Set on the Maine River and surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley, Angers combines history, culture and beautiful scenery. The old town will charm you with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, while the modern district is filled with trendy cafes, bistros and wine bars. A year-round student population gives Angers an upbeat and youthful feel.
Things to do in Angers
Getting lost in the winding streets of the old town is one of the best ways to enjoy Angers. Enjoy coffee and croissants at an al fresco café and browse boutiques and galleries housed in historic buildings like Maison d'Adam. Musée des Beaux-Arts occupies a centuries-old mansion and showcases masterpieces by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Lorenzo Lippi and Jacob Jordaens.
Cathédrale St-Maurice towers over Place Sainte-Croix and is topped with 75-metre-tall spires. Light streams into the nave through colourful stained-glass windows, with some of the oldest panes dating back to the 13th century.
Angers is a foodie’s paradise and offers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to family-run patisseries. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Place Leclerc transforms into a bustling food market where you can pick up organic produce, fresh fish, artisan bread and colourful flowers.
Château d’Angers looms over the city and is encircled by deep moats and defensive walls. Within the medieval castle is the magnificent Apocalypse Tapestry, a 104-metre-long work of art woven in the 1300s. After admiring the tapestry, walk up to the ramparts for stunning views over the city, the river and surrounding countryside.
Getting around Angers
Angers is easy to get around on foot, particularly in the pedestrianised old town. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions in the Loire Valley at your own pace. Trains run between Angers and Nantes in around 45 minutes and Nantes Atlantique Airport is a one-hour drive away.