Perched above the Loire Valley, Angers embodies the finest aspects of both contemporary and historical France.
Angers France is not an archaeological site despite its rich history, which includes strong links to the Plantagenet royal family, who controlled England during the Middle Ages. This vibrant, contemporary city offers a plethora of activities for both short visits and extended stays.
The City of Angers
Angers is often praised in the press for its excellent quality of life.
The city offers a rich, vibrant atmosphere with a large pedestrian-friendly centre filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, a medieval castle, and historic quarters.
It also has art museums, theatres, and many cultural activities that attract locals and visitors.
With nearly 40,000 students, Angers France is a lively, youthful city. Students can enjoy a variety of activities, including theatre and dance shows at Le Quai, concerts at Le Chabada, and fun visits to the Terra Botanica botanical park. There’s also a skating rink and plenty of other entertainment options.
Home to 150,000 people, Angers ranks as the 18th largest city in France.
Along with its dynamic lifestyle, it holds the title of the greenest city in France, thanks to its many parks, green spaces, and commitment to sustainability.
The city’s economy is also thriving, with a strong focus on growth and development. This city embraces the world with open arms.
It was chosen by China to host a Confucius Institute, highlighting its global connections. Its rich history is visible in the many historical sites, and the Loire Valley, where this city is located, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000.
Angers France is a welcoming, human-scale city where life is enjoyable, and its residents are known for their warmth and hospitality.
A Brief History
Angers plays a key role in both English and French history, reflecting the close ties between the two nations. It was the seat of the Plantagenet, or Anjou, dynasty. From 1154, when Henry II became king until 1485 with Richard III, English monarchs carried Angevin blood.
The Angevin Kings of England laid strong claims to the French throne, which eventually led to the Hundred Years’ War between the two countries.
In the early 13th century, France reclaimed the Duchy of Anjou.
This historical city then rose to prominence as the capital of this wealthy region and became a hub of French intellectual and cultural life in the 15th and 16th centuries.
During the French Revolution, this city stood as a stronghold for the Republic.
In 1793, despite facing a large Royalist force, the city successfully defended itself from behind the same castle walls you see today.
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Reasons To Visit Angers France
While these are our top five recommendations for things to do in Angers, there are a ton of other things to discover in the city and the Pays de la Loire area outside.
Because of its location on the shores of the Maine, a Loire tributary, Angers is a particularly bike-friendly city. Why not rent a bike to explore the cycle routes that parallel Maine and Loire?
The Medieval Gems of the Castle and Châteaux
As you drive into the city on the main road, La Châteaux D’Angers rises above, as if still guarding the area. With its 17 shale and limestone towers and nearly half a kilometre of thick walls, the castle is the city’s most striking landmark, standing tall since 1230.
Over the centuries, the castle has served many purposes – fortress, prison, royal palace, and even military barracks. Stepping inside offers visitors a journey through its rich history. But the true gem lies in the shadowy basement.
Here, you’ll find the breathtaking ‘Apocalypse Tapestry,’ a 100-metre-long medieval masterpiece woven in blue, red, and gold.
It vividly portrays scenes from the Book of Revelation, capturing the fears of a time plagued by war and disease.
Commissioned by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, in 1375, this tapestry dwarfs the more famous Bayeux Tapestry, which is just 68 metres long (though 40 more metres of the Apocalypse Tapestry aren’t on display).
Admire the Ancient Town’s Architectural Design
Turning the corner from the beautiful gardens below the castle ramparts, you arrive at the base of Mont Saint-Maurice.
Climb the wide cobbled steps leading to the impressive Cathedral Saint Maurice, a stunning Gothic structure built in the 12th century.
Inside, you’ll find 15th-century stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling with diagonal ribs. Free guided tours in French are available regularly.
The old town of Angers France surrounds the cathedral. Its narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses give you a true feel of the medieval city.
One of the most striking buildings is La Maison d’Adam (House of Adam), located on the corner of Sainte Croix Square.
The building’s exterior carvings are intricate, with both sacred and playful figures, which were once painted in bright, bold colours.
Across the river stands the Hôpital Saint-Jean, a 12th-century hospital that has remarkably survived from medieval times.
Now a museum, it showcases modern wall hangings by French artist Jean Lurçat, providing an interesting contrast to the medieval tapestry at the castle.
Visit Galleries and Museums to Learn about Culture
Fine art and culture are always close at hand in Angers, especially in the old town. One highlight is the Galerie David d’Angers, housed in the former All Saints’ Abbey on Rue Toussaint.
This gallery showcases the works of 19th-century sculptor Pierre-Jean David, known as David d’Angers, featuring busts of famous French writers.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the Musée des Beaux-Arts, often regarded as one of the best museums outside Paris for its vast and rich collections.
The museum displays Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, as well as paintings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and early modern periods, with works by artists such as Brueghel, Lippi, and Ingres.
Discover Terra Botanica’s Theme Park and Gardens
Angers, one of France’s greenest cities, is home to Terra Botanica, a unique attraction where nature takes centre stage.
This isn’t your typical botanical garden—it’s a nature-themed park filled with fun and adventure. You can pedal through a forest canopy, sail across the park, or even take a balloon ride to get a bird’s-eye view of the lush Anjou region.
The park also offers a 4D cinema experience, where you can follow the journey of a drop of water as it travels into the heart of a plant or go on a thrilling adventure through a dinosaur reserve in a jeep.
Open year-round, Terra Botanica hosts seasonal events like the spring festival, which features plant markets and gardening masterclasses.
During July and August, you can enjoy “Terra Nocta,” an enchanting nighttime visit to the park. For a more relaxed experience, head back into Angers to the Jardin des Plantes.
Established in 1791, this 4-hectare botanical garden offers peaceful walks through English-style gardens, complete with streams, waterfalls, statues, and winding paths. The garden also has “reading boxes,” where visitors can borrow or leave books.
Among its many treasures are rare and ancient trees, including a Virginia tulip tree and a Siberian elm.
The Vibrant Dining Options and Nightlife
There are plenty of things to do in Angers in the late afternoon when the day is over. For the greatest in opera and symphonic concerts, head to one of the many pubs and clubs or musical theatres like Les Mardis Musicaux or the Grand Théâtre d’Angers on the Place du Ralliement.
The dining options in the city provide something to suit every taste and spending limit, whether your goal is to just enjoy a stroll by the river or through the historic centre for a bite to eat.
Be sure to try the regional specialities, including Cremets d’Anjou, which is described as being like “eating a cloud” and is a mixture of egg whites, white cheese, and cream. The classic plum pie delicacy, Pâté aux Prunes, is created from greengages from the Loire Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While finding out things to do in Angers, People ask the following questions.
Is Angers in France worth visiting?
Known in particular for its castle, Angers France is a city definitely worth seeing. The magnificent fortification took us back in time to the Middle Ages, leaving us impressed. In one of the chambers lies the amazing Apocalypse Tapestry, which is among the most gorgeous in the entire world. This masterwork will blow your mind!
What is Angers famous for?
Angers’ monuments and institutions enable it to have a vibrant cultural scene. The enormous château of the Plantagenêts, which houses the largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, still dominates the once-great medieval city.
Is Angers a safe city?
Angers is renowned for having a low level of crime and is typically safe. In inhabited regions, wandering alone at night is not a huge problem. Like anywhere else, though, it’s advisable to use caution, particularly in the evenings and in less populated areas.