Angers is a beautiful lively city, in the Loire Valley in France. It is known for its rich history and culture, and many panoramic views. It offers a mix of attractions that are suitable for all types of travelers. This Angers travel guide highlights our top seven reasons why this charming destination deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Angers is home to the incredible Château d’Angers, one of France’s oldest and most remarkable castles. Built in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou, it was expanded in the 13th century to its impressive current size. Perched above the River Maine, this castle started as a Roman fortress, chosen for its strategic location.
Over time, the castle played many roles, including serving as an armory during both World Wars. Unfortunately, it suffered severe damage in World War II when an ammunition storage dump exploded inside.
Today, the castle stands as a museum, showcasing the world’s oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries. As you explore, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city and the River Maine below.
Our tips:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during summer. The castle grounds are quite large, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to explore. We suggest that before you visit, you research about the Apocalypse Tapestry, which is over 600 years old and tells a complex story.
For the best views, head to the ramparts in the late afternoon when the lighting is perfect for photos. Tickets to enter are €11 for adults and free for under 18 years old or EU citizens until 25 years of age.
If you really want a taste of local life, make sure to visit one of Angers’ many markets. The most popular one is Place Leclerc Market. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with stands full of fresh products, cheese, bread and local crafts. Moreover, here you can also find local talent, such as handmade jewelry and pastries, which add on to this amazing experience.
Visiting markets, is not only a chance to sample traditional flavors but also a way to meet friendly locals. It is in places like these where you can experience the authentic local culture, and not the usual consumeristic items, that you will find in every large city. It is open every Saturday from 8 a.m to 1:30 p.m.
This is a must-visit, not just to buy and try local stuff, but also just to stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere around you.
Our tips:
We suggest that you visit early in the morning, when vendors have just opened theirs stands and hence, have the freshest produce and the most variety. Bring cash, as some stalls may not accept credit cards, even though it is becoming less common.
You should also try some regional specialties, like rillettes (a type of pâté) and locally made goat cheese, which is delicious. Don’t be afraid to chat with the vendors. They’re usually happy to share cooking tips or stories about their products.
Moreover, this could be the opportunity to save some money. You could easily buy some fresh products and make an homemade meal instead of going to a restaurant, which can get very expensive especially when traveling.
Terra Botanica is a botanical park unlike no other. It is a huge garden full of plants from around the world. All the greenery is set up in a creative and interactive display, giving a magical experience to anyone who visits. Visitors have the opportunity to walk amongst exotic plants, explore butterfly gardens, and even go on a boat ride.
This botanic garden is especially family-friendly, with activities that are both fun and educational for both kids and adults. However, it is also a cute place to enjoy a date with a partner, exploring and learning about things that you probably have never seen before. It’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day while learning about nature and ecology.
Our tips:
Duration of this activity is around 3 hours however, we suggest that you plan at least half a day especially if going as a family with kids. Make sure to bring a cap and use sunscreen if you’re visiting in the summer, as you will be spending the majority of your time outside, in the open spaces.
We suggest that you check their website for special events like gardening workshops or evening light shows, which add an extra special touch to your visit.
Tickets are €20.50 for adults and €17.50 for children. Even though this can take a big part of your budget, we still suggest that you do it, as it is truly something you don’t see very often around the world. Even though there are some on-sute restaurants, we suggest preparing a homemade meal and doing a picnic in the gardens.
This is the impressive museum of Fine Arts in Angers. After the French Revolution, the Directory founded “Ecole Centrales” and that of Maine-et-Loire was transferred to the Logis Barrault mansion.
In May 1801, the museum of the Ecole Centrale de Maine-et-Loire opened its doors, which was modeled on the Louvre. In 1803, the Central Schools were closed, however the municipality of Angers decided to preserve the museum of painting. It is located in a historic building. This museum houses an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.
You can find everything from paintings and sculptures to ancient artifacts. The museum itself is beautifully designed, with spacious galleries and a peaceful garden courtyard. The museum is considered to be one of the richest in all the neighboring departments, and after that of Paris it would be one of the finest in France.
Our tips:
We highly recommend that you take a look at their website as sometimes admission to the museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. So, make sure to check their schedule in advance and buy tickets online to reserve your spot.
Also, take a map at the entrance to navigate easily the galleries. The museum’s garden courtyard is a hidden gem and the perfect place to take a peaceful break during your visit. Photography is not allowed in some areas, so make sure to check the rules at the entrance if you love to take pictures like us.
The Loire Valley region, is famous for its wines, and Angers is at the heart of this wine region. Visitors should sample wines like Anjou, Rosé d’Anjou, and Coteaux du Layon, which are mostly unique to this area. Several local restaurants and wine bars offer tastings, where you can relax and try a selection of different wines accompanied by delicious French dishes.
Traditional restaurants, serve everything, from cheese platters, rich stews and many more authentic dishes, giving you a full experience of French flavors. Here, it is also the perfect opportunity to try the usual French dishes, such as those mentioned in our Nantes post.
However, they are likely to be much cheaper than you would find them in big cities such as Paris. Dining in Angers is a treat for food and wine lovers alike.
Our tips:
We advise you to look for restaurants that offer a “menu du jour” (daily special), which is often more affordable and includes seasonal ingredients. Moreover, you should ask about the perfect wine pairings to try from the Loire Valley that complement best your meal. We highly recommend that you try a wine tasting session while you’re there.
Many wine bars and cellars offer tasting sessions. However, make sure to ask in advance if you need a reservation. Try the region’s famous “Quernons d’Ardoise” (almond nougat covered in blue chocolate), a sweet treat that is unique to Angers.
Angers is the perfect city if you love picturesque old towns, filled with cobblestone streets, historic houses and cozy cafes. There are beautiful half-timbered buildings, some painted in bright colors, which create a charming atmosphere, as if it came out of a Disney movie.
One of the best streets we suggest that you visit is, Rue Saint-Aubin, where you can stroll past beautiful old houses and peek into local shops. There you can also find souvenir shops, cafes and many other shops.
This part of Angers is full of character and gives a sense of the city’s long history. Taking a walk through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time.
Our Tips:
It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes to walk around these cobblestone streets, especially if you plan on walking for a while. Walking on these stones can be more tiring to the feet and even uncomfortable if you’re not wearing proper shoes, so make sure to come prepared.
You should start your walk in Place du Ralliement, a central square filled with shops and cafes, and work your way through Rue Saint-Aubin and Rue Bodinier. Make sure to bring your camera if you love taking pictures. The half-timbered houses make for beautiful photos.
Furthermore, if you’re interested in shopping, there are many unique boutiques selling handmade crafts and local products.
The Maine River flows through the city of Angers. It offers the best peaceful setting for outdoor activities. You can enjoy this in many ways. We highly recommend taking a bike and exploring and then finding the perfect spot to make a picnic. France in general is very bike friendly. So you can easily rent bikes for cheap and be able to drive safely on the many bike lanes that are almost everywhere.
We recommend that you either prepare a homemade meal, or buy something delicious from the many bakeries that are found all over the city. You can also just take a walk along the riverbank or even go on a boat ride to see the city from the water.
The river area is very calm and scenic, making it the ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring. There are also several parks nearby where you can just sit and enjoy beautiful views.
Our tips:
If you’re visiting in summer, you should definitely check for river cruises that allow you to enjoy the scenery from the water. The river is also the best place to watch the sunset. It is a very peaceful spot to relax, chat with someone or simply just read a book.
It is also an amazing place to just admire the nature around you, and appreciate the current moments.
If you prefer a mixture of things, Angers is definitely a place for you, offering a combination of history, nature and food. It is mostly a quiet city. Somewhere you go to relax and just appreciate the moments. It is not as busy as other cities in France, however it is ideal especially if you’re on a budget and don’t plan to travel for long. It is also a very safe city, which is necessary for families.
Keep in mind that on Sundays, shops in France are almost all closed. So we don’t suggest that you go just for the weekend. Angers should definitely be a destination to add to your list, for a small and relaxing traveling experience.
Don’t forget to check out our recent posts on La Rochelle or Bordeaux and let us know if you liked this Angers travel Guide!
We are Martina and Cyprien, a long-distance couple with a passion for travelling.
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