THINGS TO DO IN angers: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Angers is a beautiful city lying on the banks of the River Maine. It has a long history going back hundreds of years meaning that you will see a mixture of architectural styles including mediaeval half-timbered buildings and grand Renaissance houses. The Chateau d’Angers is spectacular and there is a plethora of museums and art galleries to visit as well as beautiful green spaces to relax in. It is also one of the gateways to the Loire Valley where you will be able to enjoy wine tastings and tours of vineyards.

We have prepared for you a two-day itinerary covering the highlights of Angers and have given you ideas of where else to go if you have more time. So, here is our ultimate guide to visiting Angers.

Day 1

Morning: Chateau d’Angers

Start your tour of Angers at the magnificent Chateau d’Angers, commissioned by Louis IX in the 13th century as a defence against the Anjou army. The chateau is surrounded by a three-metre-thick wall which is 800 metres long and has 17 towers, each 18 metres high. Climb one of the towers for a panoramic view of the city.

To enter the chateau, you have to cross a drawbridge which leads to the beautiful moat gardens. A free paper guide is available for touring the chateau, or you can pay a nominal fee for an audio guide. The chateau is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, mediaeval, renaissance, and baroque all blending together beautifully. Admire the elaborate furnishings, ornamental ceilings, and magnificent artwork throughout the chateau.

The highlight is the colossal Apocalypse tapestry which is 103 metres long and is the largest tapestry created in mediaeval times. It was commissioned by Louis I, the Duke of Anjou, in the 1370s and finished in 1382. The artist, Jean Bondol made the preliminary sketches, and the tapestry tells the history of 14th-century France. This was the time of the 100 Years War, an era when plagues were rife, and many people starved to death.

Galerie David D’Angers

A six-minute walk takes you to this art gallery, named after David D’Angers, a native of the city and a famous sculptor of the 19th century. The gallery houses his works and in total there are 985 statues, medallions, and busts, including those of historical, contemporary, and literary figures such as Chateaubriand, Balzac, Hugo, and Goethe. The gallery also showcases many of his preparatory plasters.

Galerie David D’Angers is housed in a beautiful building. The 13th-century Toussaint Abbey, which was in ruins, was renovated and turned into this magnificent gallery with a glass roof.

Musée des Beaux Arts

A mere two-minute walk takes you to the Musee des Beaux Arts, which houses a massive collection of artworks from as far back as the Neolithic period, right up to the present. It offers two permanent galleries as well as temporary exhibitions. One of the permanent exhibitions showcases fine art from the 14th to the 20th century and includes paintings by such artists as Ingres, Fragonard, Lippi, and Jordaens. The other exhibition recounts the history of the city. You can take a guided tour of the museum or explore on your own.

You will probably be ready for lunch by now. If you go back a little way towards Galerie David D’Angers, you will find a gem of a restaurant, Le Dos de la Cuillere which serves French and modern European fare.

Day 1, morning - angers Tour Map

Afternoon: Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d’Angers

A four-minute walk from the Musee des Beaux Arts takes you to the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Angers. It is a mixture of architectural styles because, although it was constructed in the 13th century, it was frequently altered over the years. For example, the carvings in the western portal are Gothic, while the towers were added in the 16th century. Many of the stained-glass windows were destroyed in a fire in the 15th century so master glassmaker, Andre Robin, recreated them in 1453.

Maison d’Adam

Maison d’Adam is a minute’s walk from the cathedral. You can’t miss it as it is a Renaissance timber building six storeys high, built in 1491. It looks a little lopsided as the upper levels are higher than the lower. They are supported by extravagantly carved corbels, including Adam and Eve on the Tree of Life, and the beams have an elaborate diamond design. Look out for the carving of Tricouillard who has his trousers down! The downstairs is now a shop which opens in the afternoon and sells artworks such as handcrafted glass and sculptures. Have a peek in the garden as it is amazing. There are around 60,000 plants and it is filled with statues, including one of Adam.

Musée Pincé

Musée Pincé is four minutes away and is a museum filled with classical and oriental art. Before you go in, admire the building from the outside as it is like a small Renaissance Loire Chateau. Some of the highlights of the museum are the Roman ceramics and the Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Japanese section is impressive, with theatre masks, bronzes, glassware, and porcelain. On the ground floor, there is an exhibition that changes annually, but always highlights collections from various museums in the city.

Day 1, afternoon - angers Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Collégiale Saint Martin

Start your second day’s tour at this small, but historic church. There are components from different periods covering the last 1,500 years. For example, the main nave was constructed in the 11th century, but it contains ancient sarcophagi and coffins. The dome is from the 10th century, while the sacristy is from the 18th. The church contains religious statues and artwork including busts by Gervais Delabarre and a beautiful wooden painted statue of the Virgin Mary.

Le Jardin du Mail

An eight-minute walk takes you to Le Jardin du Mail which has been around since the 17th century. However, much of what you see today was designed in the mid-19th century by the French botanist, Andre Leroy. It is a beautiful park with symmetrical clipped hedges and flowerbeds. There are around 40,000 plants, an enormous fountain built in 1855, a pond, and some impressive statues. If you have children with you, they can have fun in the playground.

Muséum des Sciences Naturelles

Within five minutes, you will be at the Museum des Sciences Naturelles where you will find a large collection of dinosaur fossils, stuffed animals, shells, preserved plant specimens, minerals, technical equipment, and bird displays. It has two sections, zoology and palaeontology in separate buildings, connected by a garden. You will be able to learn about local animals, as well as about fossils from all over the world. The museum also puts forward ideas to conserve the environment.

You may now be ready for lunch and there is a Thai restaurant close by, the Sawasdee Bangkok. Alternatively, you could put together a picnic of bread, cheese and charcuterie and take it to the Jardin des Plantes, which is the first afternoon stop.

Day 2, morning - angers Tour Map

Afternoon: Jardin Des Plantes d’Angers

This is a beautiful park covering four hectares with lawns, flowerbeds, and woodland. It has a lake and waterfalls as well as many sculptures throughout the park. A garden has been here since the 17th century, but the present garden was designed by Eduard Andre and constructed at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of an English garden. Not only are there British trees, plants, and flowers but there are more exotic specimens throughout the park. Look out for the paulownia tree, native to China and Korea and the Siberian elm. The park is child friendly as there is a parrot aviary, deer, and goats.

Musee Jean-Lurcat

A 15-minute walk takes you to this museum housing modern tapestries, 10 created by the artist Jean Lurcat in the 1960s, collectively known as Le Chant du Monde. They were inspired by the Apocalypse Tapestry in the Chateau d’Angers and relate the good and bad in the world in the 20th century.

The museum is housed in an interesting building, a former 12th-century hospital, designed in the Gothic style. The Hall of the Sick or La Grande Salle des Malades has stunning vaulting, and the granary has been preserved to this day. The museum offers spectacular views of the Loire Valley.

Balzac Park

A 27-minute walk takes you to Balzac Park which covers 50 hectares. Here you can take a stroll by the River Maine with the possibility of seeing a heron or two. It is a tranquil setting where you can relax or take a walk and enjoy the trees and plants.

Day 2, afternoon - angers Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Angers

• La Doutre: La Doutre is the old part of town and is a cluster of narrow streets and alleyways, some with covered passageways and cobblestoned paths which are lined with timber-framed houses. Visit the village-like Place de la Laiterie and the Place du Terre Saint-Laurent where the wealthy of the 19th century lived in their stone mansions.

• Gastard Allard Arboretum: The Gastard Allard Arboretum is the botanical garden of Angers, created between 1863 and 1918. There are 1.500 species of plants in the garden and around 4,300 actual plants. It covers seven hectares so you can easily spend a couple of hours here taking in the tranquillity and beautiful surroundings. If you need a rest, borrow a book from the Book Box and settle down for a peaceful read.

• Angers Ice Park: Angers Ice Park is open all year. It has an Olympic-sized track and offers both ice skating and ice karting. There are courses for both adults and children on offer.

• Musée de Genie Militaire: The Military Engineering Museum showcases all aspects of military life, including weapons, uniforms, maps, and engravings. There are more than 1,000 artefacts on show.

• Marché La Fayette: The main market in Angers is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 8 am until 1.30 pm. More than 100 traders have stalls here selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh seafood, meat, and artisan cheeses. Even if you don’t buy anything, you will be immersed in the smells and sights of a local market and get to mix with the locals.

• Le Musée De L’Ardoise: Slate has been quarried in the region for 600 years and this museum is dedicated to the daily life of the slate workers, as well as the geology of the area and the evolution of quarrying. There are interactive elements in the museum and a live demonstration about the techniques used to make the tiles that are used throughout the Loire Valley on the roofs of buildings.

• Place Du Ralliement: The Place Du Ralliement is a lively square in the centre of the town. Many of the attractions are here, including Angers Cathedral, Chateau D’Angers, and the Musee Des Beaux Arts. There are plenty of shops and restaurants as well.

• Art Chapel Gallery: This art gallery is located in a 19th-century chapel at the foot of Angers Cathedral. The works are by contemporary artists and are for sale.

• Le Grand Théâtre: There has been a theatre in Angers since the Gallo-Roman period. This theatre, Le Grand Theatre was constructed in 1871 and hosts all types of performances, including plays, concerts, and piano recitals.

• Eglise Notre Dame-Des-Victoires: This 19th-century church is a combination of styles, namely Romanesque and Byzantine. The facade has sculptures, the highlight being a statue of the Virgin and child. Inside, you will see magnificent stained-glass windows and wall decorations.

Day Trips From Angers

• Carré Cointreau: If you enjoy Cointreau, you won’t want to miss visiting the place where it is produced. It is in Saint-Barthelmy-d’Anjou, a suburb of Angers, 4 km from the centre of the city. It offers a 90-minute tour which includes how the ingredients are sourced, macerated, distilled, and bottled. You will discover which oranges are used to produce the drink and will then have the opportunity to sample the Cointreau, either neat or in a cocktail. The shop offers a 10% discount on any purchase you wish to make.

• Château de Brissac: Chateau de Brissac is 19 km south of Angers and is designed in the Renaissance and Baroque styles. It was commissioned by Pierre de Brissac, chief minister to King Charles VII. Standing high at seven storeys, it is the tallest chateau in the country. It is a magnificent building with 200 rooms filled with period furniture and beautiful tapestries. You can explore beneath the grounds where there is a 250-metre canal for when the river flooded, and a wine cellar. In the cellar, you can sample Rose d’Anjou wine, produced in the region, and purchase a bottle if you like it.

• Château de Plessis-Bourre: This chateau is 22.8 km north of Angers. It hasn’t changed since it was built 500 years ago and even the drawbridges still work. It is situated on a lake, and has elaborate interiors filled with tapestries. There is a spectacular Salle des Gardes which has a coffered ceiling and 24 Renaissance-painted panels. In the chateau, you will find an impressive portrait of Jean Bourre, who commissioned the chateau in 1462 and was Grand Treasurer to King Louis XI. The chateau has a large, wooded park where you can have a picnic.

• Château du Plessis Macé: 19.6 km northwest of Angers, this beautiful chateau was designed in an extravagant Gothic style, particularly noticeable in the limestone balcony and the chapel. You can visit the chateau on a guided tour but can explore the beautiful gardens and climb the towers on your own. It was originally built in the 13th century as a fort but transformed into a country mansion in the 15th century. It is open on Wednesdays and at weekends.

• L’ile Saint-Aubin: This island is just under 8 km north of Angers and covers 500 hectares. It is part of the NATURA 2000 conservation network and is a wonderful place to walk or cycle around. It is heaven for birdwatchers as you are bound to see a wide variety of birds in the flood meadows. There is a farmhouse on the island which hosts exhibitions raising the importance of the area and other NATURA sites. Stop at the tavern for a drink or a bite to eat. The island is open from April until October.

• Behuard Island: Behuard Island is 18 km south of Angers and is home to around 100 people. It can only be visited on foot or by bicycle. Enjoy walking or cycling by the river and visit the Chapelle de Notre Dame de Behuard built on a rock.

• Musée Château de Villevêque: The Musee Chateau de Villeveque was a fortress in the 12th century and was then transformed into a castle in the 15th century. It lies just under 19 km northeast of Angers. Housed on the ground floor is a collection of artworks from the 12th to the 16th century, including sculptures, ceramics, and tapestries, as well as period furniture. The chateau also has a massive library. Wander around the gardens where you will find impressive contemporary sculptures and a little restaurant.

• Savennieres: Savennieres is 19.5 km south of Angers and is famous for its vineyards dating back to the 8th century. You can visit a winery for a tour and tasting while in the area. Also to be seen is the Saint-Pierre and Saint Romain church, dating to the 10th to 12th century and displaying the Romanesque style of architecture. It is thought to be the oldest church in the Maine-et-Loire region.

• Gifford-Espace: Gifford Espace is a factory producing a wide range of liqueurs. It began in 1885, when Emile Giffard, a pharmacist, created a mint liqueur while he was researching the digestive properties of mint. He called it Menthe-Pastille and he transformed his pharmacy into a distillery. Now, the factory produces a wide range of liqueurs in addition to Menthe-Pastille, including flavours such as apricot, banana, green melon, and triple sec. You can take a tour of the factory and enjoy a tasting of some of the liqueurs.

• Espace Air Passion: 26 km northeast is Espace Air Passion, a museum introducing you to the light aircraft industry in France. It houses around 40 aircraft and tells you about the history of these machines. The collection includes the plane used for the first flight in Anjou in 1908.

• Château de Serrant: Château de Serrant is 18 km southwest of Angers and is the most westerly chateau in the Loire Valley. It has belonged to the same family since 1749. When you first enter the grounds, you will be impressed by the stunning driveway and the magnificent park. The house is built in the Renaissance style on mediaeval foundations. The highlight of the chateau is the exorbitant domed bedroom, Chambre Empire, created for Napoleon Bonaparte. However, he barely stayed in the chateau for two hours! Also of note are the enormous kitchens and the library which houses over 12,000 books.

• Saumur: Saumur is 67 km from Angers and is famous for its beautiful chateau and the many museums. It is surrounded by wineries which you can visit for a cellar tour and tasting. Saumur is also famous for the Cadre Noir riding school and the troglodyte caves, many of which are still inhabited, some used as cellars, and others to grow mushrooms.

• Montjean-Sur-Loire: This is one of the largest ports on the River Loire and it has been used for trade since mediaeval times. One of the highlights of the town is Cap Loire, a discovery park and museum which delves into the history of the Loire. There are interactive elements which kids will love and three themed gardens.

• Le Puy Notre Dame: Le Puy Notre Dame is 53 km south of Angers and is a quaint village right in the heart of the winemaking region. It is a good base if you want to explore the wineries and taste the delicious wines of the region. The church is also worth a visit. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, it is a mixture of Gothic and Angevan styles.

• Château De Montreuil Bellay: This chateau is 56 km south of Angers. It was originally built as a fortification but was developed into a plush chateau over the centuries, meaning that it is a mix of architectural styles. The chateau is famous for the wine it produces and sells under the chateau’s name.

• La Flèche: La Flèche is 53 km northeast of Angers. It offers water sports on the Loire, including swimming, sailing, and fishing. There is a long sandy beach at the nearby lakes where you can relax. On the edge of town, there is a zoo in the woods.

Things To Do With Kids In Angers

• Terra Botanica: This is a theme park with a difference as it is a botanical park, the first of its kind in Europe. Children may initially think that it will be boring, but they will be pleasantly surprised and will have lots of fun. The park houses four different 4D sensory shows taking you to the French countryside. In addition, there are interactive games, giant butterflies, an opportunity to climb the treetops in a pedal monorail, a living farm, and the Little Elves World for younger children. The park covers 4.5 hectares and contains 275,000 different species of plants and trees.

• Parc de la Garenne: This park offers a hiking trail which is relatively easy and suitable for children. There are also play areas as well as a miniature zoo containing goats, donkeys, chickens, and llamas.

• Loire Odyssey: The Loire Odyssey is just under 21 km from Angers and is an educational museum where your children will learn all about the river. There are questions to be answered and an interactive flooding house game which replicates a flood.

• Mini Train: Looking like a train but running on the road, children and adults alike will enjoy a ride through Angers on the mini train. You will pass the highlights of the city with interesting commentary from your guide.

• Château à Motte: Chateau a Motte is a life-size replica of a chateau where your children will find out all about life in the 12th century. You can take a self-guided tour of the chateau or a guided tour. Also on offer are family workshops and a treasure hunt which takes you around the chateau solving puzzles as you go. The attraction is open during school holidays and puts on special events for occasions such as Halloween and Medieval New Year which is in April. 

• Château du Plessis Macé: We have already mentioned this chateau, but we haven’t told you about the family-friendly activities which are available during school holidays. Children can help Orion, the storyteller, find his lost stories, go on an adventure with a knight or princess, have a fun tour of the chateau, and enjoy a role-playing experience. Performances are sometimes put on, for example, magic shows.

• Loire Boat Tours: You can take an hour’s boat tour on the Loire which will pass by beautiful scenery. There is a guide on board who will tell you stories about the places you see and about the town. There is also a tour which children will particularly love. It starts with a mini-train tour of the old town followed by a two-hour river cruise and ends with a ride in the mini-train back to the Chateau D’Angers.

• Parc Zoo De La Flèche: This 14-hectare zoo houses 1,500 animals from five continents. It is different from other zoos in that it has lodges in the park where you can stay. Each lodge is attached to different animals such as polar bears and wolves. It is an exciting experience whichever animals you choose to get close to.

Wineries Near Angers

• Domaine Laureau Savennieres: This vineyard is 19.5 km south of Angers and covers six hectares growing the Chenin grape. There are three different tastings you can attend. Firstly, you can learn how wine is produced and have a tasting of three wines. Alternatively, have a tour of the vineyards followed by a tasting of three wines. Finally, learn about oenology and have three tastings of a single cuvee but from different vintages.

• Les Vins Domaine Du Closel: This is another vineyard in the Savennieres area which has been around since the 19th century. The estate produces organic and biodynamic wines. You can take either a self-guided or guided tour with a tasting of three wines or a guided tour with a tasting of five wines.

• Domaine Landres Chartier: Domaine Landres Chartier is a family winery in Ancensis which has been operating since 2002. It produces organic wine and offers a cycling tour stopping at Ancensis Castle, at their vineyard, at the winery, and finally having a tasting of five wines.

Golf Courses Near Angers

• Golf de St. Sylvain D’Anjou: Golf de St. Sylvain D’Anjou offers a 9-hole course with a length of 2,500 m, 12 km south of Angers. It has a restaurant, Le P’Tit Birdie, which is open to all.

• Golf Bluegrass Angers-La-Perriere: This golf course is close to Angers and to Terra Botanica. It is located in the grounds of the Chateau de la Perriere and offers 18 holes as well as 9 compact holes. The course is interesting with both hilly and flat areas, water features, and century-old trees. The golf course also has 45 driving ranges, a putting green, a pitching green, and three training bunkers.

Racecourse In Angers

• Le Lion d’Angers: Le Lion d’Angers has the longest obstacle course in the world. It also holds dressage competitions and show jumping.

Where To Eat In Angers

There is plenty of choice of restaurants in Agers so most palates will be catered for. Many restaurants use fresh, local, seasonal products and deliver traditional French cuisine while some serve modern innovative cuisine. Whether you are looking for a cosy bistro or for a fine dining experience, you will be spoiled for choice. We have chosen a few restaurants and bistros which we think will excite you.

Fine Dining

• Restaurant L’Hoîne: If you are looking for an elegant and sophisticated restaurant, you won’t go far wrong with the Restaurant L’Hoîne. It offers excellent service and food prepared with seasonal ingredients, creating a perfect balance of flavours. You are offered unlimited high-quality bread with your meal which is a bonus in itself. The restaurant is open from Tuesday until Sunday for lunch and from Tuesday until Saturday for dinner. Try the innovative carbonara of white squid and squid tentacles with cream of bacon and quail egg. Alternatively, try the Sputhe ravioli with Thai style vegetable brunoise and chicken broth.

• Chez Remi: Chez Remi is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The service is attentive but not overbearing and the wine list offers wines of the highest quality. Seasonal products are used as much as possible. On offer for dinner is a menu for 49 euros which includes two starters, followed by a choice of meat or fish, and then a dessert.

• Le Mail Restaurant-Cuisine Bistronomique: This restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience, with great service and a spotlight on high-quality ingredients. They focus heavily on food and wine pairing and offer an excellent choice of wines. Starters include salmon gravlax, and mains include Black Angus beef with a pasta dish for vegetarians. Desserts include tarte tatin and profiteroles.

Relaxed Dining

• Bistrot des Ducs: If you are looking to enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere, you won’t go far wrong with Bistrot des Ducs. The waiters are friendly and speak English and the food is delicious and made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu is varied, including both French and international dishes and the wine list is long. Starters include pea soup with a soft-boiled egg & a parmesan tuile and homemade duck foie gras, with fig jam and country bread. Mains include roasted sea trout fillet with a hazelnut crust and parmesan, seasonal vegetables, and sorrel sauce. The desserts are homemade. Try the superb genuine Grand Oru dark chocolate mousse with fleur de Sol from Guerande.

• Brasserie de la Gare: Brasserie de la Gare has been operating since 1912 and is especially known for its seafood dishes. It offers excellent food, big portions, and reasonable prices, together with attentive service.

• Brasserie Milord: This is a quaint restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices. Portions are big enough to share. The staff are friendly and speak English. Starters are French-oriented and include a cassolette of snails and oysters. For your main course, try the skate wing or the flambeed veal kidneys with tagliatelle in a Madeira sauce.

Where To Stay In Angers

• Novotel Angers Centre Gare: The four-star Novotel offers plenty of facilities to enhance your stay, including a fitness centre, a bar, free Wi-Fi throughout, a concierge service, a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk, and room service. The rooms are equipped with a TV, a kettle, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. A continental buffet breakfast is on offer, with gluten-free options.

• Odalys City Angers Centre Gare: This is another four-star hotel in the centre of Angers. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and private parking. Rooms have a TV, a kitchenette with a dishwasher, fridge, stovetop, and microwave, and an ensuite bathroom. There are family rooms on offer and disabled guests are catered for. A continental buffet breakfast is optional but well worth having as it comes with fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruit.

• Hotel D’Anjou: This four-star hotel is housed in a 19th-century historical building. It is in the centre of the city and offers sophisticated rooms traditionally designed, but with modern comforts. They are soundproofed and have a TV, phone, and minibar. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a traditional restaurant serving classic French dishes.

• Hotel Saint-Julien: Hotel Saint-Julien is a three-star establishment which offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and family rooms. There is a bar, and continental breakfast is on offer each morning.

Best Time To Visit Angers

The best time to visit Angers is from mid-May until September. This is the warmest and sunniest period, with July and August peaking at temperatures often in the mid-20s or even hotter. However, July and August can be very busy so if you want to avoid the crowds come in June or September. Winter can be cold with the chance of snow and frost so it isn’t the ideal time to come, and some attractions may be closed. Also, the most rainfall is between October and January.

Festivals In Angers

Angers has many festivals throughout the year and here are some of the best of them.

• Premiers Plans: Premiers Plans is held in January for eight days and showcases the first films of new and upcoming European directors often with new actors. The festival takes place in various locations throughout the city.

• Cinema d”Afrique: Every two years in May, there is a festival celebrating African films and introducing African culture to the general public. The next festival is in 2025 and is held at the Grand Theatre d’Angers and the Cinemas les 400 Coups.

• Festival Tempo Rives: This is a music festival held in July and August which offers music from different genres throughout the city. The great thing is that the concerts are free.

• Winter Suns Festival: Christmas is a wonderful time, and Angers celebrates in style from the end of November to the end of December. The buildings are lit up with Christmas illuminations and there is a Christmas market where you can buy gifts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal food. Young children will love Goblin’s Corner and Santa’s Workshop.