11 Best Things To Do In Angers

Are you looking for the best things to do in Angers?

Angers is a unique destination in the Loire Valley, home to historic landmarks, picturesque châteaux, and prestigious wineries.

Located in the Pays de la Loire area of France, on the banks of the Maine River, is Angers. It is the stunningly magnificent historical capital of France’s Anjou province. One of the towns in France was designated as a “villes d’art et histoire” (Town of Art and History). 

With this rich history, great location, and shining reputation, there’s no way a visit to Angers will ever be boring.

From visiting the chateau to exploring a colorful district, here are the best things to do in Angers.

11 Best Things To Do In Angers

1. Wander in the Old Town

The charming streets of Angers’ historic old town offer a delightful walking experience. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the cobbled, medieval streets as you leisurely explore and discover the hidden gems that await at every turn.

Begin your exploration in the vibrant Place du Ralliement, a bustling square in Angers. This lively hub serves as a gateway to several other exciting and cost-free activities that await you in the city. 

To fully appreciate the cathedral, be sure to continuously look up and explore its magnificent architecture from various angles.

2. Visit a Cointreau Distillery

Since 1849, the Cointreau Distillery has been located a little distance west of the city center in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou; it is the only spot in the world where the orange liqueur is made. This facility turns out 15 million bottles every year, all of which are exported to different parts of the world.

Guests are welcome to explore the fragrant orange groves. Additionally, there is a bar to sample the final product and a gift shop selling everything from bottles to Cointreau cake.

3. Spend time in the museums.

• Musée des Beaux-Arts – This outstanding museum displays portraits, monuments, and local items that collectively tell the history of Angers. After your visit, relax at the museum’s café, which features outside sitting when the weather is nice.

• Musée PincéThe – Renaissance-style Musée Pincé, also known as the Logis Pincé, was commissioned by Jean de Pincé. He was the mayor of Angers at the time and completed it in the early 1500s.

This archaeological museum display artifacts from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. There is a trove of Japanese and Chinese paintings

• Musée Jean-Lurçat – The former Saint Jean hospital is a beautiful Plantagenet-style edifice from the 12th century that now houses sixty or more great masterpieces. You can view works from the 1930s up to Jean Lurçat’s modern masterpiece, the Apocalypse-inspired tapestry Le Chant du Monde.

4. Browse the markets.

Angers, being a vibrant city in France, boasts a plethora of markets for locals and visitors to explore and indulge in. Here, you will find an extensive collection of various markets that are sure to pique your interest.

 One of our top picks is Marché Bio, a delightful marketplace that exclusively offers 100% organic produce. With a meticulous selection process, they curate their offerings from ten exceptional sellers. 

 Angers also hosts a vibrant and expansive market on the first Sunday of every month. It’s a treasure trove of unique finds and hidden gems, where you can immerse yourself in a world of vintage treasures, antiques, and one-of-a-kind items.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply enjoy the thrill of discovering something special, Angers’ monthly flea market is a must-visit destination.

5. Discover Maison d’Adam

Maison d’Adam is also referred to as the Maison des Artisans. It is a remarkable medieval corner house constructed entirely of timber. This architectural marvel stands tall with its impressive six-story structure.

The street-facing façades of this building are truly a sight to behold. Maison d’Adam is a fascinating architectural marvel that pays homage to the biblical figure of Adam, the first man according to the Bible.

This historical gem, constructed in the year 1491, holds a significant place in history as it predates Christopher Columbus’ momentous discovery of America. Notably, intricate carvings depicting Adam can be observed at street level, adding an artistic and symbolic touch to this remarkable edifice.

6. Admire Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d’Angers

Angers Cathedral, which was dedicated in 1096, combines Gothic and Romanesque styles common throughout its construction period.

Due to the widespread destruction of medieval stained glass during the French Revolution, its windows are considered among the finest examples of their kind.

Beyond the physical construction of the cathedral, notable works include a fresco depicting the life of Saint Maurilius from the 1200s and the tomb of Margaret of Anjou, who was England and France’s queen consort.

7. Explore La Doutre

La Doutre district in Angers is home to the renowned Musée Jean-Lurçat, adding to its historical charm as one of the city’s oldest quarters.

Rue Toussaint and Boulevard Carnot offer glimpses into the historical past of the city, as they showcase remnants of the ancient city walls that once safeguarded this area.

Located in the heart of the bustling shopping district, Rue Beaurepaire stands as a vibrant hub for retail therapy. This lively street not only offers a plethora of shopping opportunities but also boasts the magnificent Abbaye du Ronceray as part of its charm.

8. Stroll the gardens

• Jardin des Plantes – Edouard André conceived of and designed this charming little English garden in the year 1905. It is a tranquil haven amid the hustle and bustle of the city, complete with verdant lawns, trees that are hundreds of years old, waterfalls, and statues.

• Jardin du Mail – This garden follows the tradition of formal clipped gardens with low box plant hedges arranged in symmetry, and its 20,000–30,000 yearly blooms provide the color.

In addition, there are a number of statues in the garden, as well as a bandstand and a fountain designed by Barbezat.

• Terra Botanica – An enormous botanical garden that also functions as an entertainment park can be found to the north of the city. It houses plants from all over the world in re-created ecosystems that range from a forest of live dinosaur trees to a replica of a bayou in Louisiana.

9. Hike the Maine and Loire Rivers Loop

The River Maine, though short, adds its charm to the majestic Loire River, joining its waters just a few kilometers south of the captivating city of Angers.

The confluence of the two rivers is a breathtaking sight, showcasing the mesmerizing beauty of nature. This enchanting meeting point is a significant highlight along the captivating Maine and Loire Rivers Loop.

The loop covers an impressive distance of nearly 19 kilometers. Whether you choose to walk or cycle, you can complete the loop in a reasonable amount of time. Walking the loop takes less than five hours while cycling along the dedicated flat paths can be done in approximately two hours.

Additionally, this destination serves as a gateway for explorers to immerse themselves in the wonders of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its significant role in preserving the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

10. Visit and learn more about Château d’Angers

Over 800 years ago, King Louis I undertook a remarkable transformation of Plantagenet King Henry II’s fort, perched majestically above the river Maine. Today, this historic site stands as an awe-inspiring castle, showcasing the architectural prowess and grandeur of its time.

Make sure you don’t overlook the awe-inspiring Apocalypse Tapestry adorning the walls. Spanning an impressive 100 yards, this masterpiece vividly depicts the cataclysmic events foretold in the Book of Revelation. Commissioned by the esteemed King Louis, this tapestry serves as a captivating piece of propaganda art.

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11.  Cruise the River

For centuries, the waterways of the Loire River served as the primary means of transportation to and from the charming city of Angers. By offering an authentic perspective, they allow you to experience the city from a unique and unconventional viewpoint.

Angers boasts several significant landmarks that overlook the water, including the magnificent Château d’Angers. Going on a river cruise allows you to experience a delightful blend of historical attractions and picturesque natural surroundings beyond the city limits.

These areas serve as crucial habitats for numerous bird species, making it a haven for nesting and feeding.

Where to stay in Angers

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