Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Angers, France

Adjacent to where the Maine River converges with the Loire, Angers is an exquisitely picturesque city adorned with Renaissance architecture.

This grandeur was a consequence of its status as the capital of Anjou, a historical province once governed by influential dukes and counts who held substantial authority during medieval times.

The strength of these noble families is clearly illustrated upon viewing Angers Castle, an impressive seat of power dating back to the 1300s, which appears capable of withstanding all challenges.

You will similarly appreciate the magnificent artworks commissioned by the affluent nobility, alongside the historical Renaissance residences, charming old neighborhoods, and the splendid yet lesser-known châteaux of the lower Loire Valley.

Let us examine the top attractions in Angers:

1. Angers Castle

The quintessential representation of the strength of the medieval Counts of Anjou, the current structure of Angers Castle was constructed in 1231. The formidable outer wall dominates the southern sector of the city center, extending 660 meters in length and reinforced by 17 towers, each standing 18 meters tall.

This formidable display of power contrasts with the elegance of the residence located within the castle’s courtyard.

The Grand Salle, originating from the 9th century, accompanies chapels, living quarters, and parterre gardens for exploration.

Moreover, visitors can “man the battlements” to relish panoramic views of the city or enjoy a walk in the beautiful formal gardens situated at the base of the castle’s ancient moats.

2. Apocalypse Tapestry

Commissioned in the 1370s by Louis I, the Duke of Anjou, the artist Jean Bondol was tasked with creating the preliminary sketches for what transformed into the monumental tapestry now exhibited within the castle.

Completed in 1382, the Apocalypse Tapestry necessitated approximately 85 cumulative years of craftsmanship from its weavers at their Parisian workshop.

Upon its completion, it consisted of six sections, each measuring over six meters high and 24 meters in width, and is regarded by critics as one of the most remarkable artistic representations of the Book of Revelations and a medieval masterpiece.

3. Musée Jean-Lurçat

The 12th-century Hôpital Saint-Jean is an extraordinary example of Angevin Gothic architecture, and its remarkable preservation is commendable.

The Grand Salle des Malades (Hall of the Sick) measures 60 by 22.5 meters and features exquisite vaulting, while the 17th-century granary, apothecary, and cloister are nearly intact.

In the Grand Salle des Malades resides the Chant du Monde (Song of the World), a series of ten modern tapestries by the artist Jean Lurçat, providing a narrative of the world’s dichotomies, inspired by the Apocalypse Tapestry displayed at the castle.

4. Musée des Beaux-Arts

Informed individuals regard Angers’ fine arts museum, located within the Renaissance Logis Barrault, as one of the premier regional museums in France.

As is typical for such venues, it boasts galleries filled with European paintings complemented by archaeological exhibits pertinent to Angers and its surroundings.

The “Parcours Histoire d’Angers” is a thematic tour that guides you through collections from Angers’ previous antiquities museum, showcasing portraits of historical figures and landscapes that illustrate the city’s evolution over time.

Subsequently, the “Parcours Beaux Arts” presents Flemish, Italian, and French school paintings that once adorned the residences of the city’s elite.

5. Angers Cathedral

Constructed in the 13th century, the cathedral has undergone numerous alterations throughout the years, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles.

For example, the 77-meter-high towers, designed in the Renaissance style, date to the 16th century, whereas the detailed carvings of Christ and the symbols of the Evangelists displayed in the western portal are Gothic, originating from the cathedral’s early years.

A significant fire in the 1400s destroyed many stained glass windows, but that tragedy allowed master glassmaker André Robin to create the current stunning red and blue windows in 1453.

6. Maison d’Adam

Located just behind the cathedral on Place Sainte-Croix, this Renaissance timber-framed building from the late 15th century is impossible to overlook.

It stands six stories high, adorned with ornate diamond-patterned beams.

Typically for structures of this period, the upper levels are broader than those below and are supported by intricately carved corbels.

One of these corbels depicts an apple tree, which originally had representations of Adam and Eve, providing the name for the house.

7. Jardin des Plantes

Although the current Jardin des Plantes was designed in the English style at the beginning of the 20th century, a botanical garden has existed in this location since the 1700s when botany gained popularity.

The park encompasses four tranquil hectares featuring lawns, woodlands, shrubs, flowerbeds, a lake, a stream, and waterfalls, all complemented by sculptures.

If you are familiar with horticulture, you may recognize the more exotic species here, such as the Paulownia tree native to China and Korea, the Siberian elm, and Quercus afares, an oak species found in Algeria and Tunisia.

Families will appreciate the opportunity for children to interact with goats, in addition to deer and aviaries housing parrots.

8. La Doutre

Cross the Maine River for a leisurely stroll through the district once encircled by the walls of Angers.

La Doutre is a charming labyrinth of streets and alleys, many featuring covered passageways and timber-framed houses.

Simply follow Rue Beaurepaire from the bridge and allow yourself to be lured down the narrow sidestreets.

Place de la Laiterie exudes a village-like atmosphere in what remains the heart of the city, while Place du Tertre Saint-Laurent represents the 19th-century bourgeoisie’s residential area, where the adjoining streets are lined with refined stone mansions.

With its row of towering plane trees, Quai Monge boasts a magnificent ambiance and is part of the Berges de Maine, a 300-hectare public space adjacent to the River Maine.

9. Terra Botanica

Terra Botanica is not merely a standard amusement park.

Upon its opening in 2010, it became the first theme park dedicated to plants and botany.

Despite its unique focus, there is ample engagement for children, such as La Balade des Cimes, an interactive elevated pedal monorail that transports visitors above the tree canopy, as well as thrilling 4D CGI films that depict the water cycle from a water droplet’s perspective or lead you into a dinosaur reserve.

With approximately 300,000 plants from across the globe, Terra Botanica’s organic layout offers different colors and scents whether you visit in May or during the closing weeks of September.

10. Logis Pincé

This museum dedicated to classical and oriental art has been undergoing renovations for the last couple of years.

Should it be open during your visit, it offers an extensive collection featuring Roman ceramics, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and an array of art from Japan and China, including porcelain, glassware, bronzes, and theatrical masks.

Even if the museum remains closed, a stop on Rue Lenepvue for a photograph of Logis Pincé’s enchanting Renaissance architecture is highly recommended.

This structure, constructed in the 1500s, resembles a miniature Loire Château nestled within the city.

11. Galerie David d’Angers

David d’Angers was a prominent sculptor during the 18th and 19th centuries, receiving commissions across Europe and even in America.

As his name suggests, he originated from Angers, and this museum houses an impressive collection of preparatory plasters created prior to the crafting of marble or bronze sculptures.

The museum exhibits a total of 985 statues, medallions, and busts, including representations of notable contemporary figures such as Goethe, Victor Hugo, Balzac, and Chateaubriand.

The museum itself is situated in a beautiful space; the 13th-century Toussaint Abbey was restored before its repurposing in 1984, featuring a modern glass roof that allows natural light to illuminate the galleries effectively.

12. Carré Cointreau

Cointreau, the triple-sec liqueur, originated in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, a suburb of Angers located just four kilometers from the castle.

Visitors may tour the factory where the enormous copper stills produce the entire supply of the liqueur globally, offering insights into the sourcing, maceration, distillation, and bottling processes.

Equipped with iPads providing detailed information, the 90-minute tour educates attendees about the various orange varieties utilized in production and shares the brand’s complete history.

Participants can also sample different Cointreau flavors, whether served neat or in cocktails.

Additionally, connoisseurs will appreciate that the shop offers a 10% discount on retail prices.

13. Château de Brissac

Located just a 15-minute drive from Angers, the Château de Brissac is undeniably enchanting.

The Renaissance and Baroque structure that visitors see today was commissioned by Pierre de Brézé, a chief minister for King Charles VII in the 16th century. Standing at seven stories, it is the tallest château in France, featuring 200 rooms and having been maintained by the same family for 20 generations.

An hour is recommended for the tour, allowing you to explore rooms adorned with gilding, damask fabrics, and exquisite period furniture.

Underneath the grounds lies a 250-meter canal designed to manage floodwaters from the nearby river, as well as a wine cellar where guests can sample Rosé d’Anjou and perhaps purchase a bottle as a keepsake.

14. Château du Plessis-Bourré

More than five centuries later, it is likely that the King’s steward Jean Bourré would recognize little that has changed in his historical residence.

Even the drawbridge remains operational, which is why numerous films have been shot on-site.

This château is unique in that it can be easily viewed from the road, with its perimeter marked solely by a system of waterways surrounding a lake-sized body of water.

Upon entry, a guided tour of lavish interiors awaits, showcasing Flemish tapestries, a 15th-century portrait of Jean Bourré, and the wondrous Salle des Gardes, complete with a coffered ceiling adorned with 24 painted panels themed around Renaissance alchemy.

15. Loire Valley

The available attractions in Angers are so extensive that several essential excursions in the Loire Valley have not yet been mentioned.

Firstly, the 800 kilometers of the Loire à Vélo cycling network presents an ideal opportunity for cycling enthusiasts, allowing for an independent exploration of charming villages, natural landscapes, vineyards, and châteaux.

Moreover, there are 32 distinct wines produced within the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur.

A visit to a winery or cave for an introduction to white wines made from Chenin Blanc and reds produced from Cabernet Franc is highly recommended.

Additionally, dining in Angers should be a priority, where one can experience freshly pan-fried fish such as trout, pike, and perch sourced from the Maine and Loire rivers.