Want to visit Angers in winter? It's a great idea! The pretty town is elegantly decked out in its winter coat. Enjoy a more exclusive and even warmer escape outside the high season. Avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the treasures of this Loire Valley city.
In this article, we'll give you all the tips you need to discover this city in winter: activities, weather, temperatures... As a bonus, some information on how to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve here.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Angers in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
The answer is yes! Visiting Angers in winter is well worth the effort. The city remains lively without being as crowded as in summer. Streets and stores light up with the festive season, and Christmas markets showcase the work of local designers. Gastronomic and craft events also brighten up the beginning of the year. Find unique gifts and tantalize your taste buds!
Make the Château d'Angers your fiefdom by visiting it more exclusively. You'll also enjoy more museums and exhibitions in winter. You'll also enjoy the serenity of the landscape. Set off for long, leisurely strolls along the Maine River, which at this time of year takes on a silvery hue.
Visiting Angers in winter can also be an opportunity to enjoy a romantic and elegant stay. Luxury hotels are more affordable at this time of year. Get inspired by our selection here and book an exceptional room now! Why not sleep in a castle and surround yourself in voluptuousness for a few days? Find out more here. The surrounding area is full of prestigious estates such as Château des Forges, one of our favourites! Sublimate this glamorous journey by savoring the refined cuisine of one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. Angers is a land of gastronomy, renowned for its local produce and excellent wines. See our favorite restaurants.
Benefits
- The river reflects the blue sky and the golden evening light, even in winter!
- Hotels are less expensive outside Christmas, New Year's Day and Valentine's Day.
- It's easier to park and get around.
- Almost everything remains open.
- The crowds are smaller.
- This season features a number of new events.
Disadvantages
- It may rain.
- The weather's colder, but the town's atmosphere remains friendly!
- The days are shorter.
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
Weather, temperatures and conditions
In winter, the average temperature in Angers is around 6°C. Bring warm clothes and a good coat. It may rain intermittently. But you can also have beautiful sunny days. Snow can also be a problem. You'll be able to admire the white-clad landscape!
Winter means shorter days. Enjoy the sunset over the river before dinner!
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.
Things to do in Angers in winter
In winter, Angers is also full of activities! You can:
- Visit the Château d'Angers and travel through French history. From the top of the towers, enjoy a superb panoramic view of the city. Click here for more info. Book your tickets now.
- Contemplate exceptional tapestries such as the Tapisserie de l'Apocalypse at the château or the Chant du Monde at the Musée Jean Lurçat, which are dozens of meters long!
- Explore the historic town center and admire the architecture of medieval houses and 18th-century townhouses.
- Discover the city while having fun with an escape game.
You can also:
- Stroll through the Doutre district, one of the city's most beautiful!
- Discover the remarkable collections of numerous museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Galerie David d'Angers.
- Visit the town's churches and marvel at the domed vaults of the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, typical of Anjou's Gothic architectural style.
- Stroll through the town's beautiful Christmas market and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the festive season.
- Take advantage of the Made in Angers local know-how show and the Food'Angers gourmet festival. More info here and here.
See the best attractions in Angers.
Near Angers:
- Visit one of the superb castles nearby.
- Taste Angers wines and spirits at the Carré Cointreau distillery or at one of the wine estates surrounding the city.
- Stroll through the Parc des Ardoisières, an unusual park open all year round.
- Fall under the spell of the small villages in the area.
Which you won't be able to do:
- Suffering from heat.
- Get a sunburn.
- Swimming in the Maine River!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
How do I get to Angers?
Angers is located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. You can get there by car via the A11, A85 or N23. Looking for a car rental? Read 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. Book your tickets now. Need a car as soon as you arrive to explore the surrounding area? Read our tips here.
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Christmas in Angers
From December to January, Angers is decked out in lights! Streets, churches and shops are decked out in lights. Shining with a thousand lights, the château offers special evening events and entertainment to transport you into the magic of the festive season! We highly recommend the city's Christmas market. It's one of the 10 most beautiful in France! You'll find local and artisanal products, and plenty of gift ideas. Find out more here.
Christmas is also a time for indulgence. Savor regional culinary specialties. Our plum pâtés and rillauds d'Anjou will surprise your palate! Enjoy the warm welcome of our restaurateurs, who will make you forget the cold of winter.
New Year's Eve in Angers
New Year's Eve is a big party in Angers. Attend the city's annual December 31st fireworks display. The light shows on the Maine River will dazzle you! Enjoy the festive atmosphere in which the whole city will be immersed.
Why not make New Year's Eve an unforgettable gastronomic experience? Let yourself be tempted by one of the special menus offered by many restaurants on December 31st. Take your pick from our tempting list of fine restaurants.
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
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
