Sights and activities

Must-See in Angers

The Château d’Angers

An undeniable must-see where you can dominate the city of Angers and the River Maine from its high towers, simply superb! The Chateau hosts the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a medieval art masterpiece.
www.chateau-angers.fr/en
Photo credits : Franck Anderson.

David d'Angers gallery (Galerie David d'Angers)

All the works (or nearly) from sculptor David d’Angers (1788-1856) are gathered in this splendid 13th century abbey. An enchanting stroll amid famous bust portrays and colossal sculptures.
Photo credits : Musées d’Angers.

Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-arts)

Set up in 1796 in a 15th century town house known to be a landmark of civil gothic architecture, the Beaux-Arts Museum offers 3000m² of exhibition space filled with paintings, sculptures and works of art.
Photo credits : Musées d’Angers.

Jean Lurçat and contemporary Tapestry museum

Le Chant du Monde, a famous set of tapestries made by Jean Lurçat between 1957 and 1965, is displayed in the old Hôpital Saint-Jean, a remarkable piece of architecture from the 12th century. A poetic, symbolic and humanistic view on the 20th century.
Photo credits : Musées d’Angers.

Terra Botanica

Europe’s renowned garden park. The world’s most beautiful plant species are playfully gathered here. An invitation on a journey among plants and original rides.
www.terrabotanica.fr/en
Photo credits : Bertrand Béchard.

Cointreau distillery (Carré Cointreau)

Discover the trade secret (or something close) of this famous orange liqueur, often copied but never equaled. An olfactory and delightfully intoxicating visit.
Photo credits : Cointreau.

More must-sees around Angers without leaving the department :

Château de Brissac

A chateau built over two periods. A unique monument in France where medieval style adjoins Renaissance style. It is also France’s tallest chateau with its seven stories. It has been the residence of the Dukes of Brissac since the 16th century.
www.chateau-brissac.fr/english-home
Photo credits : Château de Brissac.

Château de Saumur

A majestic chateau towering over the River Loire. Its early construction dates back to the 10th century. Among others, it hosts one of Europe’s richest ceramics collections.
www.chateau-saumur.com
Photo credits : Château-Musée de Saumur.

Bouvet Ladubay cellars

A perfect example of a Saumur house known for its expertise in elaborating fine sparkling wines. Visit the sumptuous 1851 cellars and taste some exceptional wines.
www.bouvetladubay.com
Photo credits : Bouvet Ladubay.

Ackerman cellars

Another renowned cellar.
Visit the cellars and taste the wines from a house founded in 1811. You will love the offbeat decoration.
www.ackerman.fr/index_en.php
Photo credits : Stevens Frémont.

The Bioparc (Zoo at Doué-la-Fontaine)

Animals roam free in their natural habitat, a truly striking experience. Watch the vultures having breakfast, gaze with emotion at some endangered species and at the zoo’s cute newborn offspring.
www.bioparc-zoo.fr/en
Photo credits : Pierre Chabot.

Château du Plessis Bourré

A chateau bathing in water. An architectural masterpiece with drawbridges still functioning. This chateau has been the set of many films including Philippe de Broca’s « On Guard ».
www.plessis-bourre.com/en
Photo credits : Château du Plessis Bourré.

Rochemenier Cave Dwelling Village

Imagine a whole village sunk in stone. A purely outstanding site.
While you are there, make sure you try the fouaces (regional specialty) in one of the troglodyte restaurants.
Photo credits : Rochemenier Troglodyte Village.

The Shelly Sands Mystery

Classified as a remarkable environmental site, the Perrières site is made up of 15 to 20-meter high subterranean galleries. Along the poetic underground walk, discover the geological history of the Loire Valley and of the rock known as shelly sand.
www.les-perrieres.com/en/le-mystere-des-faluns/presentation-p22.html
Photo credits : The Shelly Sands Mystery.

Fontevraud Royal Abbey

Old, vast and splendid abbey inspired from Benedictine architecture dating back to the 12th century. Peacefully stroll around this 13-hectare monastic city, Europe’s largest, or watch the many cultural exhibits and events. Full program at : www.fontevraud.fr/en
Photo credits : David Darrault.

Château de Brézé

A few kilometers from Fontevraud, the château de Brézé offers a surprising architecture. A double chateau with an underground fortress. An absolute must-see.
www.chateaudebreze.com/castle-france-loire-saumur.html
Photo credits : Pascal Girault.

The Blue Mine

All the history of the slate quarries along a surprising journey at the bottom of the mine. From extraction to cutting of the slate, you will learn everything about this beautiful blue stone that covers the roofs of our chateaux and homes.
www.laminebleue.com
Photo credits : The Blue Mine.

Maulévrier Oriental Park

Europe’s largest Japanese garden located at the heart of the Anjou region! Enjoy 30 hectares of luxuriant beauty on a walk designed for dreaming and bliss.
www.parc-oriental.com/english/history-of-the-oriental-park
Photo credits : Maulévrier Oriental Park.

Hike and Ride in Anjou

Whether on foot or on a bicycle, along the River Loire or across the vineyards, it always rhymes with quietness and relaxation surrounded by genuine nature and diversified sceneries. A few websites to help you organize : www.cycling-loire.com   www.vvr-valdeloire.fr/en/
Photo credits : InterLoire / Stevens Frémont.

Must-see sights within an hour from Angers :

Le Puy du Fou

Magnificent shows, epic adventures and high emotions... Come experience the one-of-a-kind Puy du Fou voted best theme park in the world. Travel through the ages from the Antiquity to the early 20th century.
Information and reservations : www.puydufou.com/en
Photo credits : ® Puy du Fou.

Le Futuroscope

Dive into the fun, fantastic and fantasy atmosphere of the Futuroscope. Embark for extraordinary voyages on rides that combine sensorial experience and image projection..
Information and reservations : en.futuroscope.com
Photo credits : © Futuroscope/JL.Audy/F.juille/D.Laming Architecte/F.Casanova.

Nantes

This large and beautiful city, 90 kilometers west of Angers, will enchant you with its rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Every summer, the Voyage à Nantes discovery course invites you to take a whole new look into the city. Works of arts invade the urban environment and turn the city into a giant playground.
Prepare your visit on : www.nantes-tourisme.com/en   www.levoyageanantes.fr/en
Photo credits : Extract from the film “Le Voyage à Nantes vu par Gaëtan Chataigner” © LVAN