Stroll through a labyrinth of ancient streets where every stone tells a story, push open the door of the Château d'Angers proudly overlooking the Maine, and discover cultural venues where art and heritage come together in perfect harmony. Château du Plessis-Bourré, Château de Brissac... You can't fail to be captivated by the many châteaux of Anjou. Get ready for a journey through history!
Day 1: discover Angers, a pearl of history and architecture
What better way to kick off a perfectly regal weekend than to explore the capital of Anjou? Your visit to the tourist office is an essential starting point for your stay. Tip: get the Angers City Pass 72h (also available for 24h and 48h). This will be an invaluable key to many of Anjou's sites.
Head for the Château d'Angers! It's one of the city's gems, and you'll soon see why! With its 17 schist defensive towers, the fortress has watched over the capital of Anjou since the 13th century. Erected on a rocky promontory overlooking the Maine River, it appears powerful and invulnerable - and yet! Just cross the drawbridge to discover a whole new facet of the castle. Wander through the gardens, discover the chapel, the royal residence and the châtelet, and stroll along the ramparts for a unique panoramic view of the Maine river and the Doutre district!
You think you've seen it all? Certainly not! The Château d'Angers is home to a treasure that is unique in the world: the Apocalypse Tapestry, listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Commissioned by Louis 1st Duke of Anjou in 1375, this medieval work is over 100 metres long and 4.5 metres high, and shows 71 scenes from the Apocalypse of Saint John. We can see you now, wide-eyed and muttering "Wow" in awe!
Thematic or unusual tours, events, temporary exhibitions... All year round, the Château d'Angers reveals itself in a whole new light!
Now let your curiosity get the better of you and wander through the cobbled streets of the old town around the castle. Rue Saint-Aignan, rue du Vollier, montée Saint-Maurice, place Sainte-Croix... It's a great place to get lost and soak up the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, discover the charming timber-framed houses and Saint-Maurice Cathedral.
Hungry for something to eat? Time for a break! For generous, friendly cuisine with a Mediterranean flavour, try the Ardoise restaurant. For traditional, authentic cuisine, choose the Bistrot des Ducs restaurant.
Angers is packed with unique Angevin Gothic monuments, such as the Collégiale Saint-Martin. Discover one of the best-preserved Carolingian monuments in France. While this place bears witness to history, it also lives through time and the seasons. In summer, it hosts a range of events and workshops. In autumn, discover a major exhibition where heritage and contemporary art meet.
End the day with a unique culinary experience at the Envol gourmet restaurant. For colourful, fine and tasty bistro cuisine, treat yourself to dinner at Le Reste au 51.
Day 2: Explore majestic sites in the heart of the Anjou countryside
There's no doubt that Anjou is a land of royalty! Continue your journey back in time and escape from Angers to discover the many châteaux that surround it.
Head to Écuillé to discover a castle straight out of a fairytale! "Peau d'Âne", "The Hunchback"... You've heard of them, haven't you? The Château du Plessis-Bourré has been honoured by the seventh art more than once, and it's easy to see why! Built in the 15th century on a platform surrounded by a moat, this private estate is bound to amaze you. Armed with your Angers City Pass, cross the drawbridge for a fascinating tour full of anecdotes about the history of the castle and its owners. Marvel at the impressive ceiling of the guard room, stroll outside and enjoy the idyllic, relaxing surroundings. Throughout the year, the Château du Plessis-Bourré invites you on a journey through history. Performances, medieval tournaments, riddles... A whole range of immersive and interactive events await!
In 2024, from 04 May to 02 June, the Beauty and the Beast show takes up residence at Plessis-Bourré. Follow in Belle's footsteps through the rooms of the château and plunge into an enchanted world. You'll leave with stars in your eyes!
After this majestic visit, we'll take you on a tour of another unusual site, in the heart of the Basses Vallées Angevines: the Moulin de Villevêque. A feature of the river for 800 years, this place steeped in history reinvents itself and hosts exhibitions every year (the Mill is open to visitors from late April to mid-September only).
Mount your steed and head for the Château du Plessis-Macé in Longuenée-en-Anjou. After being closed for a few months for renovation, the Château is opening its doors once again for guided or self-guided tours from 07 April. Here, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance meet in an elegant architectural dance. Built in the 13th century and transformed into a folly in the 15th century, it is one of the finest examples of the Gothic style in Anjou. The different rooms of the dwelling tell its story. Fans of original tours and mystery investigations? There are a number of different ways to discover the castle (booking required). Every year, the fortress also hosts the Festival d'Anjou. A magnificent moment in which the castle is transformed into a stage set!
Return to Angers and round off the day in style with a dinner that's as surprising as it is warm. In a 19th-century building facing the Château d'Angers, La Maison restaurant opens its doors to you for a gourmet dinner garbed in seasonal colours. You'll feel almost like you're at home!
Day 3: Admire the treasures of Anjou and experience life in the château!
Thought you'd seen it all? There's more to come! Extend your weekend in Anjou by heading south to discover one of the jewels of the region, the Château de Serrant. It is famous for its sumptuous library. It contains more than 12,000 books... Amazing, isn't it? Even if reading isn't your cup of tea, this Loire Valley château is sure to enchant you with its history, its magnificently furnished and decorated rooms, its period tapestries and of course its outdoor gardens. On your own, on a guided tour or even on a dramatised tour, discovering this exceptional French heritage is an essential part of your stay.
En route to the last stop on your royal tour, make a gourmet stopover at the Aux deux terrasses restaurant. There you'll enjoy local, organically grown produce.
The highest château in France is undoubtedly the highlight of your stay. With 7 floors and 204 rooms, Château de Brissac is bound to leave you breathless with its elegance. Rich in history, "the Giant of the Loire Valley" is a family château. Passed down from generation to generation, it was the residence of the fourteenth Duke of Brissac. Contemplate the gilded ceilings and carefully preserved furniture and admire the superb Belle Epoque theatre. And the icing on the cake? At the end of your visit you can even sample some of the region's wines* before strolling through the grounds of the château.
After this fabulous journey through history, your weekend in Angers is coming to an end! With a head full of memories, there's no doubt that you'll be enchanted by Anjou. More than just a getaway, it's THE perfect destination for heritage lovers.
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