There are places unlike any others. The Château de Lassay is one of them. Perched above a pond, with its eight towers reflected in the water and its drawbridge still in working order, it commands silence the moment you arrive before it. Not the silence of a museum—the silence of a place that has weathered six centuries without suffering too much damage.
And this place is exactly 15 minutes away from Camping Parc de Vaux.
A remarkably well-preserved fortified castle
Lassay Castle was built in the late 14th century. Today, it stands as a rare example of military architecture from that era. What immediately strikes the visitor is how well-preserved it is: it has retained its eight original towers and its magnificent barbican, which is designated a Historic Monument. The barbican—this forward-projecting structure that protected the entrance—can be toured with a guide, who explains its three levels of casemates with such precision that it makes you want to learn more.
But the highlight everyone talks about after the tour is the drawbridge. The castle has a fully functional drawbridge, which visitors are invited to operate under the guide’s supervision. During the first and last tours of the day, visitors are invited to operate it themselves. For children, this is often the most memorable part of the experience. For adults, too, for that matter.
What You’ll Find Inside
The guided tour takes visitors through the inhabited parts of the castle—the lord’s quarters, with their furnished and reconstructed rooms that provide a vivid picture of life in the 15th century. There you’ll discover a kitchen with its unusual granite vegetable garden and a beautiful collection of antique copperware, an armory, and several other furnished rooms.
It’s the kind of tour that tells a story rather than just listing dates. The guide brings the sites to life—you come to understand how a military garrison operated, who lived here, and why this fortress was built at this specific location.
A stroll through the romantic park rounds out the tour. The park, landscaped in the 19th century, surrounds the castle with dense, soothing greenery. It’s a great place to relax after the tour and enjoy the view of the pond and the towers.
Lassay-les-Châteaux, a “Petite Cité de Caractère”
The castle isn’t the only attraction. Lassay-les-Châteaux has been designated a “Petite Cité de Caractère,” a distinction awarded to towns with exceptional and cohesive architectural heritage. As you stroll through the town after your tour, you’ll understand why: the narrow streets retain their historic charm, the buildings are stately, and the atmosphere is that of a village that has managed to preserve its soul.
You can easily extend your visit to the castle with a stroll through downtown, a coffee on an outdoor terrace, or a tour of other local historic sites—including the Château du Bois-Thibault, another fortress in the town, with its summer activities and garden.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Address: Place du Boële, 53110 Lassay-les-Châteaux
From the campground: 14.5 km—about 15 minutes by car via the D33
GPS: North 48°26’20” – West 0°29’57”
Parking: Free on-site
Hours of operation (2026 season):
- April and May, weekends and holidays: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- From June 1 to July 13 and throughout the month of September, Tuesday through Sunday: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- July 14 through August 31, daily: 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Tours depart every hour — last admission 45 minutes before closing
Prices:
- Adults: €8
- Reduced rate (students, job seekers, people with disabilities): €5
- Children ages 7 to 16: €3
- Children under 7: free
- Family package (2 adults + 1 to 3 children): €18
- Groups: €6.50 per person
School field trips: By reservation year-round—interactive tours for ages 3–7, guided tours for ages 8–11 and middle school students.
Castle contact: 06 18 22 78 33 — chateaudelassay@free.fr
An idea for a day out around the castle
The guided tour lasts about an hour. Leaving the campground in the early afternoon, you can easily combine a visit to the castle with a stroll through Lassay-les-Châteaux, a stop at the Wednesday morning market if you plan ahead, and a return to the campground in the late afternoon to enjoy the snack bar’s patio before dinner.
For those who want to spend a full day in Lassay, the town and its surroundings offer plenty to explore to fill an entire day, especially when combined with other historic sites in the area.
Join the Thursday field trip
The staff at Camping Parc de Vaux organizes tours of the Château de Lassay every Thursday during the season. For information on departure times and how to participate, please ask at the campground reception desk upon your arrival.
It’s a different way to explore—not just on your own in front of the signs, but with other campers and with everything already planned out for you.
Plan Your Trip
Stay at Camping Parc de Vaux and enjoy the organized excursions, from the Château de Lassay to other sites in northern Mayenne. Whether you prefer a chalet, a mobile home, a campsite, or camping in the open, choose the option that’s right for you.
