To visit Angers Castle and the Apocalypse Tapestry, allow around two hours and buy your ticket through the official website or at reception. In 2026, standard individual admission costs €11 from 5 September to 30 April and €14 from 2 May to 4 September; the tapestry is included. The monument opens at 10am and closes at 5.30pm or 6.30pm, depending on the season.
Opening times: choosing your slot
These opening times and prices are those published for 2026 on the official practical information page 1. Check before travelling: they are not a commitment for 2027.
| Period | Opening hours | Last admission |
|---|---|---|
| 2 May–4 September | 10am–6.30pm | 5.45pm |
| 5 September–30 April | 10am–5.30pm | 4.45pm |
| 24 and 31 December | Closes at 4.30pm | 3.45pm |
The castle closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. The ticket office and last admission close 45 minutes before the monument; the royal residence and exhibitions close 30 minutes before; the Apocalypse gallery, chapel and shop close 15 minutes before. Arriving at last admission therefore leaves too little time for a full visit.
During a red extreme-heat alert, the site announces opening from 8am to 2pm. Outdoor areas may also close for weather or safety reasons. Check the monument’s alerts rather than relying solely on the seasonal table.
Prices, concessions and free admission
There is no universal concession for all students or older visitors. The castle’s reductions include partnership offers, each with its own evidence requirements and conditions. Consult the official price list 1.
| Individual admission in 2026 | 5 September–30 April | 2 May–4 September |
|---|---|---|
| Standard price | €11 | €14 |
| Eligible partnerships, including CEZAM and certain SNCF offers | €9.50 | €11.50 |
| SNCF Grand Voyageur partnership, subject to conditions | €8 | €10 |
An audioguide costs an additional €4. Ordinary admission covers the castle route, Apocalypse gallery and accessible temporary exhibitions. Some special events replace normal admission arrangements with event-specific tickets: check the programme before paying.
Principal free-admission categories include under-18s and 18–25-year-olds from the European Union or European Economic Area, with the residence conditions specified by the CMN. Eligible EU or EEA jobseekers with the required evidence also qualify, as do holders of a CMI marked “priorité” or “invalidité”, with one companion. A parking-only CMI is insufficient.
Admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of November through March and during European Heritage Days. Other cards and subscriptions may qualify: the official list takes precedence. Always bring the required documents; free admission does not necessarily remove the need to reserve an activity.
Booking online without confusion
Use the “Billetterie” button on the castle website. Advance purchase is not compulsory for an ordinary individual visit: tickets are also sold on arrival. Official online tickets are dated and valid on the selected day; the castle describes advance tickets as offering priority entry 3.
This does not remove all checks or automatically reserve a guided tour. For an activity, check the date, time, any supplement and whether a separate ticket is required, even when your admission is free. Avoid resellers charging extra without a useful additional service.
How long to allow and what to see
The monument’s professional information gives two hours for a self-guided visit 3. Treat this as a guide, not a compulsory itinerary: your pace, the stairs and your interest in individual works will shape the experience.
Our suggestion is to start with the gallery if the tapestry is your priority, then explore the courtyards, gardens and open areas. Save the ramparts for suitable weather and mobility. A shorter visit is possible, but do not arrive late expecting to see everything after the gallery has closed.
To continue your day, browse our Angers restaurant suggestions or plan a family stay. Allow a break rather than squeezing in too many cultural appointments.
Understanding the Apocalypse Tapestry
Commissioned for Duke Louis I of Anjou in the 14th century, the tapestry now presents 103 metres of woven storytelling. The castle describes it as the world’s largest surviving collection of medieval tapestries. It is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register: this documentary recognition does not mean that the whole castle is a World Heritage Site 2.
Its scenes combine the imagery of Revelation with references to medieval life: angels, dragons, fortified towns and knights. Take in the whole work first, then examine selected details; trying to decipher everything immediately can be tiring. The subdued gallery encourages a slower pace, especially after exploring outdoors.
Guided tours, audioguides and accessibility
A free visitor leaflet is available; audioguides come in French, English, German, Italian and Spanish. Guided tours and themed activities appear in the official programme, with varying availability, duration and booking conditions 1. Do not assume a guided departure at a fixed time every day.
The Apocalypse gallery is suitable for visitors with reduced mobility and pushchairs. The ramparts and Moulin Tower are not. Before booking, consult the monument’s accessibility plan and contact staff about your particular needs: partial accessibility does not mean the entire route is accessible 1.
There is no left-luggage facility, and large suitcases are not permitted. Arrange luggage storage beforehand, without assuming that accommodation can hold your bags before check-in.
When should you visit to avoid crowds?
Our suggestion, without any attendance guarantee, is a weekday outside school holidays, at opening time. Free Sundays may attract more visitors: choose them for savings rather than guaranteed tranquillity. The official material consulted does not support a promise of an empty time slot.
From the apartment
Mon Château Angers is at 6 boulevard du Général de Gaulle, directly opposite the castle. Walk to the public entrance via the promenade du Bout-du-Monde: a view of the ramparts should not be confused with the entrance itself.
The 35 m² apartment sleeps up to four, with a courtyard-facing bedroom and a sofa bed in the living room. The living room overlooks the castle. Explore the accommodation, practical information and direct booking. Self check-in is available around the clock, subject to your stay’s arrangements.
FAQ
Does the tapestry require a second ticket?
No. The gallery is included in ordinary castle admission. A particular activity may have separate conditions.
Can you buy tickets on arrival?
Yes, for an ordinary individual visit. Online, choose your date carefully and separately reserve any activities that require it.
Is the whole castle wheelchair-accessible?
No. The gallery is adapted, but the ramparts and Moulin Tower are not. Confirm your route with monument staff.
Are two hours enough?
They are a useful guideline for a self-guided introduction. Allow more time if you enjoy reading interpretation panels or joining an activity.
