View of the Vieux Château de Laval

On the Old Bridge of Laval, one is captivated by the medieval castle which sits over the city, in particular by this "Tour-Maîtresse", a jewel of medieval architecture.Anecdote at the origin of this bridge: Guy I of Laval, Lord of Laval in 1020 spanned the Mayenne at the foot of his castle. But he fell with his mount and, seeing himself lost, commended himself to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Brought back mysteriously to the shore, he was making a prayer of gratitude when, in the branches of an oak tree, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him. He built a chapel, called Notre-Dame d'Avesnières, and a monastery of nuns where his daughters entered.Pilgrims flocked there and the chapel, enlarged several times, gave way to a basilica completed by Count Guy V de Laval, great-grandson of the founder.