Château d’Angers

Castle in Angers

CC BY-SA 4.0 / DXR

Standing high above the River Maine, the Château d'Angers commands both respect and admiration. With its monumental walls and seventeen round towers, this vast fortress looks as though it was built to withstand time itself. Originally founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou, the castle took on its present form in the 13th century under Blanche of Castile, mother of King Louis IX, whose vision transformed it into one of the great fortresses of medieval France.

Yet beyond its defensive might lies beauty, art, and storytelling. The château houses the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry - the largest surviving medieval tapestry in the world. This vast woven masterpiece brings to life scenes from the Book of Revelation and remains one of the top attractions in Angers for lovers of history and art alike.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is the Château d’Angers Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance

The Château d'Angers has been many things over the centuries - a fortress, a royal residence, a military outpost, and now a museum. Its thick walls and towers, constructed from black schist and white limestone, were designed to deter invaders during the Hundred Years' War. But within these formidable defenses, life was far from grim. Under the Dukes of Anjou, the castle became a center of refinement and patronage, reflecting the cultural brilliance of late medieval France.

One of its most enduring legacies is the Apocalypse Tapestry, commissioned by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, between 1377 and 1382. Once stretching 140 meters long, it depicts vivid scenes of angels, beasts, and cosmic battles - a glimpse into the medieval imagination at its most dramatic. Visiting this hall of woven wonders is truly a highlight of any walking tour of Angers.

Things to See and Do

Start your visit by walking along the ramparts, where panoramic views of Angers and the River Maine unfold before you. The towers offer unique perspectives of the cityscape and the surrounding countryside. Inside, explore the galleries that house the Apocalypse Tapestry, carefully preserved in soft lighting to protect its delicate fibers. Even centuries later, its colors and storytelling power remain astonishing.

Don't miss the castle's gardens - a tranquil contrast to its military might. Neatly trimmed parterres, herb gardens, and flowering terraces evoke centuries of cultivation. The moat, once defensive, now blooms with greenery and seasonal flowers. Together, these spaces make the château one of the must-see places in Angers, blending history and beauty in equal measure.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Spring through autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant gardens
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €9-11 for adults; free for EU residents under 26
Opening hours: Daily, generally 10:00-18:00 (varies by season)
Official website: www.chateau-angers.fr
How long to spend: 2-3 hours
Accessibility: Most areas accessible; some towers have stairs only
Facilities: Gift shop, café, restrooms, and picnic areas
Photography tip: The best exterior views are from the Pont de Verdun or the riverbank at sunset
Guided tours: Offered in multiple languages; audio guides available
Nearby food options: Cafés and brasseries around Place Kennedy and Rue Toussaint

How to Get There

The Château d'Angers is located in the city center, overlooking the River Maine. From Angers-Saint-Laud train station, it's about a 10-minute walk uphill. The site is well connected by local buses and cycling paths, with parking available nearby at “Parking du Château.”

Is the Château d’Angers Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you come for the grand architecture, the world-class tapestry, or simply to enjoy the views and gardens, the Château d'Angers offers an unforgettable glimpse into France's medieval heart. It's one of the best places to visit in Angers and a must for anyone fascinated by history, art, or storytelling woven into stone and silk.

Other Sites Nearby

Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers - A Gothic cathedral with stunning stained glass windows.
Musée des Beaux-Arts - Featuring European paintings and sculpture in a beautifully restored mansion.
Jardin des Plantes - A lush botanical garden perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Maison d'Adam - A medieval timber-framed house adorned with intricate carvings.
Musée Jean-Lurçat - Dedicated to modern tapestries, housed in a former medieval hospital.

The Château d'Angers stands as both fortress and storyteller - a place where stone walls guard centuries of memory, and woven visions of heaven and apocalypse continue to inspire awe. This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers, and a reminder that history, when preserved with care, never truly fades.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (18,767)

Château d'Angers, at 2 Prom. du Bout du Monde in Angers, is a large 13th-century fortress where you can walk the battlements and explore royal apartments, extensive gardens and a moat; highlights include the famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse, a well-regarded multilingual audio guide that enriches the visit, herb and flower gardens and even a small vineyard, plus good views over the river and city and a pleasant on-site restaurant.

Joe McCright

a month ago

"Fantastic history lesson. How often can you walk around the tops of ramparts and castle walls! And the tapestry. Unbelievable. I can’t recommend theaudio guide enough. The explanations were detailed and thorough...."

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Ian Jones

5 months ago

"Excellent! A superb chateau with 800+ years of history, hosting the vast and impressive tapestry of the apocalypse. There is a huge moat with ornategardens in one part, excellent views of the river and city, superb ramparts and a multilingual audio guide that gives you the details as you walk around. There are internal herb and flower gardens and even a small vineyard within the chateau!..."

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George D

5 months ago

"Big discovery - I didn’t know this castle. If you want to see how people leaves 600 years ago this is the place to be. The visit is around 2 hourslong and I recommend you see entire place. Nice Apocalypse stamp , nice story , I was impressed by what people can do 600-700 years ago...."

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The Château d’Angers appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Angers!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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