laval, just 1h10 from Paris!
Whatever your level of fitness and desire, you’re sure to find a trail to suit you! From green to black in terms of difficulty, from 7 to 53 kms in terms of distance, in town or in the countryside, in the woods or in the fields, along the banks of the Mayenne and its tributaries, you’re bound to come back and discover!

2 days / 1 night for 2 people: from €300

Day 1

Early in the morning, set off for the heart of the city! The “Garden Party” urban trail is a real touristic-sportive gems.

Enjoy 13 km of gardens, old stones and breathtaking panoramas, all under the first rays of sunshine, just for you.

It’s the perfect way to explore the city and wake up your body at your own pace. Take advantage of the steps to… walk, the alleys to gallop, and the gardens to breathe… and contemplate!

And whether you’ve had breakfast or not, we highly recommend lunch at the market: you’ll find everything a sportsman could want! Local produce, sweet, savoury, exotic, gourmet and natural.

In the afternoon, for a stroll or a trail ride (for those who like to keep it moving), set off for a 100% natural version of the event, just a stone’s throw from downtown Laval, accessible in 10 minutes by bike (which you can hire with panniers from the tourist office).

Take a stroll to discover the Bois Gamat farm, where you can admire handcrafted products such as mohair goat’s wool clothing and donkey’s milk soaps.

Or opt for sport with the 7 km “La Chevalerie” trail, close to the town center but totally immersed in the countryside, woods and river. Although short, this trail offers a variety of paths, some of them technical and steep. Be prepared to straddle the Ruisseau de la Chevalerie several times!

P.S.: For those with a sweet tooth, the 13.6 km “Le Plein d’Aventure ” option (departure from the Avesnières lock), route no. 10, also passes through the Bois Gamat and uses many of the same trails. If you’d like to extend your distance, don’t hesitate!

Asinerie du Bois Gamats — ©Caroline Lusseaud

Trail Coupeau Vicoin - Sébastien Courteille Rotated — ©Sébastien Courteille

Trail Circuit Change - Sébastien Courteille — ©Sébastien Courteille

Chalet Coupeau — ©Gite de France Mayenne

Day 2

Morning: Still car-free, we take you to Changé! A 5 km bike ride along the towpath is just the thing to get you started. On arrival, you’ll have a choice of three routes: 8 km “Les deux rives”,13 km “Un trail pour Changé” and 21 km. We recommend the 13 km for fun, the 8 km if you’re not quite awake yet, and the 21 km if you’re up for a challenge (but be warned, it may leave you little room for afternoon dessert). All these routes are signposted and combine nature, village centers, undergrowth and breathtaking panoramas!

Already here! Feeling hungry?

For a convivial moment, opt for a picnic at the Changé lake, where you’ll even find a connected plancha. If you prefer a gourmet option, the restaurant in the heart of the Parc des Ondines, which you’ve just passed through, is an excellent address.

Afternoon: If you’ve got a bit of energy and time left before hitting the road or train again, why not make a detour to Saint-Berthevin and discover the Coupeau nature reserve?

The 10.6 km trail, with 185 meters of positive ascent, offers you a concentrate of adventure: elevation changes, technique, skill and magnificent panoramas!

If your calves are already on fire, don’t worry: the site also offers a pleasant and easy contemplation trail around the Vicoin. There’s even a guinguette and a shuffleboard court, perfect for a snack break!

Note: If you fall under the spell of this little corner of paradise, you may have noticed the cottages on the hill! It’s an invitation to come back with family or friends to continue exploring our territory. Coupeau campsite offers year-round rentals!