Angers - city guide

 Angers - the historic heart of Anjou 

Angers: a vibrant cultural city rich in medieval heritage

A short history of Angers

Originally established by the Andes tribe in antiquity, the site became the Gallo-Roman town of Juliomagus. During the Middle Ages, Angers rose to immense political prominence under the powerful Counts of Anjou, in particular Henry, Count of Anjou, who became Henry II of England, the first of the Angevin kings. Most famous of these was Richard the Lionheart (Richard Coeur de Lion) who spent more of his time in Angers than in England. The city flourished economically and culturally throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods, leaving a heritage of city ramparts, churches, and noble townhouses that still make up its historic core today.

The Heart of Angers: the historic Old Town

Pont de Verdun and Saint Maurice cathedral 

On the banks of the River Maine, the historic old town of Angers is best known for the imposing Château d'Angers, the largest medieval urban fortress in France, and the gothic Saint-Maurice Cathedral. Most of the old town is  pedestrianized, its paved streets lined with independent shops, restaurants and cafes, and well-preserved medieval half-timbered buildings. The most famous of these is the 15th-century Maison Adam, noted for its intricate wooden carvings.

Angers and its artistic legacy

In 1986, Angers was one of the first ten French cities to be officially recognised as a Ville d'art et d'histoire - an art and history city. The city is home to the world-renowned Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest medieval tapestry ensemble in existence and - after the Bayeux tapestry - the greatest historic tapestry in France. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in a fine 15th-century logis, has a representative collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 19th century, notably French artists including Ingres, Chardin, Watteau, Corot and Boudin. As a major university city, with two universities (The University of Angers and UCO, one of France's five Catholic universities), Angers also hosts vibrant theatre, music, and film festivals at different times of the year.

Sites and monuments in Angers

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  The 15th-century Maison Adam features intricate carved woodwork
  Château d'Angers: A massive 13th-century fortress featuring 17 formidable slate-banded towers, home to the historic Apocalypse Tapestry.
• Cathédrale Saint-Maurice: A striking 12th-century cathedral exemplifying Angevin Gothic architecture,featuring magnificent medieval stained glass windows.
• Galerie David d'Angers: Housed in a former 13th-century abbey church, this museum displays monumental works by one of France's most important 19th century sculptors.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts: Fine arts museum set in a historic noble residence, with collections of European painting and local history.
• Maison Adam: One of the city’s finest timber-framed vernacular buildings, the Maison Adam stands right near the cathedral square.

• Terra Botanica - located on the northern outskirts of the city, this is Europe's greatest plant-themed amusement park, featuring biodiversity, gardens, and botany with immersive rides and glasshouses.

In the area of Angers

Tombs of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, at Fontevraud

• Château de Brissac (15 km): The tallest castle in France, still lived in by the Duke of Brissac, surrounded by attractive parkland.
• Saumur (50 km): A historic Loire town famed for its majestic château, subterranean wine cellars,  prestigious Cadre Noir equestrian school, and tank museum.
• Abbaye de Fontevraud (60 km): One of the largest surviving medieval monasteries, with the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II and Richard the Lionheart (Richard 1 of England).
• Béhuard (20 km): A picturesque village situated on a rocky island right in the middle of the river Loire
• Vineyards of Anjou (Various): Discover world-renowned wine estates producing famous local Loire wines including Savennières, Coteaux du Layon, and Cabernet d'Anjou.