Hiking in Mayenne

Mayenne, a French department in the Pays-de-la-Loire region, is located in the northwest of France. Without access to the sea, Landivy, situated in the northwest of the department, is only about thirty kilometers from the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. The fairly rectangular department is oriented along a north-south axis following the course of the Mayenne river. To the west, it borders the Brittany region with Ille-et-Vilaine, and to the north the Normandy region, with Manche and Orne. To the east, it is bordered by Sarthe, and to the south by Maine-et-Loire, two departments that are also part of Pays-de-la-Loire.

Mayenne generally has little relief. The department mainly consists of rounded hills and shallow valleys. However, it is located on the eastern slope of the Armorican Massif and rises on average to 150 meters above sea level. Its highest point, Mont des Avaloirs, reaches 416 m, making it the highest point of the massif and of all western France.

Thanks to its proximity to the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean, Mayenne benefits from an oceanic climate. The climate is often humid, with regular and moderate temperatures.

Mayenne, a paradise for hikers!

Mayenne offers a wide variety of landscapes ranging from the hilly territory of Mont des Avaloirs, the highest point in western France, to the hills and canyon of the Coëvrons, to the bocage, passing through the southern plains.

With more than 3,000 km of trails, hiking in Mayenne means encountering unexpected landscapes and an unsuspected heritage where it is possible to enjoy multi-hiking loops on foot, but also by bike or on horseback.

The route linking Le Mans to Mont-Saint-Michel crosses the department from east to west by taking the GR®365 in its Mayenne section. It traverses the hilly landscapes of the Coëvrons and Ernée and connects to other routes offered by the territory.

Whether you are fans of nature, wildlife, history, or old stones, Mayenne offers a multitude of walking trails to satisfy your desires for fresh air and discovery.

Here are some suggestions of hiking routes to do in the region. But after all, adventure is also about making your own path. So, go for it!