Take a green weekend break and simply take time to enjoy life. Wander a theme park dedicated to the world of plants, soak up beautiful scenery aboard a traditional river boat and take strolls through parks and gardens right in the city centre. When you visit Angers, you’ll discover a vibrant and characterful destination where you can be in the heart of nature in just a few strides. Welcome to the Number 1 Green City in France !*
Day 1: Immersion in Nature at Terra Botanica
This weekend in Angers starts with a full-day’s visit to Europe’s first theme park dedicated to the world of plants: Terra Botanica. This unique site promotes awareness about the world of plants and biodiversity in a fun and educational way. Learn the history and secrets of plants through the park’s five immersive experiences. From extraordinary gardens to tropical hot houses, wander the 12 hectares of this park, which has 500,000 plants from all around the world for you to see. With rides, shows and exciting attractions, a colourful and sense-stimulating voyage awaits. Follow the journey of a drop of water in the 4D cinema, embark on a magical adventure alongside a peddler, become an amber hunter, climb above the treetops aboard a giant balloon**, and explore the mysteries of the forest... What more could you need to rediscover your inner child?
After a day filled with adventure and thrills, slow things down with a bucolic and utterly relaxing boat ride.
During summer, extend your day-out until nightfall – there are plenty of surprises in store with Terra Nocta, the park’s original sound and light show. Featuring five immersive scenes, it makes an enchanting end to a fabulous day out at Terra Botanica.
Tip: If you want to have time to enjoy all of the attractions and activities on offer in the park, don’t hesitate to visit the park over two days.
Day 2: Fresh air galore in downtown Angers with its many natural spaces
After a night in a chic retro room, and a sweet awakening to the song of birds, start this second day with a super healthy breakfast in an idyllic setting. With six hectares of green grounds, Château des Forges is a little haven of tranquillity for nature lovers in search of some revitalisation.
Now you’re ready to explore one of the greenest cities in France*! Angers offers the perfect balance of city and nature and has a gentle lifestyle like no place like other. Wander the narrow streets of the historic quarter and admire the half-timbered houses built in Medieval times. These streets lead to the city’s most emblematic building, the imposing Angers Castle. Enter the inner courtyard by the drawbridge and savour the peaceful atmosphere of the place. Take a walk in the superb castle gardens which give this historical building its charm. With vines, glasshouse and a kitchen garden, you would never guess that so many treasures were hiding inside these walls. Don’t leave the castle without visiting the Medieval Apocalypse Tapestry, a veritable masterpiece of Medieval art which is on the UNESCO Memory of the World heritage list.
Walk down Place Kennedy and then follow the castle walls to reach the Jean Turc Promenade. Take a stroll with your partner and enjoy the gentle pace of life of Angers.
Now to the banks of the Maine. At the end of the promenade, cross the Pont de Verdun which will take you to the Quai des Carmes and the charming Doutre district. Wander the Medieval streets then stop for lunch at the Mamie Fada restaurant. Located opposite the Maine, this Angevin restaurant mixes seasonal flavours with mischief and delight in its straightforward, hearty and creative fare.
After a tasty meal, head for Cale de la Savatte and embark straight aboard a traditional Loire river boat, for a boat ride with Vogue en Maine. Enjoy being told the history of the area as you float along and see the city from a new angle. Sail along from the Maine as far as the Saint-Aubin island ferry on the river Mayenne for a pure moment of escape.
Did you know that...?
For centuries, long ago, the Quai des Carmes, the Cale de la Savatte and the Doutre district were an island!
The end of this outdoorsy weekend is already near. Before leaving Angers, soak up some last rays of sun at the Guinguette du Héron Carré, a lovely green spot on the banks of the Maine. Locals flock here as soon as the weather is fine. Listen to some live music, play a game of Molkky, relax... The festive and friendly feel of this place is bound to make you even keener to come back to Angers.
For those lucky enough to still have some time left on their stay, don’t hesitate to continue exploring the Angers area and the outstanding natural surroundings nearby. The Basses Vallées Angevines wetlands, the Ardoisières Park and the vineyards are just waiting for you.
Accommodation Suggestion for your Weekend Break in Angers
At Château des Forges, you can experience château life for a weekend and enjoy a unique stay in a verdant green setting. Total escape guaranteed!
Visitor Tip :
The Angers City Pass is your key to visiting Angers Castle and the Terra Botanica park. This practical and economical solution is the ideal way to see Angers, whether for a day out or a weekend break. Want to enjoy Angers and the surrounding area over three days? You’re quite right. With the 72 hr Angers Pass, it would be wrong not to.
* 2020 Ranking by the French Green Cities Observatory, valid for three years.
** A supplement of €5 will be charged for the balloon ride.
