France > France regions > Pays de la Loire > Maine-et-Loire > (Anjou) > Angers

Angers

Angers is located in the Loire, and was once capital of the Anjou region of France.

Perhaps the highlight of a visit to Angers is the 'Apocalypse' tapestry at the Chateau d'Angers, along with the other tapestries to be seen in the museum found there. This is closely followed by the floral displays - the town is positively obsessed with flowers, bringing a fine splash of colour to the town.

The site of a massive and ancient château, the city is also noted for the impressive twin spires of the twelfth century Cathedral of Saint-Maurice. Other noteworthy churches around Angers include St. Serge, an abbey-church of the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, and the twelfth century La Trinité.

The famous abbey of St. Aubin has a courtyard with elaborately sculptured arcades of the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The tower there is also splendid.

Ruins of the old churches of Toussaint (thirteenth century) and Notre-Dame du Ronceray (eleventh century) are also nearby. The ancient hospital of St. Jean (twelfth century) is occupied by an archaeological museum. The Logis Barrault, a mansion built about 1500, houses the public library and the municipal museum, which has a large collection of paintings and sculptures. The mansion also contains the collection of Musée David consisting of works by the sculptor David d'Angers, who was a native of the town. Standing outside the museum is one of his masterpieces, a bronze statue of René of Anjou, a former duke of Anjou who was born in Angers' chateau.

The Hôtel de Pincé or d'Anjou (1523-1530) is the finest of the stone mansions of Angers. There are also many curious wooden houses of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The Palais de Justice, the Catholic Institute, a fine theatre, and a hospital with 1500 beds are the more remarkable of the modern buildings of the town. Angers is the seat of a bishopric, dating from the third century; a prefecture; a court of appeal; and a court of assizes (criminal courts).

(See a more detailed guide to Chateau Angers)

Angers city pass

You can buy a pass during your visit that allows access to the chateau (and two smaller castles - Chateau de Plessis-Macé and Chateau de Montriou) along with many museums and other attractions - visit the Angers Tourist Office on Place Kennedy. Price 14 euros, 21 euros or 26 euros for 1, 2, or 3 days respectively.

Nearby

Popular with horse-lovers, the Haras National (National Stud Farm) is nearby at Lion d'Angers, ahere you can see many impressive horses of various breeds and learn about their breeding, upkeep and training.

The kangaroo park (Jardin des Kangourous) near Savennieres 20 kilometres west of Angers is sure to be a success with the children.

Angers: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Tourist Classifications for Angers

- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)

Places to visit near Angers

Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Angers.

Some places to visit within 30 km of Angers are shown below (if found).

Chateau d'Angers Chateau at 0 km
Chateau de Brissac Chateau at 17 km
Chateau Plessis-Bourre Chateau at 15 km

See also Angers (version Francais)

Airports near Angers

Angers airport at 28 km Nantes airport at 122 km Poitiers airport at 135 km Rennes airport at 146 km Tours airport at 140 km

See Angers airport