A morning of culture at Angers Castle
Start your day at the Château d’Angers, one of the most popular visitor attractions in town.
This castle, also known as the Château des Ducs d’Anjou, is one of the most emblematic buildings in town. It also houses an extraordinary treasure...
Take time to admire all the details of the Apocalypse Tapestry, an impressive series of Medieval hangings depicting the last gospel of the bible, the Apocalypse of Saint-John, along over a hundred metres.
Before you leave, make sure you take a detour via the castle walls for a striking view of the town. You’ll see the castle’s kitchen garden, a few vines and some medicinal plants and herbs that would have grown here in the Middle Ages.
On exiting the château, stop for a minute along the Promenade du Bout du Monde walkway for one of the best views of the city and the river.
Lunch in the historic quarter
After a morning of sightseeing, you’ll be ready for a spot of lunch. To continue with a Medieval feel, we recommend the Crêperie du Château, right in the heart of Angers’ historic quarter. This crêperie offers excellent quality galettes in an inviting setting – the fireplace in winter and the tiny terrace in summer are just the trick. The service is always pleasant and attentive too. Make sure you book though, because it is extremely popular with locals.
A stroll through the streets of Angers
After lunch, continue your visit of Angers. A few steps from the castle, the works of the sculptor David d’Angers are exhibited in the beautiful light of the Galerie David d’Angers. This former abbey church has been covered with a contemporary glass roof, creating a marvellous blend of old and new and a stunning setting for the sculptures. Just next door are the gardens of the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the town, this is a favourite place of Angers people and the ideal spot for a short sightseeing break.
The path out of the garden leads to the Place Saint-Eloi. This square is easily recognisable by the statue of Igor Mitoraj that stands in its centre. Opposite you, you’ll see the Musée des Beaux-Arts and on the other side of the square, the St. Aubin bell tower, a remnant of an ancient and powerful abbey of the same name.
Continue your route along Rue St. Aubin, one of the oldest streets in the city. Perhaps you’ll succumb to the temptation of one of Angers’ sweet specialities, the almond and caramel chocolates called ‘Caramandes’.
Just nearby is the Collégiale Saint-Martin which will transport you through its centuries of history. Remains of the original church can be seen here, including some foundations and sarcophagus.
Time to explore downtown Angers
The Place du Ralliement is a very popular meeting place with locals. Go there to admire the impressive façade of its Grand Théâtre, a superb Italian-style theatre and one of the most beautiful buildings in Angers. The district is fully pedestrianised, making it perfect for a shopping spree or a drink en terrace.
Make your way back to the castle, stopping off at Place Sainte-Croix, a picturesque little square where the charming half-timbered house, La Maison d’Adam, stands. Cathédrale Saint-Maurice is just a stone’s throw from here... Go inside and you’ll be swept away by the beauty of the place with its ornate decoration of carvings, stained glass windows and tapestries.
If you like, you can now go on to explore the Doutre district on the other side of the river Maine. The private mansions, residences and half-timbered houses there are an enchanting sight.
End your day in style with a glass of Anjou wine in one of Angers’ wine bars.
