The 10 things to do in Angers

Would you like to stay in the West of France? Discover the Capital of Anjou! Here are the essentials to visit in Angers!

Visiting Angers is visiting a medieval city and its historic centre of all beauty. City of Art and History, discovering it is exciting, with its historical monuments, shaded houses, museums and small alleys. To appreciate its beauty, the ideal is to walk through the historic heart.

But the Capital of Anjou is also the first green city of France with its many parks and gardens to be discovered, not to mention the charming shores of Maine. Angers is a dynamic city, in an exceptional setting. And to deepen your visit, let yourself be tempted by the tasty culinary specialties of angels!

Here are the must-sees to Angers!

1. The castle of Angers

This medieval castle of the 13th century stands in a dominant position on a rocky peak. A true emblem of the city, it is an unmissable site to visit in Angers. This impressive fortress has 17 defensive towers, a round path and bridge it. The gardens are beautiful.

Indeed, the King René d’Anjou (1409-1480) was passionate about horticulture. And he wanted Anjou to be “the garden of France”. But the Château des Ducs d’Anjou is especially famous for a rare piece, the famous Tenture of Revelation. This monumental fresco is a set of medieval tapestries. This masterpiece, unique in the world, dates from the end of the 14th century and its design lasted 9 years. Near the castle, the "walk from the end of the world" is very pleasant.

2. Old town

In the district of the historic centre or "Cité" there are two emblematic monuments: the castle and the Cathedral of Saint Maurice. Also, we can depart from the Place Sainte-Croix where is the famous Adam House which dates from 1491, classified as Historical Monument. Then continue towards the dynamic place of the Ralliement, to see the Grand Theatre. Moreover, this place is considered the heart of the city.

Then head towards the Blue House, covered with mosaics. Then, the Collégiale Saint Martin, a Carolingian monument of the Upper Middle Ages, with its statues and works of religious art. Finally, follow the statue of Igor Mitoraj towards the Place Saint-Eloi and the Tour Saint Aubin, Historic Monument. To extend the visit, head to the other side of Maine, in the picturesque historical district of La Doutre. There are houses with doves, the church of the 12th century Trinity, special hotels and the abbey of Ronceray.

3. Saint Maurice Cathedral

A beautiful staircase allows you to reach the famous Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral of Saint Maurice. This monument, emblematic of the city, dates back to the 12th century. On the façade you can admire 8 statues including a representative of Saint Maurice. The interior is of all beauty with bombed and warlike vaults, organs, chairs to preach.

But above all, the large number of stained glass windows illuminate and magnify this Gothic Angevin style interior. They date for most of the 12th, 13th and 15th centuries. The apse is of all beauty with its 13th century stained-glass windows, just like the north and south roses. You can also admire the Baroque-style golden choir. If you are looking for a visit to Angers, take the direction of this beautiful cathedral!

4. David Gallery of Angers in the Abbey Toussaint

In the 13th century Toussaint Abbey, the Galerie David d’Angers exhibited the works of Pierre-Jean David, a sculptor, known as David d’Angers (1788-1856). In a magnificent setting, visitors can admire the grandiose sculptures, busts and medallions of this artist. The glass roof brings a beautiful light and highlights the works. We can only admire the finesse of the sculptures and plunge into History, through the creations of this local artist.

Among the academic sculptures are famous figures: writers, scholars, military, politicians. Also, David d’Angers is the artist who created the Pantheon fronton. An exciting cultural visit to Angers! The visit with the cloister and the small park adjacent to the abbey is possible.

5. Former hospital Saint-Jean/musée Jean Lurçat

On the other side of Maine, the Saint John hospital houses the Jean Lurçat Museum. If you're looking for what to do in Angers, you'll have a double visit. First of all, the Saint John hospital, a Gothic art monument that dates back to the 12th century. One can go through the cloister to see the apothecary of the 17th / 17th centuries, as well as objects related to the History of Textile.

Then, in what was the sick room, we discover the works of Jean Lurçat. His masterpiece, “the song of the world” is illuminated by the stained glass. It is a set of contemporary tapestries (realized between 1957 and 1966) that echo the tenture of the Apocalypse of the castle of Angers.

6. The docks of the Maine

On foot or by bike, a walk along the banks of La Maine will be a pure moment of happiness. A walk on the shore allows to have another view of the city and some monuments. The most athletic can even continue the route to neighbouring villages.

It is also possible to rent kayaks and paddles, as well as small electric boats without permits. For this, head to the charming little port of La Savatte, where you can also see péniches. So here's an outdoor activity, friendly, to be done in Angers.

7. Museums of the city

Several museums are to be visited in Angers. The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the Logis Barrault, a special hotel dating from the 15th century. The imposing house has received prestigious guests such as Marie de Medici or Louis XII. In the majestic showroom you can see beautiful exhibitions. Two courses are offered to visitors, one on the History of Angers and one on the Fine Arts (works from the 14th century to the present).

As for the Pincé Museum, it is found in a rich home of the early 16th century, in the heart of the city, the Logis Pincé. Here you can admire Egyptian and Greek-Roman antiques, but also pre-Columbian art or China and Japan. The engineering museum is entirely dedicated to military art.

8. History of plants in Terra Botanica Park

Terra Botanica is a must-see park, to be visited in Angers. The first plant park in Europe covers 12 hectares and includes more than 500,000 plants from all continents. It allows you to know everything about the history of plants over six centuries. You can see a tropical jungle, a greenhouse of 2,000 orchids, carnivorous plants, millennial trees, butterflies...

And why not take a boat ride, or fly over the park, in the biggest gas balloon in the world! Not to mention pedaling in a nut shell, fixed on a rail in height, through the tree top.

9. Local gastronomy

Enjoy your stay in the capital of Anjou to taste local specialties! It's for all tastes! Try the fish frying, the "dipettes" grilled mushrooms, the ass of veal to the anevine and the poularde's dough. Not to mention the famous plum paste.

For dessert, the uncontourable “Crémant d’Anjou”, based on fresh cream and egg white. And for gourmets, the “La Quernons d’Ardoise”, chocolate specialty. Egay the meal with Anjou wines and digestive a small glass of liqueur with the famous Cointreau. Taste local specialties is one of the must-see in Angers!

10. The parks and green spaces of Angers

Angers, known as the "green city" has about thirty parks and gardens. The garden of the Mail, in the city centre, is a beautiful French garden with a huge fountain. The garden of the Plantes is very pleasant, as well it has a playground for children.

For its part, the leisure park of Lake Maine allows cycling, sailing, pony... Without forgetting of course the other parks to visit in Angers: the Balzac Park on the edge of Maine, the Arboretum, the Hutreau Park...

How to get to Angers?

• Aeroplane: the nearest airport is Nantes Airport. Count an hour to go to the city of Angelo. To find a flight that meets your criteria, do not hesitate to help you with a flight comparison such as Skyscanner.
• Train: Angers is connected by regular TGV connections from major cities like Lyon.
• Car: To reach Angers, you will have to take the A11 motorway from Paris, for about 2h45 by road. From Nantes, count 45 minutes/1 hour. If you come from the South or East part of France, take the A85.
• Move on site: You can move on foot, take a bike rental or use public transport – including buses and trams from the Irigo network.

Where to stay in Angers?

You have a choice to stay in Angers. Whether in the city centre to be in the historical heart, or on the outskirts to explore the surroundings, Angers’ transport allows you to stay in most areas, making it easy to choose from.

You will find hotels, campsites, guest rooms or Airbnb easily. Check out the best offers on our website Compare hotels and book without further delay!

With all this information, you can visit Angers in the best way!