Château-Gontier is a commune in the Mayenne department in north-western France.

It is about 30 km (19 mi) south of Laval, the préfecture of the department of Mayenne. Château-Gontier is home to the Refuge de l'Arche, a refuge for abandoned or mistreated animals.

There are chalybeate springs close to the town. Château-Gontier owes its origin and its name to a castle erected in the first half of the 11th century by Gunther, the steward of Fulk Nerra of Anjou, on the site of a farm belonging to the monks of St Aubin d'Angers. On the extinction of the family, the lordship was assigned by Louis XI. to Philippe de Comines. The town suffered severely during the wars of the League. In 1793 it was occupied by the Vendeans.

In the south of Mayenne, each town and village contains treasures: churches, castles, museums or mills, their doors are ajar, you have to push them. The former Convent of the Ursulines, the Roë Abbey or the Musée de l'Ardoise all have a story to tell you.

Mother Nature has made South Mayenne a land of welcome, conducive to rest and relaxation. Discover the river, the true backbone of this territory, criss-cross the towpath, fishing in peace, renting a houseboat with family or friends.

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