Here are 5 good reasons to visit the Château d'Angers for children and 5 good reasons for adults, so you'll never run out of reasons to tell your friends and family about this iconic monument!
What your children will love about the Château d'Angers
Reason No. 1: play at knights at the Porte des Champs, under the oldest portcullis in France
This gate, now located at the far end of the monument on the "Porte des champs" side, was once the main entrance to the château. Inside, barring the entrance, two wooden gates known as "harrows" were lowered. Only one remains today, but we can still imagine where the second, further back under the door, would have been. Come and walk in the footsteps of the ancient knights!
Reason No. 2: enjoy a 360° view of Angers along the 500-metre walkway
Thanks to this panoramic view over the city and the garden, no enemy could escape the watchful eyes of this fortress. Come and discover Angers and the surrounding area from a height. When the weather is fine, the top of the highest tower offers a breathtaking panorama of the banks of the Maine and the pretty Doutre district.
Reason No. 3: discover plants from the Middle Ages and today
Young and old alike are invited to discover the long beds of simples (the name given to medicinal plants in the Middle Ages) in the hanging gardens of the Château d'Angers. This unusual space invites you to daydream. Did you know? Broom trees have been preserved in these gardens as a tribute to Geoffroy Plantagenet, Count of Anjou.
Reason No. 4: watch the birds on the site with a guide from the lpo (bird protection league)
The Château d'Angers is a veritable showcase for nature. Visits organised with the Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux (Bird protection league) are regularly accompanied by opportunities to observe the flora and fauna. A total of 39 bird species have been seen or heard at the château. You won't be surprised to learn that 4 species of bat shelter in the cracks in the ramparts. This would have delighted King René, who loved birds!
Reason No. 5: the special family game booklet, for a fun visit to the monument from the ages of 6 and up.
This activity booklet is specially designed for the youngest visitors, offering games, observations and discussion topics for the whole family. It's an opportunity for them to learn, and for you to share a special moment with the youngsters.
What older children will love about a visit to the Château d'Angers
Reason No. 1: stroll among the wild orchids, the "angers val de loire®" hydrangeas and the château's fragrant rose garden
Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of wild orchids... They're not common, but stroll through the gardens of the Château d'Angers in spring, and you may be lucky enough to spot wild orchids growing on the lawns. In 2022, 66 orchid plants were counted in the lime tree mall and between the ruins of the Comtal palace.
Reason No. 2: (re) discover the 1001 details of the Apocalypse Tapestry
Described as the largest surviving tapestry from the Middle Ages, the Apocalypse of Louis I of Anjou, also known as the Apocalypse Tapestry , has been a UNESCO World Heritage treasure since May 2023. It took 7 years to complete this work around 1375, originally consisting of 6 large textile pieces, each 23 metres long and 6 metres high. We recommend a guided tour to find out all you need to know about this marvellous medieval comic strip!
Reason No. 3: enjoy unusual tours all year round
Discover the Château d'Angers from a different angle thanks to dramatised tours, yoga sessions, spiritualist investigations or storytelling tours with friends or family! This original format attracts the curious and those keen to try something new. Check out our diary to make sure you don't miss any events at the Château d'Angers!
Reason No. 4: photograph the fortress in its most beautiful light, whatever the season
Winter or summer, spring or autumn, the Château d'Angers is imposing and majestic. The garden lights up the castle grounds as night falls. There's nothing like a photo shoot to immortalise the moment!
Reason No. 5: enjoy a medieval château right in the centre of Angers, accessible without a car, refreshing in summer and lively in winter
Ideally located, the fortress is just a 10-minute walk from the station or Place du Ralliement. Close to Saint-Maurice Cathedral, the château is accessible by public transport (Irigo bus stops nearby): "Office de Tourisme" and "Château") and by bike, with dedicated spaces near the Place Kennedy car park. Enjoy this monument even when it's very hot, thanks to the stones that keep the place cool and the temperature under control in the Apocalypse Tapestry room. In winter, enjoy the many activities and events on the Château d'Angers cultural programme.
