Maison d’Adam, Angers

Historic Building in Angers

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nataloche

Maison d'Adam is a late-medieval half-timbered house in Angers, set on Place Sainte-Croix just behind Saint-Maurice Cathedral. Built around 1491 for the apothecary Jean Lefèvre, it is one of the city's most recognizable old buildings, with six levels of timberwork and carved decoration facing the square.

The main reason to stop here is the façade: saints, animals, mythical creatures, comic figures, and the surviving Tree of Life motif all compete for attention in the woodwork. The ground floor now houses the Maison des Artisans, so the visit can be as simple as a free look from the street or a short browse among handmade objects by regional and other craft makers.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get to the Maison d’Adam
Where to Stay Close
Is the Maison d’Adam Worth Visiting?
Practical Tips on Visiting the Maison d’Adam
FAQs for Visiting the Maison d’Adam

History and Significance

Late 15th-century merchant Angers

Maison d'Adam was built around 1491 for Jean Lefèvre, a prosperous apothecary. Its size and position at the corner of Place Sainte-Croix and Rue Montault show the status that some merchants and professionals could display in late-medieval Angers.

The house is often called the House of Adam and Eve or the Tree of Life House. The original corner figures of Adam and Eve were destroyed during the French Revolution, but the name survived, along with the carved tree motif that still helps identify the building.

Carved wood and public storytelling

The façades combine religious imagery, symbolic animals, legendary creatures, and comic scenes. Visitors can look for the Virgin Mary, Saint George, griffins, centaurs, and the cheeky figure known as Père Tricouillard, whose exposed pose gives the decoration a deliberately earthy tone.

This mix of sacred and humorous imagery is part of the building’s interest. It shows how public-facing architecture in the period could signal faith, status, entertainment, and craft skill at the same time.

A working craft address today

The building now houses the Maison des Artisans on its lower level, while the upper floors are private residences. The craft shop continues the building’s association with handwork, although visitors should treat the historic house itself mainly as an exterior and boutique visit rather than a museum.

Things to See and Do

Start outside on Place Sainte-Croix and look up slowly rather than taking in the building in one glance. The carvings are easy to miss if you only pass at street level, so I would pause at the corner, then step back to read the height and timber pattern against the surrounding square.

The Maison des Artisans on the ground floor gives the stop a practical purpose. Inside, you can browse handmade glass, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, and decorative objects, with items ranging from small gifts to larger signed pieces.

The location also makes it easy to combine with the cathedral quarter. Maison d'Adam works best as a short stop between Saint-Maurice Cathedral, the old streets around Place Sainte-Croix, and the route toward the Château d'Angers.

How to Get to the Maison d’Adam

The closest airport is Angers Loire Airport near Marcé, while Nantes Atlantique is the more useful airport for many international and long-distance flight options before continuing to Angers. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Angers on Booking.com.

Angers-Saint-Laud station is the city's main rail arrival point, and Maison d'Adam is about a 15-minute walk through the centre or a short tram-and-walk journey. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If arriving by car, use a public car park near the centre, such as Ralliement or Fleur d’Eau, then walk the final few minutes through the pedestrian-friendly old town. 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.

Where to Stay Close

For a culture-heavy stay, the best base is the city centre between Place du Ralliement, the cathedral, and the château, where most sights are within a short walk. Hôtel Saint Julien works for travelers who want a central pedestrian-square setting close to restaurants, shops, and tram links.

Hôtel Continental is a practical choice if you want to stay in the central shopping and restaurant area while remaining within walking distance of the station and main sights. If train access matters more than being beside the cathedral quarter, Hôtel de France puts you opposite Angers-Saint-Laud station and still close enough to reach Maison d'Adam on foot.

Is the Maison d’Adam Worth Visiting?

Maison d'Adam is worth a short stop if you enjoy medieval buildings, carved details, or local craft shops. It is less essential if you are looking for a full interior visit, a museum-style exhibition, or a long attraction, because the exterior is the main historical experience and the accessible interior is primarily a boutique.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (248)

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...."

See More See Less

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☺..."

See More See Less

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...."

See More See Less

Hubert Fourny

2 years ago

"Surprising bas-reliefs decorate this house dating from 1525."

Eleonora Pavesi

4 years ago

"A beautiful house with a façade decorated with bas-reliefs in the heart of the historic center of old Le Mans, the Plantagenet city!"

Practical Tips on Visiting the Maison d’Adam

Best time to visit: Daylight is important because the exterior carvings are the main draw. Late afternoon can be good for photographs from Place Sainte-Croix, depending on the season and weather.
How long to spend: Allow 15-30 minutes for the façade and a quick look inside the shop. Make it 45-60 minutes if you like browsing craft objects carefully.
Accessibility: The exterior can be viewed from public streets, and the shop is on the lower level. The upper floors are private and not part of a normal visit.
Facilities: The main facility on-site is the Maison des Artisans boutique. Cafés, restaurants, shops, and public amenities are available in the surrounding centre.

FAQs for Visiting the Maison d’Adam

Getting There

Maison d’Adam stands at 1 Place Sainte-Croix in central Angers, directly behind Saint-Maurice Cathedral and close to Rue Montault.

From Angers-Saint-Laud station, walk toward the historic centre and cathedral; the route takes about 15 minutes at an easy pace. You can also use the tram for part of the journey and finish on foot.

Tickets & Entry

Yes. The façade can be viewed freely from the street, and the Maison des Artisans shop is free to enter during opening hours.

No advance ticket is needed for a normal visit. This is not a timed-entry monument, and most visitors stop independently while exploring the old centre.

Visiting Experience

Ten to fifteen minutes is enough to see the exterior, take photos, and continue through the cathedral quarter. Add more time if you want to browse the craft shop.

Yes, but treat it as a short stop rather than the main event. It fits naturally between the cathedral, the château, and the central streets.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It is commonly included in heritage routes through the historic centre because of its position behind the cathedral and its carved half-timbered façade.

Pair it with Saint-Maurice Cathedral first, then continue toward the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Galerie David d’Angers, or the Château d’Angers depending on your time.

Photography

Yes, especially if you like architectural details. Photograph the whole corner from Place Sainte-Croix, then move closer for the carved figures and timber patterns.

Daylight is best, with late afternoon often giving warmer light on the square. In poor weather, close-up detail shots usually work better than wide views.

Accessibility & Facilities

The exterior can be viewed from the street without entering the building. The shop is on the lower level, but the historic nature of the building and surrounding streets may still make movement less simple for some visitors.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Look around Rue Montault, Place du Ralliement, and the streets between the cathedral and the central shopping area. This part of Angers has plenty of cafés and casual restaurants within a few minutes’ walk.

Safety & Timing

The cathedral quarter and central streets are normal city-centre areas and are generally pleasant for an evening walk. As in any city, stay aware of your belongings and use busier routes late at night.

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!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!