Tour des Anglais, Angers

Tower in Angers

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Glabb

Tucked within the charming La Doutre district, just across the Maine River from Angers' bustling city center, the Tour des Anglais stands as a rare survivor of the city's medieval fortifications. Built around 1448, this robust stone tower once formed part of Angers' third defensive wall, protecting the city from potential invasions and overseeing river access. Chains were stretched across the Maine to block unwanted ships — a clever defensive strategy that gave the tower its alternate name, the Tour de la Haute-Chaîne.

Today, this quiet sentinel of stone offers visitors a tangible glimpse into Angers' turbulent past during the Hundred Years' War. While it's not as famous as the grand Château d'Angers, the Tour des Anglais is one of the top sights in Angers for history enthusiasts exploring the city's hidden corners. Its riverside location and preserved structure make it both a peaceful and evocative stop in the medieval heart of La Doutre.

History and Significance of the Tour des Anglais
Things to See and Do at the Tour des Anglais
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is the Tour des Anglais Worth Visiting?
Other Sites Nearby

History and Significance of the Tour des Anglais

The Tour des Anglais was erected in the mid-15th century as part of Angers' expanded fortifications. Following centuries of conflict between France and England, the city needed to bolster its defenses — and this tower played a key role. Positioned strategically along the Maine River, it guarded one of the main access points into the city. Large iron chains, anchored here and at a corresponding tower across the river, could be raised to block enemy vessels from entering.

The tower's name, “Tour des Anglais,” reflects the era's lingering memory of Anglo-French hostilities during the Hundred Years' War. Constructed primarily from local schist and tuffeau stone, the structure exemplifies late medieval military architecture, with thick walls, narrow arrow slits, and a cylindrical form designed to deflect projectiles. Despite the passage of time, it remains remarkably intact — one of the few visible remnants of Angers' medieval city walls.

As a listed historical monument, the tower stands as both a relic of past conflicts and a symbol of the city's resilience. Its preservation ensures that visitors can still imagine the days when Angers was a fortified stronghold guarding the Loire Valley's vital waterways. This spot is one of the best places to see in Angers if you're interested in the city's defensive and architectural history.

Things to See and Do at the Tour des Anglais

While the Tour des Anglais is not typically open for interior visits, it remains a fascinating landmark to admire from the outside. The surrounding La Doutre neighborhood — with its cobblestone lanes, medieval houses, and riverside views — makes for an atmospheric stroll. The tower itself provides excellent photo opportunities, particularly in the golden light of late afternoon when the stone takes on a warm hue.

Visitors can also trace the remnants of Angers' former city walls, some of which are still visible nearby. Interpretive signs help contextualize the site's history, while local walking-tours often include the tower as part of their route through La Doutre. Exploring this district offers a different perspective on Angers — quieter, more residential, and steeped in authentic character. The Tour des Anglais is a highlight of any walking tour of Angers that focuses on the city's medieval heritage.

Practical Information

Best time to visit Tour des Anglais: Spring through autumn, when the surrounding gardens and riverside paths are at their best
Entrance fee in Euros: Free (exterior viewing only)
Opening hours: Accessible year-round (exterior only)
Official website: www.angers.fr
How long to spend: 20–30 minutes for the tower and nearby streets
Accessibility: Easily reachable on foot; cobblestone areas may be uneven
Facilities: None on-site; cafés and restrooms available nearby in La Doutre
Photography tip: Capture the tower at sunset for dramatic river reflections
Guided tours: Occasionally included in heritage walking-tours
Nearby food options: Several charming bistros and cafés nearby, particularly along Rue Lionnaise and Place de la Laiterie

How to Get There

The Tour des Anglais is located in the La Doutre district, just across the Pont de Verdun bridge from central Angers. From the Château d'Angers or Place du Ralliement, it's a 10-minute walk along the river. Public transportation options include local buses that stop near Rue de la Haute-Chaîne. Street parking is available, though limited, in the surrounding area.

Is the Tour des Anglais Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. While small in scale, the Tour des Anglais is one of the things to do in Angers that reveals the city's medieval roots. Its location by the river, combined with its well-preserved structure, makes it an ideal stop for photographers, history lovers, or anyone seeking to explore beyond the main tourist trail. The sense of quiet authenticity in La Doutre — with the tower as its guardian — gives a glimpse of Angers as it once was.

Other Sites Nearby

Château d'Angers – A formidable 13th-century fortress housing the Apocalypse Tapestry.
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers – The city's Gothic masterpiece overlooking the Maine River.
Collégiale Saint-Martin – A beautifully preserved Carolingian church turned cultural venue.
Maison d'Adam – A richly decorated medieval timber-framed house near the cathedral.
Jardin des Plantes – A peaceful green haven, often visited on walking tours of Angers, ideal for a relaxing break after exploring La Doutre.

In a city known for its grand monuments, the Tour des Anglais offers something more intimate — a quiet reminder of Angers' medieval defenses and its centuries-old connection to the river that shaped its destiny. Whether you stop for a few minutes or linger along the banks of the Maine, this modest tower remains a window into the city's storied past.

The Tour des Anglais appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Angers!

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