Maison d’Adam, Angers

Historic Building in Angers

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nataloche

In the shadow of the Saint-Maurice Cathedral, the Maison d'Adam stands as one of Angers' most iconic landmarks - a living piece of medieval art that has charmed visitors for over five centuries. Built around 1491 for Jean Lefèvre, a prosperous apothecary, this six-story half-timbered house once symbolized the wealth and ambition of Angers' merchant class. With its richly carved façades and whimsical sculptures, it continues to tell stories of faith, folklore, and humor carved in wood.

Today, the building thrives as the Maison des Artisans, a cooperative that celebrates the spirit of craftsmanship. Its ground-floor boutique showcases creations by local artists - from glass and ceramics to jewelry and textiles - while the upper floors remain private residences. For history lovers, art enthusiasts, or anyone exploring the cathedral quarter, this spot is one of the must-see places in Angers.

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

History and Significance

The Maison d'Adam, also known as the “House of Adam and Eve” or the “Tree of Life House,” occupies a prime location at the crossroads of Rue Montault and Place Sainte-Croix. Constructed in the late 15th century, its dual façades - each an impressive ten meters wide - were unusually grand for the time, reflecting the prosperity of its owner and the prominence of Angers as a trading hub.

The house’s most striking feature is its sculpted exterior, a riot of medieval imagination and symbolism. Alongside religious motifs such as the Virgin Mary and Saint George, visitors can spot mythical creatures like griffins and centaurs, as well as comic figures like the notorious “Père Tricouillard,” cheekily depicted with his trousers down - proof that medieval artisans had a sense of humor.

Originally, the corner post displayed Adam and Eve flanking the Tree of Life, but the figures were destroyed during the French Revolution, leaving only the carved tree itself. Despite centuries of wear, restoration has preserved the building's extraordinary detail, making it a highlight of any walking tour of Angers.

Things to See and Do

The Maison d'Adam is both a historical monument and a vibrant hub for contemporary craft. On the ground floor, visitors can browse the Maison des Artisans, a cooperative featuring the work of more than 80 creators from the Anjou region. The boutique offers a treasure trove of handmade items - delicate glassware, colorful ceramics, fine jewelry, and unique home décor - all crafted with the same care and creativity that define the house itself.

Take time to admire the façade from every angle. The carvings are best viewed up close, but step back to appreciate the full height of the six-story structure - its timber beams and sculpted figures are especially striking in late afternoon light. This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers for photographers and anyone captivated by medieval architecture.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and summer offer the best light for photography
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to view from outside; boutique entry free
Opening hours: Typically 10:00-19:00 (Maison des Artisans); hours may vary by season
Official website: www.maisondadam.angers.fr
How long to spend: 30-60 minutes
Accessibility: Ground floor accessible; upper floors are private residences
Facilities: Boutique and nearby cafés
Photography tip: Capture the façade from Place Sainte-Croix to frame the house against the cathedral backdrop
Guided tours: Offered through the Angers Tourist Office
Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants on Rue Montault and around Place du Ralliement

How to Get There

Maison d'Adam is located in the old town of Angers, directly behind the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice. From the Angers-Saint-Laud train station, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk through the historic center. The site is easily reached on foot and often included in heritage tours of the city.

Is the Maison d’Adam Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. The Maison d'Adam is one of the top sights in Angers and a true gem of French medieval architecture. Its intricate carvings and lively atmosphere bridge the past and present, embodying both the craftsmanship of the 15th century and the creativity of today's artisans. Whether you're admiring its façade or shopping for handmade treasures, it's an experience that captures the spirit of Angers.

Other Sites Nearby

Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers - A stunning Gothic cathedral with panoramic views of the Maine River.
Musée des Beaux-Arts - Home to European paintings, sculptures, and archaeology in a 15th-century mansion.
Galerie David d'Angers - Sculptures displayed beneath a modern glass roof in a restored abbey.
Collégiale Saint-Martin - One of France's best-preserved Carolingian monuments, now a cultural venue.
Château d'Angers - A medieval fortress housing the world-famous Apocalypse Tapestry, often visited on walking tours of Angers.

Rich in detail and alive with history, the Maison d'Adam is more than a landmark - it's a story carved in wood, a window into the life and imagination of medieval Angers. For anyone exploring the city's heritage, it remains one of the top attractions in Angers and an unmissable stop on any cultural journey through the Loire Valley.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (12)

Maison d'Adam et Ève, on 69 Grande Rue in Le Mans, is a Renaissance townhouse from the early 1500s notable for its ornate bas‑relief façade that visitors say more likely depicts Ariadne and Bacchus accompanied by zodiac signs rather than Adam and Eve; reviewers praise the handsome, historic exterior and its surprising sculpted decoration in the heart of the old town.

Captain Arawak

2 years ago

"This house dates back to 1528, during the reign of Francis I. It was the doctor of Marguerite de Valois Angoulême, sister of Francis I, who builtthis house and had this bas-relief installed, which is believed to be Bacchus and Ariadne...."

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Fab360VR

7 years ago

"This Renaissance house was built in 1528 by Jehan de L'Espine, physician to Queen Margaret of Navarre. It owes its name to the bas-relief on itsfaçade, but in reality, the figures depicted there are more likely Ariadne and Bacchus, accompanied by the signs of the zodiac. The building has been listed as a historic monument for the entire house, with the exception of the buildings at the back of the courtyard, since January 25, 1913.n☺..."

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Maeva Anderson

3 years ago

"Beautiful building dating from 1528. Magnificent bas-relief on its facade; in reality, the figures depicted are probably Ariadne and Bacchus, notAdam and Eve, accompanied by the signs of the zodiac. Magnificent historic site...."

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The Maison d’Adam 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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