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Chateau d'Angers

Visit Chateau d'Angers (Pays de la Loire, France)

The Chateau d'Angers is situated in the city of Angers, in the Maine-et-Loire department of the western Loire. The castle is on a rocky ledge above the Maine river, in a site that has been occupied since Roman times because of its historically important strategic location.

The castle itself dates in part as far back as the 9th century, when it was built by the counts of Anjou. Major works and reconstruction were also carried out in the 13th century resulting in the castle we see today. In the 15th century the castle became the residence of the local dukes, hence the castle is also called the castle of the Anjou Dukes

Although Angers castle was ordered to be destroyed after the Wars of Religion, at which time the upper parts of the towers were destroyed, Angers castle is still best described as massive. The castle walls cover a distance of more than 500 metres altogether, with seventeen strong towers built into the walls further adding to the imposing appearance.

Later additions to the castle include the 15th century chapel that was constructed to hold a fragment of the True Cross.

During the 16th and 17th centuries the castle served a military purpose, both as a defensive castle and later as a military training school.

The military role of Angers castle was revived in the 20th century when it was used by the Nazis to store arms - these exploded causing significant amounts of damage to the castle, while further damage was caused by a fire in 2009.

Visit Angers chateau

During a visit to Angers castle it is the massive walls and towers that will first attract your attention. The French style gardens that have been planted in the position of the original moats around the castle walls are also impresive.

Inside the walls you can see the buildings of the chapel and the substantial living accommodation, surrounded by a large courtyard. The 15th century Gallery of King Réné and the Chatelet, the building through which the central courtyard is accessed are other notable buildings.

The highlight of a visit to the chateau d'Angers is without doubt the Apocalypse Tapestry. At 100 metres long and depicting the Apocalypse as described in the Bible in the Book of Revelations.

The famous tapestry dates from the second half of the 14th century, when it was commissioned by King Louis I and is gripping viewing, and entertaining even for the children.

The apocalypse tapestry is centrepiece of a large collection of medieval tapestries that can be seen in the museum at Angers castle.

See also Chateau Angers in our French Castles section or see more Loire Valley castles.

Photos taken within 10 km

Address: Château d'Angers, Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire || GPS: latitude 47.4701, longitude -0.5599

Map of Chateau d'Angers & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Bauge 35km; Chateau de Saumur 43km; Saumur 43km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Chateau d'Angers.
See Pays de la Loire and Maine-et-Loire (the region and department for Chateau d'Angers) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Chateau d'Angers, France

• Angers - town of art and history
• Jardins du Pin - remarkable garden (24km)
• Chenille-Change - ville fleurie 4* (27km)
• Eglise de Notre Dame (Chenehutte-Treves-Cunault) - religious monument (29km)
• Prieuré de Notre-Dame de Cunault (Chenehutte-Treves-Cunault) - religious monument (29km)
• Aubigne-sur-Layon - ville fleurie 4* (30km)
• Coudray - ville fleurie 4* (36km)
• Parc zoologique de Doué-la-Fontaine - zoo or wildlife park (37km)
• Chateau-Gontier - recommended detour (41km)
• Saumur - secteur sauvegarde (43km)

The French version of this page is at Chateau d'Angers (Francais)