Angers Castle

This rocky spur has been inhabited by man since the Neolithic period, around 4,000 years ago! The city’s landmark unfolds before you in the form of an enormous medieval castle. No fewer than 17 towers encircle the castle’s walls, which measure almost 1 km. It was built in the 13th century on the highest point of the town, a strategic place to watch over the surrounding area and protect the City. The Romans had already used the site to defend their ancient city called Juliomagus, as had the Gauls before them. An episcopal residence belonging to the town’s bishop was then established. As Vikings threatened the town in the 9th century, the first count’s castle was built here to watch over river Maine. In the 13th century, Blanche of Castile, mother of Louis IX, the future King of France Saint-Louis, ordered the construction of the great fortress we see today. Although the initial construction took 12 years, it would take several centuries of enlargement, renovation and modification before it looked as it does now. Over the years, it became the largest fortress in the Loire Valley. To understand why the castle became one of the most important in France, we need to look at the historical context. At the time, Angers was one of the great powers of the Plantagenet Empire, directly linked to England. In the early 13th century, when France took over Normandy and Anjou, it had to be strengthened to avoid enemy attacks, particularly from the Duchy of Brittany, which was right next door and still under the influence of the Kingdom of England. It was therefore essential to build a defensive castle in the heart of Angers. Fortunately, it has survived to this day! Inhabited by the Dukes of Anjou for many years, it features a chapel and a royal dwelling built in 1450 by René of Anjou, one of the dukes who left his stamp on the town’s history by devoting his reign to the development of the region. Upon his death, the castle became a royal estate and was used as a prison for several centuries. Today, it is one of the most visited sites in the region, retracing the history of the dukes who lived here through the châtelet, the seigniorial dwelling, and the sumptuous gardens laid out in the courtyard. The castle is also home to one of the world’s finest and distinctive masterpieces, the 104-metre Apocalypse Tapestry, making it the largest medieval tapestry known today. This tapestry was commissioned by Louis I of Anjou in the 14th century. It illustrates the 1st-century text of Saint John, part of the last book of the Bible, through 71 scenes made in record time. It is listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, so don’t miss it!