The Mayenne curves through the centre of Laval, and the stone quays along both banks make for the town's most enjoyable walk. Old wash-houses cling to the water on the right bank below the château, and the bridges — including the 13th-century Pont Vieux — give the best photograph of the fortress above.
In summer, small electric boats can be rented from the quay near the Pont Aristide-Briand for an hour's pottering up and down the river. A canal boat called the Vallis Guidonis also runs longer cruises north toward Mayenne town.