Sainte-Suzanne travel guide
Visit Sainte-Suzanne (Pays de la Loire, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitSainte-Suzanne is a village in the south-east of the Mayenne department of France, and south-east of Evron.
Classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France' and also as a 'city of character', Sainte-Suzanne is a small fortified town in a very picturesque location on a rocky outcrop above the river Erve.
Explore Sainte Suzanne
France This Way review: both the streets of the village itself and the views across the Coevrons countryside and Erve valley combine to make this one of the loveliest villages in the region
The castle and medieval village of Sainte-Suzanne are largely surrounded by the original defensive ramparts, still almost intact.
The main parts of the castle are the keep, from the 11th century, and the more recent living accommodation of the logis, dating from the 17th century, along with a medieval bakery. You can also see the drawbridge and some impressive carpentry work in the castle.
Metal steps and a walkway around the inside of the remains of the keep allow you to climb to the top of the walls and admire the views from here. Entry to the castle is free.
Apart from the castle in Sainte-Suzanne, it is a pleasure to simply stroll around looking at the buildings, enjoying the views across the countryside of the Coevrons, soaking up the atmosphere, and of course stopping in a cafe or restaurant to better prolong the visit...
When walking round the town you will see the 'Porte de Trois Clefs', the door of three keys. This triple lock is on the 18th century Salt Store and because of the value of salt in those days three magistrates each had a different key and to open the door each must open their lock!
There is a house with a very large window opposite the Musée de l'Auditoire. In the 17th and 18th centuries this was a factory making playing cards from paper produced in the paper mills. The large window let in light for the draughtsmen.
After exploring the ancient streets of Sainte-Suzanne you can follow the Promenade de la Poterne which follows outside the double defensive ramparts and offers some great views of the surrounding countryside.
The Musée d'Auditoire is well worth a visit if you are interested in history and it focuses particularly on the Siege of Sainte Suzanne by the forces of William the Conqueror from 1083-1086.
The museum contains a lot of information about Sainte Suzanne's past, and you can also see the oldest body armour in France - it dates back to the early 15th century.
The 17th century logis in the castle grounds is home to an exhibition of architecture and heritage and includes models and audio-visual displays.
A good time to see Sainte Suzanne is during the fete medieval which occurs in August every other year (odd years). During this medieval festival many of the locals dress up in medieval costume and many medieval activities are demonstrated.
History of Sainte Suzanne
Sainte Suzanne has had a checkered history, begining, recent archeological evidence suggests, with an iron age settlement in the 6th century BC. Sitting 60m above the Erve river on a rocky outcrop this naturally defensive position has meant it has been settled throughout the ages.
A medieval fortress was built in the 10/11th centuries and the stone keep was built in the 11th century. At the end of this century the Norman forces of William the Conqueror was sweeping through the area increasing his territories.
The surrounding towns quickly fell under the onslaught but Sainte-Suzanne managed to resist the Norman invadors for three years. Close to the road to Assé le Bérenger you can still see some of the remains of the camp set up by the Normans during this period. Finally after three years a negotiated peace was settled between the two sides.
In the 15th century during the Hundred Years war between the French and the English, Sainte-Suzanne fell and was occupied by the English for 14 years. It was retaken by the French following the treachery of one of the English soldiers.
Another wave of fighting followed in the 16th century with the Wars of Religion. During these periods of war the town's defences continued to be improved and strengthened.
Places to Visit near to Sainte Suzanne
On the edge of town you can see the remains of the Norman camp made during the three year siege. This is called the 'Campe des Anglais' but there is not much to see other than a large flat field. Also nearby is the Dolmen des Erves which dates from the 4th or 5th century BC showing very early signs of human occupation in this area.
La Ferté Clairbois is a medieval centre with copies of a donjon, draw bridge, medieval garden and lots of activities showing the activities of a knight in medieval times - including jousting demonstations.
From just across the valley, the views across to Sainte-Suzanne are highly recommended: follow the path from the village to Tertre Ganne. A stroll along the river banks to see the watermills is also very pleasant.
A little further, you will want to visit the historic centres of Laval and Mayenne but don't forget to also visit the medieval heart of Le Mans, one of our favourite in France.
You can find more travel ideas in the Mayenne guide and the Pays de la Loire guide.
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Map of Sainte-Suzanne and places nearby
Visit near Sainte-Suzanne with France This Way reviews
Evron
The highlight here at Evron is the Abbey of Notre Dame, in particular the very ancient abbey church
Evron guide
Saulges
The principal attraction in Saulges is the caves, occupied in prehistoric times
Saulges guide
Sillé-le-Guillaume
Sillé le Guillaume has a chateau dating to the 11th century and a 13th century collegiate church
Sillé-le-Guillaume guide
Jublains
Here in Jublains you can visit the roman ruins of the ancient city that once stood here
Jublains guide
Asnieres-sur-Vegre
The small town of Asnières-sur-Vègre is especially picturesque in the area around the bridge and river
Asnieres-sur-Vegre guide
Solesmes
Solesmes is known for its Abbey Saint-Pierre, an important benedictine abbey that has helped introduce gregorian chant to the world
Solesmes guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Mayenne
Tourist classifications for Sainte-Suzanne
Sainte-Suzanne has received the following tourist classifications: one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages); listed town of Art and History
Address: Sainte-Suzanne, Laval, Pays de la Loire, 53270, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 48.0983, longitude -0.3516
Plan your visit to Sainte-Suzanne, Mayenne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Evron: town of art and history (7 km)
- Saulges: town of art and history (13 km)
- La Cropte: ville fleurie 4* (19 km)
- Jublains: town of art and history (21 km)
- Jardins de la Massonnière: remarkable garden (21 km)
- Jardins du Mirail: remarkable garden (26 km)
- Mayenne: town of art and history (31 km)
- Laval: town of art and history (31 km)
- Jardin du château de Vilaines: remarkable garden (34 km)
- Mont du Haut-Fourché: site of natural beauty (35 km)
- Saint-Loup-du-Gast: ville fleurie 4* (36 km)
- Saint-Ceneri-le-Gerei: most beautiful village (38 km)
The French version of this page is at Sainte-Suzanne (Francais)