Known as the Athens of the West since 1875, Angers' architecture is sure to take you back in time. Situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, the city's medieval charm is truly impressive. Its imposing château, home to the Apocalypse hanging, is a must-see, as is the majestic Saint-Maurice cathedral. Everywhere, the city reveals a rich heritage steeped in history. From strolls to original tours, the "Black City" has a lot to offer. Discover what to do in Angers with these 15 must-sees.
1. The Château d'Angers, a witness to the past
If the Château d'Angers is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maine-et-Loire, it's not by chance! Standing proudly on the rocky promontory that has dominated the Maine River since the 13th century, the Château d'Angers stands out in all its splendor, with its 17 defensive towers. You'll have the opportunity to follow the rampart walk, offering a 360° panoramic view of the medieval city. One of the must-sees at the Château d'Angers is the superb Apocalypse Tapestry.
Both the interior and exterior of this period edifice take you on an exciting journey through the ages. A true medieval jewel, a must-see during your stay in Maine-et-Loire! Click here to book your ticket for the Château d'Angers!
2. The history of the old town of Angers
After your visit to the château, take time to stroll through the old town of Angers. Your stroll will take you past half-timbered houses, the cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. A charming, old-fashioned atmosphere floats through these alleys from another time, inviting you to escape. Let your footsteps carry you from street to street, discovering period architecture in inimitable style.
Would you like to immerse yourself in 15th-century Angers? We recommend you book this guided city tour explore the historic district of Angers in the company of Aldric, a medieval innkeeper played by your tour guide, who will take you on an immersive 15th-century Angers experience.
3. Unique sculptures at the Galerie David d'Angers
An exceptional exhibition in an exceptional setting - that's what awaits you at the Galerie David d'Angers, one of Angers' nuggets. The artist's sculptures and drawings are exhibited in the heart of the former Toussaint abbey church . The old roof has been replaced by a superb glass roof, which showcases these unique works particularly well. This low-cost visit immerses you in the history and art of Pierre-Jean David, while daring to tread the ground of a place steeped in history. Magical and not to be missed!
4. Parc Terra Botanica, vegetation reinvented
Immerse yourself in a fairytale world at Terra Botanica, the park dedicated to the plant world in a playful way. Over 5,000 plant species take you on a journey from continent to continent. A world dedicated to birds has also recently been added, as well as a variety of activities for young and old. Treat yourself and your family to a sensory and educational experience with "Les Mystères de la Forêt". Five playful hectares are yours to discover. Numerous other areas let you rediscover your childlike spirit:
- L'île des Lutins, featuring climbing walls, slides and other dynamic 4D projections.
- Les coques de noix: pedal above the trees, then climb into the perched huts.
- Le Trésor de la Pérouse: a thrilling show retracing the explorations of botanists of yesteryear.
- L'Odyssée botanique, a journey on the water to discover plants.
And your little dinosaur fans will be delighted to dig up some fossils!
5. Échappées d'Art, an artistic adventure in the heart of the city
Échappées d'Art is not the next hit TV show, but Angers' very own urban art trail. This ingenious project transforms the city into an open-air museum, inviting you to stroll through the public space, discovering contemporary creations along the streets and squares. The works of art blend into their surroundings, without distorting the city's historic heritage. You'll discover new angles, stimulating the imagination. Facades become a narrative canvas where stories intertwine, creating open-air social networks. The Echappées d'Art project is a great success, aspiring to contribute to a vibrant, young and engaged culture.
6. Saint-Maurice Cathedral, a must-see building in Anjou
As you explore the old town, you'll be drawn to the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. The Gothic style of Anjou is clearly visible here, thanks to the curved vaults and ogives. Erected majestically 73 meters above the Maine and Doutre rivers, it offers an exceptional panorama. The stained glass windows add a rich artistic touch to the building. The cathedral, recently restored, reveals its original vibrant colors. The interior, adorned with a neo-Gothic pulpit and magnificent organs, bears witness to the splendor of the era, making the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice an architectural treasure not to be missed.
7. Discover the charm of the Doutre district
A stroll through Angers' picturesque Doutre district is a must. Half-timbered houses, witnesses to the medieval past, line the banks of the Maine River. It's a wonderful sight to immortalize with some great vacation photos! In the heart of Place Sainte-Croix, bustling with cafés and boutiques, let yourself relax. After sampling a local dish at La Réserve restaurant, to name but one, treat yourself to a stroll along the quayside, offering a beautiful view of Saint-Maurice Cathedral. Along the winding lanes, you'll discover hidden treasures such as the Jardin du Musée des Beaux-Arts.
8. Visit the astonishing Musée Jean Lurçat
On the banks of the Maine River, the Musée Jean Lurçat awaits you. Divided into two parts, you'll be able to admire many local works. On the Hôpital Saint-Jean side, you'll find Le Chant du Monde: 10 panels designed by Jean Lurçat, inspired by the Apocalypse tapestry. Absolutely unique and magnificent! In the former orphanage, you'll find some sixty works by various artists, including Jean Lurçat and other greats such as Thomas Gleb.
This immersive cultural visit can easily be incorporated into your day, as part of your stroll along the river.
9. The collegiate church of Saint-Martin, a jewel of Anjou
A true Carolingian jewel, Angers' collegiate church of Saint-Martin symbolizes the history and splendor of Anjou. Since its reopening in June 2006, it has become an integral part of Anjou's heritage. Excavation and restoration work have revealed the building's archaeological wealth and complex history. The collegiate church is not only a place to visit, it also offers a dynamic cultural program, including temporary exhibitions and the artistic season "Les Résonances Saint-Martin". We invite you to discover Les Nuits de la Collégiale, incredible theatrical tours.
10. Musée Pincé, treasures from around the world
Have you always dreamed of admiring Egyptian antiquities? Then head for the Musée Pincé, where they share the stage with Greco-Roman antiquities. It's a pure marvel, a wonderful immersion in the discoveries of major archaeological digs. After many years of renovation, this Anjou museum is back, more beautiful than ever! Permanent and temporary thematic exhibitions take you back in time.
If the artifacts on display are already a splendor, the building that houses them also has its own little history. It was built between 1528 and 1530 for Jean de Pincé, Seigneur du Bois de Savigné, a man who was elected mayor of Angers on several occasions.
11. Enjoy Angers' bucolic parks
Numerous parks open their doors to the public free of charge, offering a gentle interlude in the heart of the city. The 50-hectare Parc Balzac, a vibrant testimony to the city's commitment to sustainable development, is a fine example. It's a pleasure to stroll and forget your worries in the heart of this ode to nature, surrounded by rich flora, flower-filled fields and gardens for the whole family. TheGaston Allard Arboretum offers a complete immersion in the plant world with its 4 gardens:
- les Essais,
- les Ombrages,
- the five senses,
- biotopes.
These lush green parks are ideal for a leisurely stroll. In fact, Angers is one of the 10 ideal towns in which to retire, so you'll be able to spend many pleasant days away from boredom. Combining the pleasures of nature with the conveniences of the city: what a delight!
12. La Maison d'Adam, an architectural marvel
Make your way behind Saint-Maurice Cathedral to discover the Maison d'Adam, with its unique architectural style. Listed as a Monument Historique, it reveals an ancestral heritage through its slate vaulted cellars. A true marvel!
It traces its origins back to the late XVᵉ century, standing out for its impressive dimensions, complex structure and mysterious décor. Do you like unusual discoveries? You'll love this astonishing residence! Also known as the House of Adam and Eve or the Tree of Life, it takes its name from the figures adorning the corner post on the first floor. Through the walls and rooms of this ancestral home, the successive apothecary families still seem to tell their stories. To be discovered without moderation!
13. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers
Founded in 1801, this superb museum presents an eclectic collection within the walls of a magnificent mansion, where the history of Angers blends with works of sculpture and painting. Occupying a 15th-century mansion, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a 3,000 m² journey through time. The History of Angers trail, on the first floor, unveils over 500 archaeological, artistic and ethnographic treasures, recounting the city's evolution from prehistory to the modern metropolis.
14. Stroll along the quays of the river Maine
The quays of the River Maine offer the perfect opportunity to stroll in 1001 ways. On foot or by bike, the adventure is already enjoyable. But what about discovering the area from the waters of the river? You can rent a kayak, a motorboat or even a paddle! The Canoë Kayak Club d'Angers, for example, offers a kayak tour of Angers. Pure family fun!
Meanwhile, Vogue en Maine invites you to take a tour of La Maine by toue or gabare, two traditional Loire boats. Let yourself go and contemplate the Basses Vallées Angevines, admiring the rich flora and fauna along the way. Pure enchantment!
15. Discover the Jardin des Plantes in Angers
Let's end on a high note with a little haven of peace: the Jardin des Plantes and its 4 hectares of English-style splendor. Designed by landscape architect Édouard André in 1905, it guides you through its paths, romantic waterfalls and beautiful statues. This verdant garden is home to a collection ofcentury-old trees, testifying to its two-hundred-year history as a botanical garden. Summer and winter alike, you can marvel at the flower beds, aviaries, animals and water basins. Every year, the garden unveils new plant collections. It's a not-to-be-missed event in Anjou, where nature, history and poetry meet. An ideal place for a romantic getaway!
What to do in Angers as a couple?
We've just mentioned it: the Jardin des Plantes is an ode to love and romance. Take the time to stroll through its flower-filled alleys, hand in hand, bringing out every note of love resonating within you. A boat trip on the Loire or Maine rivers is also a great idea for a couple. Nature invites you to reconnect, offering a moment of pure enchantment.
The Château d'Angers also offers an enchanting setting for a couple's discovery of the historic city. Then set course for Terra Botanica, where the lush green surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. We also invite you to take a hot-air balloon ride over the city and the surrounding wonders (depending on where you take off from), such as the Château de Saumur, another Anjou wonder.
What to do in Angers when it rains?
The Galerie David d'Angers is a must-see on a rainy day. You can also visit the Tapisserie de l'Apocalypse, the Musée Jean Lurçat or the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers. So many great places to discover art, without wasting your day in the rain.
The Collegiale Saint-Martin and the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice are two other great places to visit on a rainy day. Is it still raining? Don't hesitate to push open the doors of Myriagone, a unique bookshop-café. On the program: great discoveries, reading and sweet treats. It's the best!
A word of advice: avoid visiting the château in the rain, as you'll miss out on its superb gardens.
What to do in Angers for free?
Want to visit an unusual place for free? The Maison d'Adam opens its doors to you without spending a cent, and you can also visit the city's various parks and gardens, such as the superb Jardin des Plantes d'Angers. The Parc de la Garenne is another of Angers' beautiful gardens, which you can visit free of charge during your visit to the city. It includes theÉtang Saint-Nicolas, a jogger's paradise. Take another relaxing break in contact with nature at Lac de Maine. Then take time to explore the old town, as well as the beautiful squares of Anjou, such as Place du Ralliement.
Good to know most of Angers' museums are not free, but some are available at a low price (around €4).
What to do in Angers with a teenager?
There's no way around it: your teens need age-appropriate activities to enjoy their trip! Don't hesitate to schedule a few fun activities between two visits to the city's points of interest. Visit Laser Game Evolution is a great idea for a moment of pure fun. You can also enjoy a family adventure at Escape Yourself, located on Rue Maillé.
Got a sports fan? Head to the Angers Playground for a family game of padel, squash or badminton. It's also possible to visit the Château d'Angers in a fun way. Family-friendly offers are available, including animations, actors and artists, for an unusual visit that will arouse the interest of your teenagers.
We also recommend that you download this outdoor escape game "L'affaire Walter", a fun way to discover Angers. The synopsis? While you're investigating a commonplace case of blackmail against a billionaire CEO, you learn that a bomb is hidden in the city, ready to explode in two hours!
Where to stay in Angers?
Angers is an ideal place to spend a weekend, less than 2 hours from Paris, and come back with a lifetime of memories. The city center is ideal if you want to see the sights without having to move the car. Here you'll find numerous hotels offering peace and comfort. Hotels near Lac de Maine, meanwhile, offer a haven of peace for a 100% relaxing stay.
The most unusual
Take a plunge into the architecture of yesteryear at Hôtel du Mail, housed in a former 17thᵉ century convent, which you can book here. You'll receive a warm welcome at this establishment, which combines old-world charm with modern comforts. Let yourself be invaded by the atmosphere of the rooms of the nobles of yesteryear, while enjoying a stay placed under the sign of Zen attitude.
The most beautiful view
Would you like a room with a view of the Château d'Angers? Book your room at the Hôtel Marguerite d'Anjou here. From classic to premium and mid-range, there's something for every budget in this beautiful, modern establishment. The icing on the cake for those coming by train: it's located not far from the station.
The most iconic
Treat yourself to the luxury of the Hôtel de France, a landmark Angers establishment that was born at the end of the XIXᵉ century. A true institution that you can book in just a few clicks right here ! The top of the range is served to you on a silver platter throughout your stay, letting you enjoy all the little attentions you'd hoped for. Perfectly soundproofed, the rooms offer all modern comforts, as well as the charm of the past.
Click here to find out more about our favorite accommodations in Angers!
Between city and nature, Angers offers the ideal setting for discovering one of Anjou's leading towns. Don't hesitate to explore the region's treasures further. Head for the Château de Saumur, the Château de Brissac or the Abbaye Royale de Fontrevaud. On that note, we bid you "tôpette", the equivalent of the Angevin "au revoir"!
