Angers: The Complete Guide

Angers is a charming city located in the Pays de la Loire region, offering a blend of historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can explore the impressive Château d’Angers, home to the famous Tapisserie de l’Apocalypse, and enjoy a walk through its stunning gardens. The city’s lively atmosphere is further enhanced by its vibrant squares, lively markets, and a wide range of dining options that reflect both local and international flavors.
In addition to its cultural and historical sites, Angers is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, such as Parc de la Garenne and the Terra Botanica theme park dedicated to plants and horticulture. The city also has a dynamic art scene, with galleries and exhibitions regularly showcasing local and international artists. Whether exploring the medieval architecture, enjoying the local cuisine, or immersing oneself in nature, Angers offers a wide range of experiences for all types of visitors.
Table of Contents
- History of Angers
- Early History of Angers
- Angers in the Middle Ages
- Angers in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period
- Angers in the 18th and 19th Centuries
- Angers in the 20th Century and Beyond
- 17 Best places to See in Angers
- Château d’Angers
- Terra Botanica
- Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Angers
- Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d’Angers
- Galerie David d’Angers
- Jardin des Plantes
- Maison d’Adam
- Quartier de la Cité
- Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine
- Parc de la Garenne
- Grand Théâtre, Angers
- Pincé Museum
- Palacio del Tau
- Maison d’Adam
- Collégiale Saint-Martin, Angers
- Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers
- Hôtel de Ville d'Angers
- Tour Saint-Aubin
- La Maison Bleue, Angers
- Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers
- Galerie David d'Angers
- Museum of Natural Sciences, Angers
- Château d’Angers
- Jardin des Plantes, Angers
- Tour des Anglais, Angers
- Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine
- Terra Botanica
- 14 Best Day Trips from Angers
- Château à Motte in Saint-Sylvain-d'Anjou
- Château du Plessis-Bourré
- Château de Brissac
- Château de Saumur
- Nantes
- Le Mans
- Vitré
- Tours
- Rennes
- Amboise
- Poitiers
- Blois
- Mont Saint Michel
- La Rochelle
- Where to Stay in Angers
- Best Time to Visit Angers
- Visiting Angers in Spring
- Visiting Angers in Summer
- Visiting Angers in Autumn
- Visiting Angers in Winter
- How to get to Angers
History of Angers
Early History of Angers
Angers’ origins date back to ancient times, with the city initially being a settlement of the Celts before the Roman conquest. Known as Juliomagus during Roman times, the city grew as a military and administrative center in the region. By the fall of the Roman Empire, Angers had established itself as a local stronghold and began to develop as a significant medieval town.
Angers in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Angers flourished under the control of the Counts of Anjou. The city became a center of power, with the construction of Château d’Angers, which served as the residence of the counts and later the kings of France. This period also saw the rise of the town as an important hub for trade and culture, with the establishment of monasteries and the expansion of the city’s fortifications.
Angers in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period
The Renaissance brought significant cultural development to Angers, as it became a center for art and learning. The city experienced growth in both population and wealth, and many of its architectural landmarks, such as churches and private residences, were built during this time. However, the city’s fortunes declined during the French Wars of Religion in the late 16th century, when it became a battleground between Catholic and Protestant forces.
Angers in the 18th and 19th Centuries
During the 18th century, Angers became a center of industry, particularly in the textile sector, which contributed to its economic growth. The city also underwent significant modernization in the 19th century, with the construction of new public buildings and infrastructure, including the Gare d’Angers-Saint-Laud train station. The industrial revolution further transformed the city, establishing it as an important regional center.
Angers in the 20th Century and Beyond
In the 20th century, Angers continued to expand, with a growing emphasis on higher education and cultural institutions. The city modernized while retaining its historical character, particularly through the preservation of sites like the Château d’Angers and Cathédrale Saint-Maurice. Today, Angers is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historical landmarks, and role as a hub for technology and innovation, particularly in the agricultural and environmental sectors.
Visiting Angers for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Angers on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
17 Best places to See in Angers
This complete guide to Angers not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Angers and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Grand Théâtre, Angers

Location: Grand Théâtre, Place du Ralliement, Angers, France | Distance: 0.0km
Visiting Grand Théâtre, Angers
Pincé Museum

Location: Musée Pincé, Rue Lenepveu, Angers, France | Hours: Saturday and Sunday • 10 AM - 6 PM Closed May 1, Nov. 1 and 11, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 | Price: €4 | Website | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting Pincé Museum
Palacio del Tau

Location: Palais Episcopal, Rue du Chanoine Urseau, Angers, France | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Palacio del Tau
Maison d’Adam

Location: La Maison d'Adam - La Maison des Artisans, Place Sainte-Croix, Angers, France | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Maison d’Adam
Collégiale Saint-Martin, Angers

Location: Collégiale Saint-Martin, Rue Saint-Martin, Angers, France | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Collégiale Saint-Martin, Angers
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers

Location: Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers, Rue Saint-Christophe, Angers, France | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers
Hôtel de Ville d'Angers

Location: Hôtel de ville d'Angers, Boulevard Résistance et Déportation, Angers, France | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Hôtel de Ville d'Angers
Tour Saint-Aubin

Location: Tour Saint Aubin, Rue des Lices, Angers, France | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Tour Saint-Aubin
La Maison Bleue, Angers

Location: La Maison Bleue, Boulevard du Maréchal Foch, Angers, France | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting La Maison Bleue, Angers
Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers

Location: Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers, Rue du Musée, Angers, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday • 10:00-18:00 Closed May 1, Nov. 1 and 11, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers
Galerie David d'Angers

Location: Galerie David d'Angers, Rue Toussaint, Angers, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday • 10:00-18:00 Closed May 1, Nov. 1 and 11, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 | Price: €4 | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Galerie David d'Angers
Museum of Natural Sciences, Angers

Location: The Museum of Natural Science, Rue Jules Guitton, Angers, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday • 10 AM - 6 PM Closed May 1, Nov. 1 and 11, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 | Price: €2 | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Museum of Natural Sciences, Angers
Château d’Angers

Location: Château d'Angers, Promenade du Bout du Monde, Angers, France | Hours: From May 2 to September 4: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. From September 5 to April 30, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Price: €11 | Website | Tickets | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Château d’Angers
Jardin des Plantes, Angers

Location: Le Jardin des Plantes, Rue Boreau, Angers, France | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Jardin des Plantes, Angers
Tour des Anglais, Angers

Location: Rue de la Tour des Anglais, Angers, France | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Tour des Anglais, Angers
Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine

Location: Musée Jean-Lurçat et de la tapisserie contemporaine, Boulevard Arago, Angers, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday • 10:00-18:00 Closed May 1, Nov. 1 and 11, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 | Price: €6 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine
Terra Botanica

Location: Terra Botanica, Route d'Épinard, Angers, France | Hours: Daily 10h00 to 18h00 | Price: €20.50/person | Website | Distance: 3.6km
Visiting Terra Botanica
Best Day Trips from Angers
A day trip from Angers offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Angers provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Château à Motte in Saint-Sylvain-d'Anjou

Location: Château à Motte de Verrières en Anjou, Avenue du Parc, Verrières-en-Anjou, France | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday during school holidays (zone B) during spring, summer and autumn holidays 10:30 - 18:00 | Price: Adults: €6 | Website | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting Château à Motte in Saint-Sylvain-d'Anjou
Château du Plessis-Bourré

Location: Château du Plessis-Bourré, Écuillé, France | Distance: 14.4km
Visiting Château du Plessis-Bourré
Château de Brissac

Location: Château de Brissac, RUE JEANNE SAY, Brissac Loire Aubance, France | Hours: Summer (July and August) Every day 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Winter: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m & 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Closed Tuesday)| Price: €12.50 | Website | Distance: 15.2km
Visiting Château de Brissac
Château de Saumur

Location: Château de Saumur, Esplanade Hubert-Landais, Saumur, France | Hours: Closed on December 25, & January 1 to February 7 February 8 – March 31: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. April 1 – June 30 & September 1 – 30: Open **Tuesday to Sunday and holiday Mondays, 10:00–18:00. July 1 – August 31: Open daily, 10:00–19:00. Open on July 14 and August 15. October 1 – December 31: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. | Price: Adults: €9.50 | Website | Distance: 43.2km
Visiting Château de Saumur
Nantes

Visiting Nantes
Le Mans

Visiting Le Mans
Vitré

Visiting Vitré
Tours

Visiting Tours
Rennes

Visiting Rennes
Amboise

Visiting Amboise
Poitiers

Visiting Poitiers
Blois

Visiting Blois
Mont Saint Michel

Visiting Mont Saint Michel
La Rochelle

Visiting La Rochelle
Where to Stay in Angers
In the heart of Angers’s medieval centre, just a short stroll from the ducal Château and the half-timbered lanes of the Quartier de la Doutre, you’ll find charming townhouses offering historic character and modern comforts. Hôtel d’Anjou occupies a 17th-century house with exposed beams, antique furnishings and a discreet courtyard garden, while La Maison Jules blends loft-style design with vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cathedral spires.
Along the banks of the Maine River, properties capture waterfront views and easy access to riverside promenades and cycle paths. Hôtel Mercure Angers Centre Gare sits opposite the train station with sleek, contemporary rooms and a panoramic breakfast lounge, and Okko Hotels Angers Château offers spacious studios with kitchenette facilities, complimentary evening “pantry” service and balconies overlooking the river and château ramparts.
A short drive from the city core, in the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley, elegant relais and château-style retreats await. Château de Robernier welcomes guests into its 19th-century manor with manicured gardens, an outdoor pool and local wine tastings, while Les Hauts du Lac sits beside the Lac de Maine park, offering lakeside walking trails and rooms with terrace views over the water.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Angers. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Angers Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Angers
Visiting Angers in Spring
Spring (March to May) is a fantastic time to visit Angers, as the weather is mild and the city’s gardens and parks begin to bloom. The Jardin des Plantes and Terra Botanica offer beautiful landscapes and vibrant flowers during this season. With fewer tourists, it provides a peaceful atmosphere to explore Angers’ historical sites like the Château d’Angers and Cathédrale Saint-Maurice.
Visiting Angers in Summer
Summer (June to August) is the peak season for visiting Angers, with warm temperatures and longer days perfect for outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, events, and outdoor dining, making it an energetic time to explore. While it can be busier during this period, the lively atmosphere and many cultural activities make it a great time to visit.
Visiting Angers in Autumn
Autumn (September to November) is another great time to visit Angers, as the temperatures remain mild and the fall foliage adds beautiful colors to the city’s parks and streets. The crowds have started to thin out, making it a more relaxed time to enjoy the city’s museums and attractions. The local harvest festivals and seasonal markets add a touch of charm to this time of year.
Visiting Angers in Winter
Winter (December to February) in Angers offers a quieter and more serene experience. While temperatures can be chilly, the city’s Christmas markets, decorations, and holiday events bring a festive ambiance to the town. It’s an excellent time to explore the city’s indoor attractions, such as its museums and historic sites, without the large summer crowds.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 9°C 52°F
- February 10°C 54°F
- March 13°C 59°F
- April 18°C 67°F
- May 20°C 72°F
- June 25°C 80°F
- July 29°C 87°F
- August 28°C 86°F
- September 25°C 81°F
- October 19°C 71°F
- November 13°C 59°F
- December 10°C 54°F
How to get to Angers
Getting to Angers
Angers is easily accessible by air, train, and car, making it convenient for visitors to explore this charming city in the Pays de la Loire region.
By Air
The nearest major airport to Angers is Angers-Loire Airport (ANE), located about 25 kilometers from the city center. This airport offers domestic flights and some international routes. For more international options, Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), about 90 kilometers away, is a larger airport offering more frequent connections from various European cities. From either airport, visitors can take a taxi, shuttle, or rent a car to reach the city center.
By Train
Angers is well-served by the French rail network, with Gare d’Angers-Saint-Laud being the main train station in the city. The TGV (high-speed train) offers direct connections to major cities like Paris, Nantes, and Lyon. The station is centrally located, making it easy to access local transportation and accommodations upon arrival.
By Car
Driving to Angers is a straightforward option, as the city is connected to major highways such as the A11 and A87. It takes around 3 hours to drive from Paris to Angers, making it an ideal location for a road trip or weekend getaway. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding Loire Valley region and other nearby attractions.
For a smooth car rental experience, consider booking through Discover Cars, where you can compare prices from various agencies and find the best deals.
Getting Around Angers
Angers is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance from each other. The city’s Tramway and Bus networks provide easy access to different parts of the city, especially for those looking to explore beyond the city center. For a more leisurely pace, renting a bicycle is also a great way to explore Angers and its surroundings, or you can use taxis and ride-sharing services for added convenience.