Free walking tours in Angers and what to see

Must-sees

Angers is the historic capital of Anjou and spreads across both banks of the River Maine, a short distance from where it joins the Loire. Its château is impressive from outside: a 13th-century enclosure with seventeen towers of alternating slate and pale stone, surrounded by a moat turned garden. Inside is the Apocalypse Tapestry, a 14th-century series of hangings illustrating the Book of Revelation, displayed in a dimly lit gallery. From the ramparts you can see the city and the river.

In the old town, Saint-Maurice cathedral has a twin-spired façade and medieval stained glass. Close by is the Maison d’Adam, a half-timbered house with figures carved into the wood. The David d’Angers gallery occupies a roofless abbey church covered in glass, with the works of this sculptor born in the city. Across the river, in the Doutre district, the old Saint-Jean hospital houses the Jean-Lurçat museum, with the great modern tapestry Le Chant du Monde.

Free tours and guided visits

Civitatis has no free walking tours in Angers. The only option is a ticket for the château, which lets you see the ramparts, the gardens and the Apocalypse Tapestry at your own pace. The rest of the city is easy to explore on your own, because the centre is compact and almost everything is within walking distance between the château, the cathedral and the Doutre.

How long to spend

With a full day you can see the château, the cathedral and the old town. If you add the David d’Angers gallery and the Jean-Lurçat museum, two days is better. Angers is also a good base for the Loire Valley: the Savennières vineyards, Saumur and the river’s châteaux are close by.

Where to stay

The centre, between the château, the cathedral and Place du Ralliement, is the most practical area, with hotels and apartments a few minutes from everything. Next to Saint-Laud station there are comfortable hotels if you arrive by train, and the tram gets you to the centre in no time. The Doutre, across the Maine, is quieter and has views of the château.