Tourism · Heritage · Lifestyle
Angers
A medieval city on the banks of the Maine, Angers combines exceptional heritage, renowned gastronomy and one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in western France. And from your apartment, Château d’Angers is right in view.
Angers at a glance
A city to experience, not just to visit
Angers is no museum town. It is lively, student-friendly, food-loving and culturally ambitious.
It regularly features among France’s most pleasant places to live, and its Château, a listed national monument, welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year.
From the apartment, you are at the heart of it all. The Château is directly opposite; the banks of the Maine are a two-minute walk away, and Place du Ralliement and its cafés are seven minutes away. You do not have to ‘go and see’ Angers: you are already here.
This page offers a selection of essential sights, local tips and events to help you plan your stay.
A city steeped in history
Angers’ must-see places
- Château d’Angers
- Galerie David d’Angers
- Tapestry Museum
- Place du Ralliement
- The marina
- Terra Botanica
- Bioparc Zoo
- Puy du Fou
Also known as the Château of the Dukes of Anjou. This 13th-century medieval fortress and former ducal residence houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, the world’s largest medieval tapestry ensemble.
Built on a schist promontory overlooking the Maine, the site was occupied from antiquity because of its strategic defensive position. The Counts of Anjou later established their residences here. After the end of the Plantagenet Empire, the French crown took control of Anjou. Louis IX commissioned the present château in the 13th century; in the 15th century, the Dukes of Anjou transformed it into a residence. Yolande of Aragon gave birth here to René of Anjou. Today it houses the Apocalypse Tapestry.
Official website: www.chateau-angers.fr
Suggested visit: 2 hours
0 min: viewed from the apartment
Galerie David d’Angers:
Set in a former abbey beneath a restored Gothic roof, the gallery houses the monumental work of local sculptor Pierre-Jean David in a rare and striking setting. Born in Angers, David d’Angers (1788–1856) left most of his plaster models to his home town: statues, busts and portrait medallions of the great figures of his century. Under the glass roof of the former Toussaint abbey church, natural light gives these white works remarkable depth, including the model for the Panthéon pediment. A short, memorable visit to pair with the nearby Fine Arts Museum.
Official information: David d’Angers
Suggested visit: 1 hour
7-minute walk
Ten monumental tapestries by Jean Lurçat (1957–1966) answer the Apocalypse Tapestry in the former great ward of Saint-Jean Hospital: a fascinating textile dialogue. The museum offers a contemporary counterpart to the great medieval tapestry. Its ten works present an epic, poetic, symbolic and humanist vision of the 20th century. It also hosts two temporary exhibitions a year, with an emphasis on contemporary textile research.
Official website: Musée Jean Lurçat
Suggested visit: 2 hours
12-minute walk
The beating heart of Angers. Café terraces, the Grand Théâtre, Galeries Lafayette and restaurants keep the square lively throughout the day. Ideal for a first taste of the city.
The city centre’s main shopping hub, the square was once known as Place de la Guillotine and then Place Saint-Maurille. It took its present name on 23 April 1791, referring to the gatherings of local people, conscripts, military personnel and the National Guard. The Grand Théâtre, which includes an exhibition gallery, is also here.
Suggested visit: as long as you fancy a wander 😉
9-minute walk
Quai des Carmes and La Cale:
La Cale de la Savatte, waterside terraces, the Théâtre du Quai with its rooftop restaurant, and river trips towards Lac de Maine—all on your doorstep.
La Cale de la Savatte is a breath of fresh air in Angers. Several cafés offer relaxing views of the Maine and the château; shaded lawns are perfect for reading or a nap. The Théâtre du Quai and its rooftop restaurant complete the scene. This peaceful spot is a lively, refreshing escape from the nearby city bustle and a starting point for river trips and walks towards Lac de Maine and Parc Balzac, home to the Héron Carré summer guinguette.
Time: long enough to recharge 😉
2-minute walk
Europe’s first park dedicated to plants, with 4D experiences, a tethered balloon, treetop walks and boat rides. An original, educational day out for families. Discover six centuries of plant history in a world of exploration and discovery. Terra Botanica is also a wonderful playground, with the suspended towers of the Leprechauns’ Island, dynamic 4D films, balloon flights and peaceful boat trips. There is something for all ages, whether visiting with family or friends.
Official website: www.terrabotanica.fr
Suggested visit: half a day or a full day
15 minutes by tram or car
Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine:
More than 1,500 animals live in an exceptional natural setting at the world’s only troglodyte zoo. Naturally climate-controlled tunnels lead from one world to another through a mineral and plant labyrinth. Animals live at their own pace in spacious habitats; take time to explore. During presentations, watch their natural behaviour—no training, just nature.
Official website: www.bioparc-zoo.fr
Suggested visit: half a day
40 minutes by car
Puy du Fou:
80 km from Angers, this celebrated historical theme park offers a day out among gladiators, Vikings and Musketeers. Booking is essential. Worlds and eras thought lost have found refuge in the ancient forest of Puy du Fou, where history lives on. Discover this timeless place through large-scale shows and an unforgettable family experience.
Official website: www.puydufou.com
Suggested visit: one day
1 hour by car
A city full of life
Periods shown are typical: check this year's exact dates on the official calendar.
Angers’ annual events – Angers events calendar –
SIVAL Angers
Mid-January
International exhibition of plant-production technologies, dedicated to specialist plant production in France. 700 exhibitors and 26,000 professional visitors.
