Adam Mansion

You’ve reached the beautiful Sainte-Croix square. Turn around and you’ll see one of the most magnificent timber framed houses of the city and surely the most famous in Angers! Dating back to the 15th century. Its name comes from the carvings of Adam and Eve, which must have once stood around the Tree of Life, located on the largest post supporting the corner tower on the ground floor. The sculptures were destroyed in the 18th century during the French Revolution. Sculpted decorations depicting angels, flute players and centaurs can still be seen today. There are only around forty timber-framed houses left in the town. Yet, in medieval times, the street was surrounded by them. The Adam mansion was built around 1491 by an apothecary, probably Jean Lefèvre, and later became the property of wealthy merchants such as Jacques Richard, Jean Jolivet and Michel Adam. It is a fine example of what the homes of the wealthiest Angevins were like. The 6-storey building is now home to the Craftsmen Mansion, where you’ll find the work of over 80 craftsmen, jewellery, sculptures, ceramics and much more. There is something to suit every taste! A wonderful way to showcase their work, in a building that has been a listed historic monument since 1922. The statue of Monseigneur Freppel, former bishop and Member of Parliament for Angers, stands opposite to it on the small Sainte-Croix square.