Nestled in the famous Loire Valley, Angers is a charming city full of surprises. The town offers a wide range of cultural activities, with a strong emphasis on museums. The choice is yours! From art and history to traditional skills and techniques, there's something for everyone. On our visit to Angers, we discovered the fascinating museums of quality. A true cultural voyage!
Here's our selection of the best museums in Angers , with useful tips in pictures!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The best museums in Angers: tips
In Angers, you'll find unique museums devoted to the city's history, art and age-old regional know-how. Tapestry holds a central place in the museum offer. We were dazzled not only by the exceptional hangings, but also by the art and archaeological collections housed in the museums.
In addition to the Loire Valley's most beautiful châteaux, the town and surrounding area also boasts many other treasures! Read our article on things to do in Angers for some ideas.
If you only need to visit 3 museums, we recommend it:
- The Galerie David d'Angers, an architectural gem featuring magnificent sculptures. Our favorite museum!
- The Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine puts the spotlight on textile art in a whole new way.
- The Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers took us on a journey from prehistory to the audacity of twentieth-century contemporary art.
1. David d'Angers Gallery
Why visit it? Our review
Angers is famous for one of its artists, the great 19th-century sculptor David d'Angers. In the heart of the city, we discovered the magnificent gallery that exhibits many of his works. In this architectural gem, a former 13th-century abbey church, you'll discover the plaster casts of monumental sculptures exhibited in Angers and other major French cities. A large skylight in the ceiling lets the light reveal the magnificence of the showroom and the sculptures by David d'Angers. Like us, you'll appreciate the beauty of the architecture and the works of art!
Our 3 favorite moments
- The discovery of thework of artist David and his collection of expressive sculptures that captivated us!
- The Toussaint Abbey is a veritable showcase for the collection.
- The building's exceptional glass roof magnifies the sculptures by David d'Angers. We were hypnotized!
Useful tips
- In Angers city center, accessible by bus (Sainte Croix or Lices stops) and tramway line A (Foch-Haras or Ralliement stops).
- Visit duration: between 30min and 1h.
- There are no documents specifically designed for children, but activities are offered from time to time.
- Full adult price: €4
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
- You can buy the city pass here to access the museum and other tourist attractions in Angers.
Read our article on the gallery here, with photos and additional info.
WHERE TO STAY IN Angers
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown, to enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Hôtel L'Oisellerie - see photos and availability
Hotel 21, Foch - prices, pictures and availability
In the surrounding countryside, for greater peace and quiet
Hotel Château des Forges - see photos and availability
2. Museum of Jean Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry
Why visit it? Our review
We fell in love with this unique site in the heart of Angers. The city's leading cultural center, the museum is a unique place that combines the splendor of the past with the boldness of the present. Nestled in a green setting, this architectural jewel from the Middle Ages is home to masterpieces of contemporary tapestry, including Le Chant du Monde. This former medieval hospital has been converted into a museum, and we believe it to be an exceptional showcase for the region's typical Anjou Gothic style.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The splendid Chant du Monde tapestry: at 80m long and 4.4m high, it's the largest contemporary tapestry ensemble! We were amazed by this masterpiece, which echoes the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a medieval tapestry measuring over 100m and on display at the Château d'Angers.
- The vast Salle des malades: located at the heart of a remarkable 12th-century architectural ensemble, this magnificently proportioned room is a superb illustration of Anjou Gothic architecture.
- The softness of the garden: we enjoyed strolling through this garden with its tall trees that surround the buildings with shade and greenery.
Useful tips
- The museum is in downtownAngers, near the river Maine, La Rochefoucauld stop - bus line 2, CHU-Hôpital stop - Tramway A, 25min walk from the train station. Car and bicycle parking opposite.
- Length of visit: between 1 and 2 hours.
- Fun trail and workshops for children.
- Full adult price: €6.
- Opening hours: open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
- You can buy the city pass here to access the museum and other tourist attractions in Angers.
Read our article on the Musée Jean Lurçat here for more information!
3. Museum of Fine Arts
Why visit it? Our review
An exceptional architectural ensemble, the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers is worth a visit not only for its 15th-century townhouse, but also for its superb collections. We were impressed by this timeless creativity. Thanks to two routes, history and fine arts, you can discover the past of the city of Angers as well as superb works of art. Travel from prehistory to the 20th century to understand the city and its evolution through hundreds of archaeological artifacts. The site also revealed over 300 paintings and sculptures from different periods.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The collection of Roman artefacts from Juliomagus, the ancient name of Angers, took us on a journey into the city's past!
- The museum's exceptional series of 18th-century paintings allowed us to admire works by great French masters such as Fragonard, Watteau and Boucher!
- Outdoor art installations color the courtyard with their vibrant hues. We loved Niki de Saint-Phalle's luscious sculptures!
Useful tips
- Located downtown, accessible by bus (lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 14, 16, 23 - Sainte Croix or Lices stops) and tramway (line A - Foch-Haras or Ralliement stops).
- Visit duration: between 1h30 and 2h.
- Routes and workshops for children.
- Full price €6 and half-price €3.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm, closed May 1st, November 1st and 11th, December 25th and January 1st.
- Link to the official museum website here.
- You can buy the city pass here to access the museum and other tourist attractions in Angers.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Château d'Angers and Apocalypse Tapestry Museum
Why visit it? Our review
In the heart of the city, the Château d'Angers impressed us with its presence and history. Follow in the footsteps of the Dukes of Anjou and plunge into the Loire's past. From the top of the surrounding walls, you can also enjoy superb panoramic views of the city! It is home to the Apocalypse Tapestry Museum, specially designed to house this masterpiece of textile art. This remarkable medieval hanging is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the world. Spanning more than 100m, its colorful details transported us into an imaginary and symbolic medieval universe. Buy your advance ticket here!
Our 3 favorite moments
- Contemplation of the tapestry of the Apocalypse: a unique masterpiece that transported us into a story mixing historical reality and fiction!
- The 360° panorama of Angers: a superb viewpoint awaited us at the top of the castle ramparts, and we were captivated by the view!
- The hanging gardens: an island of greenery cleverly laid out within the walls of the national site, which won us over completely!
Useful tips
- The site is located in the city center, a 15-minute walk from the train station.
- Length of visit: between 1 and 2 hours.
- The site features numerous staircases, raised floors and slopes. Bring good shoes!
- Audioguide and game book for children.
- Price: €9.50, free for under-18s.
- Open from May 2 to September 4 between 10am and 6:30pm, and from September 5 to April 30 between 10am and 5:30pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
- Book your ticket now!
Find out all there is to know about tapestry and the Château d'Angers in our dedicated article here!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:
5. Pincé Museum
Why visit it? Our review
We were seduced by this former hôtel de Pincé, an emblematic building of the Anjou Renaissance, converted into a museum in the 19th century. You'll discover art objects from various ancient civilizations, from the Mediterranean to Asia and South America. The museum also hosts an annual temporary exhibition of contemporary art in partnership with the Angers artothèque.
Our 3 favorite moments
- We enjoyed admiring the architecture of the building.
- Antique vases, a magnificent collection of varied curves.
- Asian masks that are both scary and fun!
Useful tips
- The site is located in the city center, a 15-minute walk from the train station, near the Ralliement Tramway C stop.
- Visit duration: between 1h and 1h30.
- Price: €4.
- Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. Possible work periods, check schedules here.
- You can buy the city pass here to access the museum and other tourist attractions in Angers.
6. Museum of Natural Sciences
Why visit it? Our review
The museum's varied collections are well worth a visit. Exhibitions are spread over 2 sites. The handsome Hôtel Demarie Valentin is dedicated to the local natural heritage, while the Arboertum Gaston-Allard houses the city's botanical collections. The site also hosts thematic temporary exhibitions on environmental issues, which are renewed every year. The theme of life and the natural sciences is one to marvel at!
Our 3 favorite moments
- The zoology gallery and its witnesses to the variety of animal life!
- The butterfly collection. What colors and fragility!
- Prehistoric fossils in Angers.
Useful tips
- Located in the city center, a 20-minute walk from the train station, Verneau Tramway A stop.
- Visit duration: between 1h and 1h30.
- Child-friendly, with dedicated activities and workshops.
- Price: €4.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
- You can buy the city pass here to access the museum and other tourist attractions in Angers.
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7. Museum of Slate and Park of Ardoisières
Why visit it? Our review
The Musée de l'Ardoise is a small museum where you can discover slate mining techniques, its various uses and a range of tools. If you're lucky, you'll even get to see a slate splitting demonstration. Bordering the museum is the Parc des Ardoisières, which we enjoyed exploring and which completes the museum's exhibition. This former mining site of almost 100 hectares has been invaded by nature, but still bears witness to the century-old know-how of slate mining.
Our 3 favorite moments
- The contrasting black and arid landscape of the former quarry won us over.
- The nature walk was an enjoyable experience.
- The old carts and tools of the slate splitters gave us a better understanding of the work of the slate quarrymen.
Useful tips
- In the commune of Trélazé, 15 minutes from Angers by car and 30 minutes by bike.
- Duration of visit: 1 hour.
- Suitable for children, with plenty of space to run around.
- Full adult price: €8, free access to the Parc des Ardoisières.
- Open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 2:30pm to 6:30pm.
- Link to the official museum website here.
Our article dedicated to the Parc des Ardoisières here.
DISCOVER Angers
- Things to do in Angers
- Where to sleep in Angers: best hotels
- Where to eat in Angers: best restaurants
- Rent a car in Angers
- Visit the Château d'Angers
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Angers - coming soon
- Château de Brissac
- Terra Botanica
- Best castles around Angers
- Most beautiful villages around Angers
Other museums in and around Angers
As we wandered the streets of Angers and the surrounding area, we discovered other museums!
- In the heart of town, visit the Artothèque and its constantly renewed and original exhibitions.
- Just a stone's throw from the town center, the Museum du Bon Pasteur showcases the region's history in an exceptional architectural setting. Here you can admire a collection of nativity scenes and discover the behind-the-scenes story of the religious life of this still-active congregation.
- Just outside Angers, the Museum of Génie Militaire will reveal some of the secrets of this facet of the French army!
Venture a little further afield and discover two other exciting museums:
- A 25-minute drive away, the Château de Villevêque Museum is an ancient medieval fortress housing a collection of precious objects and magnificent gardens!
- Just 30 minutes from Angers, the Angers-Marcé Regional Air Museum or Espace Passion Air will appeal to aviation enthusiasts!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
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