You're out and about in the Loire Valley and wondering why you should go to Angers?
Angers is a city of many attractions. Renowned for its castle and exceptional tapestries, the town is also home to other treasures: fascinating museums, monuments worth a visit, stunning parks and delicious gastronomic specialities!
In this article, we give you 10 good reasons to visit Angers.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Angers worth a visit?
Absolutely! Angers is well worth a visit, not least for its castle. Impressed by the imposing fortress, we were transported back to the Middle Ages. The extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the most beautiful in the world, is on display in one of the rooms. This masterpiece will leave you speechless! Get your tickets now!
Another reason to visit Angers is its rich heritage. The city is punctuated by magnificent monuments. Saint-Maurice Cathedral caught our eye, as did the beautiful Doutre district with its medieval houses. This heritage is also gastronomic, with its famous wines and spirits!
Surrounded by greenery, Angers boasts numerous parks and gardens, each more lush than the last. Terra Botanica's landscaping extravaganza has won our admiration! Book your tickets here. We also enjoyed strolling through the peaceful parks of Pignerolle and Ardoisières.
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
Reason 1 - For its medieval castle
Towering over the city, the Château d'Angers is a must-see if you're staying in the Loire Valley. As you stroll through the grounds, you'll be immersed in French history, following in the footsteps of great figures such as the good King René, Count of Anjou and also monarch of Naples and Sicily. The château is much visited. To avoid queuing, buy your tickets in advance. Book your visit now.
You'll also be captivated by the beauty of its imposing, majestic architecture. The impressive 17-tower enclosure conceals magnificent hanging gardens. In the center, the sublime Count's Palace awaits your visit! Magnificent panoramic views of the city also await you from the walkways. To find out more, see our article on the Château d'Angers. And he's not the only one! Angers is surrounded by magnificent châteaux. It's also an ideal base for visiting the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Get inspired by our 3-day itinerary in the Loire.
Reason 2 - For his Apocalypse Tapestry and other tapestries
Angers is home to a priceless treasure, the oldest and longest preserved medieval tapestry in the world. The Apocalypse Hanging is over 103m long! You'll be captivated by the finesse of this 14th-century masterpiece, whose hues continue to shimmer. We admired the fantastic biblical scenes from the Apocalypse, which also evoke the customs and habits of the Middle Ages. A journey through time and imagination!
Be prepared! Angers has more than one famous tapestry. The Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine houses the famous Le Chant du Monde tapestry. Created by artist Jean Lurçat in the 1960s, the 80-meter-long work echoes the Apocalypse Tapestry. You'll be amazed by the tapestry's contemporary vision, which brings to life the horror of the 20th century as much as the beauty of the world.
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.
Reason 3 - For its majestic cathedral
Overlooking the city with its slender silhouette, the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice is an architectural masterpiece. During our visit, we learned that it was the cradle of Angevin Gothic, an architectural form specific to Anjou characterized by highly rounded vaults. The building will continue to amaze you in the future. A contemporary portal designed by the bold Japanese architect Kengo Kuma will protect the cathedral's main façade in the near future.
But that's not all. The cathedral is also home to one of France's richest treasures! Comprising over 3,000 rooms, its magnificence will captivate you if you are lucky enough to contemplate it. For conservation reasons, it is only open to the public at certain times of the year. See Cathedral news here for more details.
Reason 4 - For its rich heritage
To visit Angers is to discover exceptional monuments. Nestled in the heart of the city center, religious buildings adorn the town with their prestigious past. The Tour Saint-Aubin and the Palais Episcopal will seduce you with their medieval presence. Along the way, you may also come across the Collégiale Saint-Martin, whose choir is emblematic of Anjou's Gothic style. Scattered around the village are a number of beautiful half-timbered houses, such as the Maison d'Adam. In fact, there's a tour that takes you back in time to the 15th century. Follow an innkeeper from the Middle Ages and discover the town at that time.
The city's heritage is not only historical, but also artistic. Strolling through the old town, we discovered sculptures from different eras and schools of art. Works by major contemporary artists such as Niki de Saint-Phalle stand alongside busts and statues by 19th-century and medieval sculptors. You'll love the variety of materials and colors!
Find out more in our article on the best attractions in Angers.
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Reason 5 - For its many museums
The city is also a land of museums! Are you an art lover? You'll find what you're looking for in Angers. While the Musée Jean Lurçat is worth a visit for its superb tapestries and the beauty of its medieval architecture, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is worth a visit for its 3,000m2 of exhibition space! We were also seduced by the light and the works on display at La Galerie David d'Angers.
If you prefer ancient civilizations and science, head for the Musée Pincé and the Musée des Sciences Naturelles. The first features remarkable antique collections in a splendid private mansion. The second will take you into the world of living beings and their genius! See our list of the city's best museums.
Reason 6 - For its Terra Botanica plant park
Just a few kilometers from Angers, you can discover Terra Botanica, Europe's leading plant park! We were won over by this extraordinary and surprising site. Numerous games and adventures will plunge you into the mysterious world of plant life. Give it a try and book your entry to this unique place now!
Terra Botanica is one of the finest gardens in the Loire Valley. Here you can discover 5 different plant worlds. The "Origins of Life" tour takes you back to the genesis of plants on Earth, while "Great Explorations" takes you on a journey in the footsteps of great explorers, amid thousands of butterflies. We also had a lot of fun with "Le végétal insolite" and "Les mystères de la forêt" (The mysteries of the forest)! The final route, "Escapade en Anjou", will anchor you in the region.
More photos in our dedicated article.
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Reason 7 - For his other parks and gardens
Several parks and gardens brighten up life in Angers. Scattered in and around the city, they will charm you with their variety. Take advantage of your visit to the city center to stroll through the romantic alleys of Angers' Jardin des Plantes. Or why not take a nature break on the outskirts of town in the huge Parc Balzac, named after the great 19th-century writer from Anjou?
Venture further afield and discover the Parc de Pignerolle and its château. Ideal for long family walks and rides, it also has a large picnic area. Stop for lunch! You might also like to stroll through the vast green expanses of the Parc des Ardoisières, where nature has taken possession of a former slate quarry.
Reason 8 - For its Doutre district
A village in the heart of the city, the Doutre district is one of the most beautiful in Angers. You'll love browsing it! Historically inhabited by the town's bourgeoisie, it boasts charming old houses, typical squares and pretty bridges worth crossing.
Take the Boucle de la Doutre, a city tour that crosses the district and allows you to discover urban treasures! Take a stroll along the Pont de Verdun, the Cale de la Savatte, the Place du Tertre Saint-Laurent or the Place de la Paix, and end up at the magnificent Musée Jean Lurçat. While you're there, take the opportunity to admire the many beautiful medieval houses that grace the streets! Click here for route information.
Reason 9 - For its gastronomy and wines
At the heart of three Loire Valley wine routes, Angers is also renowned for its delicious wines! Explore the outskirts of the town and the Chenin and Cabernet-franc grape varieties that are emblematic of Anjou. An opportunity to appreciate the Anjou-Saumur vineyards, which boast over 27 appellations and a rich range of whites, reds and rosés. You can even do it by bike on a wine-tasting tour of the region. If you're more of a city dweller, stay in town and discover other types of vintages by visiting the famous liqueur distillery, Carré Cointreau.
The town is also full of good restaurants where you can sample the local nectars and specialities! Lait Thym Sel will transport you into its sparkling, creative universe. We also liked Restaurant Odorico and their conceptual cuisine. Last but not least, why not try Reste Au 51 and enjoy traditional dishes with a twist? Read our list of great places to eat for more ideas.
Reason 10 - For its hinterland
Ideally situated in the Loire Valley, Angers is a city whose hinterland is full of surprises. Bordered by 2 rivers, Île Saint-Aubin, just a few minutes from the city, is a veritable showcase of nature. You can take a ferry there and enjoy a beautiful ride on the water! You can also try one of the many walks and hikes that criss-cross the surrounding area. The Bioparc-Zoo in Doué La Fontaine is also sure to please with its hundreds of animal species! Book a joint ticket for the zoo and Château d'Angers here!
Charming villages dot the Angers hinterland. Venture into the countryside and discover Savennières, Saint-Aubin en Luigné and Béhuard. You'll love strolling through the pretty little streets of these authentic villages. A real immersion in Anjou and its history!
See the most beautiful villages around Angers.
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
Some disadvantages of a trip to Angers
A city in relief
Angers is a pretty city with a lot of relief! Expect a few climbs and inclines in the town center, but also some great views. The panorama from Montée Saint-Maurice, opposite Angers Cathedral, is well worth a look. We recommend that you choose good shoes if you intend to explore the city on foot.
The prices
Travelling in the Loire Valley has its costs. Angers is no exception to this trend. We strongly advise you to book your accommodation in advance to benefit from low rates and greater choice! Here are the city's top-rated establishments. You can also check out our article on where to stay in Angers for more ideas here! If you'd prefer to stay in a château close to the city, that's also possible. Read our tips here.
The weather
The weather in Angers is generally mild but can be changeable. It can rain even during dry spells, and a sunny day can be suddenly interrupted by brief showers. Bring a raincoat, rather than umbrellas that turn over in windy conditions! If it's going to be a rainy day, don't worry! There's plenty to do inside, including visiting the superb Château d'Angers. Don't queue by booking your tickets now!
How to get to Angers
Angers is in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. You can get there by car. Take the A11, A85 or N23. If you'd like to rent a car, read all our tips in our dedicated article!
- Driving time from Paris: 3h15
- Driving time from Nantes: 1h20
- Driving time from Tours: 1h30
The city is also accessible by train. Allow 2 hours from Paris, 45 minutes from Nantes and 1 hour from Tours. The station is in the city center. You can book your tickets now. Need a car as soon as you arrive to explore the surrounding area? Read our tips here.
You can also get to Angers by bike. The town is part of the famous Loire à vélo route (our article on the subject here). Discover the region in a different way and try a multi-day wine-tasting cycling tour that stops in Angers!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
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