House of Laval

The Laval were one of the most powerful families of Maine during the Middle Ages and also had a presence in Brittany, where their prestige was similar to that of the Rohan.

The last male heir died during the 17th century, and his possessions went to the House of La Trémoille.

His sister, Edme, had previously married Matthieu II de Montmorency with a contract stipulating that her first son should take the Laval surname and arms.

His heiress, Anne, had married Jean de Montfort with a contract similar to Edme's one.

The branch of Rieux-Laval started with Louis de Sainte-Maure, who married the granddaughter of Guy XVI of Laval.

The coat of arms of the Laval; their motto was Eadem mensura (of same measure)
The coat of arms used by Counts of Laval [ 1 ]
The Laval Castle
The Château de Vitré , in Brittany
The Renaissance aisle of the château de Châteaubriant
Guy XVII, count of Laval between 1531 and 1547. Portrait by François Clouet .