What to do in and around Angers

Angers is one of the prettiest towns in western France and the Pays de la Loire region. The medieval seat of the Plantagenêts dynasty and historic capital of Anjou, the city has a rich history that has left behind a vast architectural and cultural heritage. So Angers is the ideal place to plan your next holiday, whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or even as a family. Destination Angers!

Find out all you need to know about the main things to do in Angers and the surrounding area in this dedicated guide on our website.

What are the must-do activities in Angers?

If you’re wondering what to do on a trip to Angers, this section will give you a better idea. If you’re an art and history enthusiast, the city and its historic centre are bound to surprise you.

To find out, here is our selection of must-see places and experiences to do in Angers.

1 – The Château d’Angers

The Château d’Angers, also known as the Château des Ducs d’Anjou, is undoubtedly the city’s most emblematic historic monument.

The château offers visitors a spectacular insight into an entire chapter of French history. Among the must-see sights are the fortress’s 17 towers, its many rooms, and a lovely view of its gardens from the covered walkway and drawbridge. The Château d’Angers is also home to a true masterpiece of cultural heritage: the Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Another emblem of Anjou.

Good to know : the Tapestry of the Apocalypse is the largest medieval tapestry in the world. Produced in 1375 by Louis I of Anjou, it is a spectacular work that brilliantly illustrates the socio-political context of the 14th century. The tapestry is 103 metres long and 4.5 metres high.

2 – Saint-Maurice Cathedral

If you want to discover a breathtakingly beautiful historic monument, we strongly recommend a visit to the Gothic-style cathedral of Saint-Maurice. An appointment not to be missed.

This pure masterpiece of Anjou Gothic art is well worth a visit. Its interiors are just as impressive, containing a wealth of historic works of art, including stained glass windows, tapestries and religious silverware.

3 – The Jean-Lurçat Museum of Contemporary Tapestry

Another Anjou attraction well worth a visit is the Musée Jean Lurçat. This place of culture and history is housed in the heart of a former hospital: Hôpital Saint-Jean. Here you’ll discover an impressive collection of tapestries that will leave no one indifferent.

Good to know : the Musée Jean Lurçat is located in the Doutre district. This is one of the most popular areas of the city centre. Don’t hesitate to explore it and discover its many treasures, including timber-framed houses and the Abbaye du Ronceray, to name but a few.

4 – The David d’Angers gallery

The David Gallery is housed in a sumptuous building in the heart of Angers. If you love the art of sculpture, you’ll particularly appreciate this exhibition of works by the artist David d’Angers, remarkably staged on its grounds.

5 – Adam’s house

Angers is famous for its timber-framed houses. One of these half-timbered houses stands out from the rest for its beauty. This is the Maison d’Adam, a half-timbered house in the heart of the town on Place Sainte Croix. On the ground floor is the Maison des Artisans d’Angers, where you’ll find some great gift ideas and souvenirs of your stay in Angers.

6 – The collegiate church of Saint-Martin

The collegiate church of Saint-Martin is one of the best-preserved Carolingian monuments in France. Perfectly restored, it makes for an incredible visit. In fact, it’s one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting Angers because of the quality of the experience on offer.

7 – The Grand Théâtre on Place du Ralliement

The Place du Ralliement is a real meeting place for the people of Angers. One of its main attractions is its magnificent theatre. The theatre is another of the city’s landmarks.

8 – La Maison Bleue

Last on this list, but by no means least, Angers’ Maison Bleue is a magnificent Art Deco building whose façade is almost entirely covered in mosaics. One of the main reasons to visit the Maison Bleue is to discover its magnificent creations, typical of this architectural and artistic style.

Angers gastronomy

Angers is also a city to be discovered through its gastronomy and local specialities. If you’re a gourmet, don’t hesitate to take advantage of your visit to the region to try some of them and tell us all about them!

These include

• galipette d’Anjou,

• Gouline,

• cul de veau à l’Angevine,

• Goose from Anjou,

• Crémet,

• and much more…

Other ideas for visits in Angers

• The botanical garden of the Pharmacy Department in Angers, in the heart of the town centre, covers 8,000 m2 and contains no fewer than 2,200 species of plants, including medicinal plants, some of which have travelled to the ends of the earth.
• The Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Angers, on Place Saint Eloi, is housed in a 15th-century mansion, the Logis Barrault, and a 17th-century seminary. It offers 3,000 m2 of exhibition space: the Fine Arts trail and the History of the City of Angers trail.
• Toussaint Abbey, built in the 13th century by the canons of Saint-Augustin. The limestone walls and vaults are unique to Anjou, and it houses the studio plasterwork of the sculptor Pierre Jean David, known as David d’Angers.
• The Saint Aubin tower was the bell tower of the oldest abbey in Anjou, built in the 6th century before being destroyed during the Revolution. The tower is now an exhibition space. The 54-metre-high Saint Aubin tower was part of the former abbey on rue Saint Aubin.
• The Jardin du Mail, with its formal garden, where no fewer than 20,000 flowers bloom in the summer season, and its magnificent bandstand.
• The Jardin des Plantes, an English-style garden comprising 4 hectares of greenery in the heart of the city of Angers, a peaceful, bucolic setting.
• Angers city pass 24h, 48h or 72h, this card allows you to discover 25 visits and cultural sites free of charge and to benefit from interesting reductions. Angers city passes are available from the tourist office.

What to do around Angers

Maine is a region bursting with beauty to discover. Here are a few ideas for excursions that might just please you among the thousand and one things to do in Anjou.

1 – The Château du Plessis-Bourré

The Château du Plessis-Bourré is a magnificent edifice set in a beautiful natural setting.

Visitors are welcome all year round, and a guide takes them through the castle’s various rooms. If you have time during your holiday in Anjou, don’t hesitate to take some of it to discover this exceptional place.

2 – Château du Plessis-Macé

In a similar vein, the Château du Plessi-Massé also offers visitors a timeless experience. The place is truly magical and its interiors offer an unforgettable visit, because they are particularly immersive.

Other ideas for visits around Angers

If you want to continue exploring the region, don’t hesitate to explore its most beautiful villages.

These include Savennières, Bouchemaine, Blaison Gohier, Béhuard and Cornillé-les-Caves. Between heritage and nature, these destinations offer a host of lovely walks just a stone’s throw from Angers. The Lac de Maine leisure and swimming park extends over 220 hectares. Terra Botanica reveals the secrets and history of plants, and is Europe’s leading plant park with attractions, shows and entertainment. The Château de Serrant in Saint Georges sur Loire, magnificently furnished, with its period library containing 12,000 choice books, and its collections of furniture and objets d’art.

In conclusion:

Visiting Angers is a real invitation to discover an important part of France’s historic heritage, with its architecture, historic monuments, museums and parks. A warm, pleasant and always surprising town, Angers and the people of Angers will not disappoint you on your holiday.

Whether you’ve decided to stay in a hotel or a holiday rental, don’t hesitate to make your reservations now to organise your stay as well as possible. Once you’ve booked your stay, you can also prepare your activities. This will enable you to make the most of your stay once you’re there, without any stress, and why not use the public transport available nearby in the streets of the city.