If you're staying in Angers and want to explore the city center, visit the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. We were drawn to its singular two-tone silhouette, grand interiors and colorful stained glass windows! Immerse yourself in the beauty and solemnity of this unique place of worship.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires in 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 a visit to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires worthwhile?
Yes, the church is well worth a visit. Located in the heart of the pretty town ofAngers, the building boasts eclectic Romanesque and Byzantine architecture typical of the 19th century. Like us, let yourself be seduced by its polychrome black and white façade and enter this majestic building. You can admire the play of light in the magnificent stained-glass windows, and the curved vaults reminiscent of those in Saint-Maurice Cathedral. The church is part of the town's rich heritage and could well be one of the reasons to stop off in Angers!
What you can see
Two-tone exterior styling
The black of the schist and the white of the tufa stone that line the exterior of the church caught our eye. Like scales, the two-tone bricks adorn the building with originality.
Curved towers
We also admired the two towers that frame the main façade. They stand out with their curvaceous silhouettes!
A facade with intricate details
In the center of the façade, the tympanum offers viewers finely sculpted ornamentation and a delicate statue of the Virgin and Child. We appreciated the finesse of the work!
Once inside, we were impressed by the vast nave that soars majestically towards the choir.
Vaulted ceilings inspired by the Gothic style of Anjou
Don't forget to look up. Like us, you'll see magnificent curved vaults reminiscent of the region's typical Anjou Gothic style.
Luminous stained glass
Our eyes were drawn to the play of light in the many stained-glass windows that color the interior of the church with their shimmering hues.
Colorful rosettes
On either side of the transept, two brightly-colored rosettes will brighten up your visit. We took the time to observe the religious scenes they depict.
Fine wall decorations
The interior of the church is embellished with numerous wall decorations. We loved contemplating the geometric details.
A metal crown
We were intrigued by a metal crown that sits proudly against the light of the stained glass windows.
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church in Angers: how to get there
Where to find the church
- In downtown Angers
- 20min from railway station
- 15min from Château d'Angers
Access by car and parking
The church is located opposite Place Louis Imbach, a paid parking lot in the city center. You can also opt for one of the city's other parking lots, where the first hour is free: Ralliement, Bressigny, Haras, Larrey, Leclerc, Mail, Mitterrand, Molière, République. For more information, visit the official Angers website here.
For free parking, visit the La Rochefoucaud parking lot, which offers 1,200 free spaces. It's a 15-minute walk from the church, on the other side of the river.
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.
Public transport access
The church is accessible:
- By bus: Mendes France stop (line 9).
- By streetcar: Hôtel de Ville stop (line A).
- You can also decide to walk there and explore the city center. The train station is a 20-minute walk from the monument.
To plan your itinerary, we recommend you visit the official Angers public transport website here.
Visiting difficulties
The tour presents no particular difficulties.
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
Visiting Notre-Dame-des-Victoires: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Admission is free. The church is open daily from 8am to 8pm.
How long
Allow 30-45 minutes to visit the church and admire its exterior architecture.
Best moment
The church can be visited in any season. But you're likely to see more people in summer. Winter offers a more exclusive visit! During this period, the city offers a wide range of pleasant and original activities. Read our article on the subject!
Direction of visit
There's no set route to the church, but we recommend you start by admiring the polychrome exterior and the rounded silhouette of the building. Then enter the building and contemplate the nave. Look up and let yourself be captivated by the delicate arches. Proceed to the transept and choir. The play of light in the stained glass windows will catch your eye.
Eating out
The church is right in the center of town, close to numerous restaurants. Discover our tempting selection of the best restaurants in Angers.
Hotels
You're right in the center of Angers, offering a wide range of accommodation options. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Choose a charming hotel and sleep in one of the beautiful rooms at Hôtel L'Oisellerie, a veritable showcase of Renaissance architecture! Availability and further information here.
- Venture to the outskirts of Angers for a taste of château life. Sleep in an estate with old-world charm at the Hôtel du Château des Forges. Book your room now.
See our other suggestions here.
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
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
