If you love a good view, then Angers and its surroundings are the place for you. There's so much to explore whether you're in the city, at the top of the medieval district or in the hillside vineyards south of the city. Make the most of your time here for a bike ride, hike or just enjoy an al fresco drink... Here are a few ideas that we hope will whet your appetite!
1 - Venture to the edge of the world!
The Promenade du Bout du Monde (edge of the world promenade) running past the Château d'Angers drawbridge is undoubtedly the most popular vista among locals and tourists in Anjou.
Visiting family? Dropping in on friends? Fancy a pre-dinner stroll? Head to this lovely square that runs along and overlooks the Château d'Angers moats. Stroll along its cobblestones, have a coffee on the terrace opposite the castle towers, play a round of pétanque or settle down on a bench...
End your walk on a high with wonderful views of the Maine and its series of old and new bridges from the square. The lovely La Doutre neighbourhood lies on the right bank of the river. On the left you can see Balzac Park and Le Héron Carré bar whilst the Trinity church belltower lies straight ahead. Promenade Jean Turc's playground and sprawling springtime rose trellises stand at the foot of the ramparts on the right. What a great introduction to the city!
2 - Sunset on a rooftop
If you feel like it, just cross the Maine to Le Quai theatre and head up to its rooftop terrace to snap reverse shots of the castle and cathedral. It's the ultimate rooftop in Angers! Order a cocktail at La Réserve and drink in the fabulous 180° views at sunset. The Maine River, Château d'Angers, wall walk and cathedral glow orange then pink: the colours put on a real show as dusk draws in. As night falls and the landmarks bask in the moon and starlight, mystery and magic come to life.
3 - Get high, literally!
Make a beeline for Terra Botanica Park for the most jaw-dropping views. Take to the skies and soar 150m in the air on the world's biggest helium balloon for 360° views of the surroundings: the lush park (of course), Anjou Lower Valleys, the pretty network of rivers running through them, île Saint-Aubin and more. This unique payable activity is subject to weather conditions and will sate your appetite for adventure and scenic views from April to October!
4 - Break with views at Belvédère de la Piverdière
Use the hilltop vistas in the local area as a great excuse to explore the great outdoors and feast your eyes on beautiful views. Belvédère de la Piverdière is one of the must-see sites in the small town of Bouchemaine, a few miles from Angers along the Maine towards Nantes. Sunday ramblers and cyclists taking a break from the Loire à Vélo bike path are spoilt for choice when it comes to views in the 7ha park. Here, feast your eyes on Angers and its cathedral's tall spires. There, gaze at the sprawling La Baumette flood-meadows along the Maine in the south of the Anjou Lower Valleys.
5 - Up there, in the hillside vineyards
The landscape transforms when you go back down the towpath a little further along, past the confluence where the Maine flows in the Loire. The hillsides are teeming with spellbinding twisted vine stocks. Welcome to La Roche-aux-Moines in Savennières. This vista overlooking the Loire and hillside vineyard is both a wine designation and hamlet. Up in the hills you can enjoy views of Île de Béhuard straddled by two river tributaries. The island is worth a visit too. Why not linger a little longer and drop into one of the local wineries to experience the signature schist terroir flavours of Savennières wine with a tasting?
6 - A hike on high!
Different place, different vibe. La Roche de Mûrs in Mûrs-Érigné is undoubtedly one of the most striking panoramas in the Angers area. Hit the footpath and feast your eyes on a wonderful walk. Set off from Port Sablier, where "Loire" sand was mined in the 19th century, and walk along the Louet in a peaceful and idyllic setting at the bottom of this listed headland. Then it's time to climb up to the vista: your sore muscles will melt away when you see the incredible views of the Loire Valley before you! The green flood-meadows in the Louet Valley below catch your eye as Angers' cityscape looms in the distance.
7 - Don't forget La Baumette
La Baumette Convent's terrace may be far less high up but it's another great place for views of the Maine and Angers Cathedral in the distance. King René himself founded the convent in 1452 and its private convent and chapel carved into the rock are open to visitors during special events throughout the year. Enjoy a glass of wine on the esplanade overlooking the river after going up the stairs that welcome you off the boat. What an experience!
8 - Not too high, but easy on the eye!
In the former sailors' village of pretty La Pointe in Bouchemaine, the views of the Maine and Loire confluence ooze the same idyllic charm that has been working its magic on the Angers bourgeoisie since the 17th century. Your walk gets you up close and personal with the Loire River as you wander past beautiful manors, fabulous views of the other riverbank and tall grass home to unique wildlife. Water birds play hide and seek here before they take to the skies to hunt or fish for their dinner!
The sky paints the water with every shade of blue, grey and orange... It's magical: the landscape is always changing to suit the sky's mood! We highly recommend staying for sunset and soaking up one of the terraces overlooking the Loire on Place Ruzebouc.
Bonus: a stroll on the wall walk
A trip to Château d'Angers, the Anjou dukes' stronghold, is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Loire city. The wall walk runs around the 17 impressive two-tone towers with unique views of the city, Maine River and La Doutre neighbourhood. Truly unmissable!
