Angers City Guide
Angers is the capital of the Anjou region, and stands on the banks of the River Maine, at the western end of the Loire Valley. Angers is famous for its imposing Château and its historical tapestries - but it is also a lively city with plenty of bars, cafés, and restaurants.
Angers is 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Paris.
What to do and see in and around Angers
Château
The Château d'Angers dates back to the 9th century, and was originally built as a fortress. Visit the famous Apocalypse Tapestries depicting the Apocalypse as described by St John in the Book of Revelations. You can also visit the rest of the Château including the prison, 15th-century chapel, and royal apartments.
Cathedral St-Maurice
The Cathedral St-Maurice is in the centre of Angers and dates back to the 12th century. The Cathedral has some 15th century stained glass windows, and some more modern examples. In front of the Cathedral is a square which hosts a daily market. Also on the square is the Maison d'Adam which is now used by local crafts people - look out for the carvings on the outside of the building.
Musée Jean Lurçat
The Musée Jean Lurçat is on the opposite side of the river from the Château, and is housed in the Hôpital St Jean (the building dates back to the 12th century when it was built as a hospital). The museum contains Angers most famous modern tapestry "Le Chant du Monde" which was designed in the 1950s by Jean Lurçat.
Distillerie Cointreau
Cointreau was created in 1849 by a confectioner in Angers - Adolphe Cointreau and his brother. You can now visit the distillery and the Cointreau museum, which is slightly outside the centre of Angers. Plus enjoy a taste of cointreau at the end of the tour.
Le Mans
1 hour from Angers by train
Le Mans is famous for its annual 24 hour car race (which takes place in June), but there is also a charming old town area with tiny medieval streets. Dominating the old town is the Cathedral with ancient stained glass windows, and tapestries. Don't miss he Gallo-Roman walls which dates back to the 3rd century - and are some of the best preserved in Europe.
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