What to do in Angers and surroundings?

Angers is one of the most beautiful cities in the western regions of France and in the Pays de la Loire region. Medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty and historical capital in Anjou, the city has a rich history that has left behind a vast architectural and cultural heritage. Angers therefore has everything of an ideal city to organize a future stay, alone, as a couple, with friends, or even with family. Destination Angers!

Discover everything you need to know about the main activities to do in Angers and its surroundings in this dedicated guide on our website.

What unmissable activities to do in Angers?

If you're wondering what you could do during a trip to Angers, this paragraph will give you a better idea. If you're passionate about art and history, the city and its historic center will not fail to surprise you.

To discover it, here is our selection of unmissable places and experiences to do in Angers.

1 – Angers Castle

Angers Castle, also called the castle of the Dukes of Anjou, is undoubtedly the most emblematic monument of the city located in Maine-et-Loire among the historic monuments.

This fortress offers visitors who visit it each year a spectacular discovery within an entire section of French history. Among the must-sees to discover within the fortress, it is possible to cite the 17 towers of the building, its numerous rooms, but also a lovely viewpoint over its gardens from the rampart walk, the drawbridge. Furthermore, Angers Castle houses a true masterpiece of cultural heritage: the Apocalypse Tapestry. Another emblem of Anjou.

Good to know: the Apocalypse Tapestry is the largest medieval tapestry in the world. Created in 1375 by Louis 1st of Anjou, it is a spectacular work that brilliantly illustrates the socio-political context of the 14th century. For information, the tapestry measures 103 meters long by 4.5 meters high.

2 – Saint-Maurice Cathedral

If you want to discover a historic monument of breathtaking beauty, we strongly advise you to visit Saint-Maurice Cathedral in Gothic style. An unmissable appointment.

This pure masterpiece of Angevin Gothic art amply deserves a look. Its interiors are equally impressive and bring together a collection of historic works of art, like numerous stained glass windows and tapestries, as well as religious goldwork pieces, among others.

3 – Jean-Lurçat Museum of Contemporary Tapestry

Another Angevin activity that amply deserves a look is the Jean Lurçat Museum. This place of culture and history is installed in the heart of a former hospital: Saint-Jean hospital. You will discover something impressive there, a collection of tapestries that will absolutely not leave you indifferent.

Good to know: the Jean Lurçat Museum is located in the Doutre district. This is one of the most popular districts in the city center. Don't hesitate to explore it and discover its many treasures like its half-timbered houses and the Ronceray Abbey, among other examples.

4 – David d'Angers Gallery

The David Gallery is installed in a sumptuous monument in the heart of Angers. If you love the art of sculpture, you will particularly appreciate this exhibition of works by artist David d'Angers remarkably staged on its territory.

5 – Adam's House

Angers is a city known for its half-timbered houses. Among these half-timbered houses, one clearly stands out from the others by its beauty. This is Adam's House, a half-timbered house that you can discover in the heart of the city on Place Sainte Croix. On the ground floor is the Angers craftsmen's house where you will find very good gift ideas and souvenirs from your stay in Angers.

6 – Saint-Martin Collegiate Church

Saint-Martin Collegiate Church is one of the best-preserved Carolingian monuments in France. Perfectly restored, it offers an incredible visit. It is also one of the most popular activities for tourists who visit Angers due to the quality of the experience offered.

7 – The Grand Theater of Place du Ralliement

Place du Ralliement is a true meeting and sharing place for Angers residents. One of the main attractions of the place is having a magnificent theater. The latter is another emblematic monument of the city.

8 – The Blue House

Last on this list, but not least, the Blue House of Angers is a magnificent Art Deco period building, whose facade is almost entirely covered with mosaics. We visit it particularly to discover its magnificent creations, typical of this architectural and artistic style.

Angevin gastronomy

Angers is also a city that is discovered through its gastronomy and local specialties. If you are a food lover, don't hesitate to take advantage of your passage in the region to test some of them which you will tell us about!

Among these:

galipette d'Anjou,
Gouline,
cul de veau à l'Angevine,
Oie d'Anjou,
Crémet,
and much more...

Other visit ideas in Angers

The botanical garden of the Angers Pharmacy Department in the heart of the city center on 8000 m2 which brings together no less than 2200 species of plants, medicinal plants some of which come from around the world.
The Angers Fine Arts Museum, Place Saint Eloi, is located in a 15th-century private mansion, the Barrault lodge, and a 17th-century seminary. 3000 m² of exhibition: the Fine Arts course and the Angers city history course.
Toussaint Abbey built in the 13th century by the canons of Saint-Augustin. The tuffeau walls and vaults are quite particular to Anjou, it houses the workshop plasters of sculptor Pierre Jean David, called David d'Angers.
Saint Aubin Tower was the bell tower of the oldest abbey in Anjou built in the 6th century before being destroyed during the Revolution. The tower is now an exhibition venue. 54 meters high, Saint Aubin Tower was part of the old abbey on Saint Aubin Street.
Le Jardin du Mail, its French garden where no less than 20,000 flowers bloom in summer season and its magnificent music kiosk.
The botanical garden, an English garden composed of 4 hectares of greenery in the heart of Angers, a peaceful and bucolic place.
Angers city pass 24h, 48h or 72h, this card allows you to discover 25 free visits and cultural sites and gives you interesting discounts. Angers city passes are available at the tourist office.

What to do around Angers?

Maine is a region full of beauties to discover. Here are some excursion ideas that might please you among the thousand and one things to do in Anjou.

1 – Plessis-Bourré Castle

Plessis-Bourré Castle is a magnificent building installed in a natural setting of great beauty.

The place welcomes visitors throughout the year and a guide accompanies them through the different rooms of the castle. If you have time during your vacation in Angevin land, don't hesitate to take some to discover this exceptional place.

2 – Plessis-Macé Castle

A little in the same spirit, Plessis-Macé Castle also offers a timeless experience to its visitors. The place is truly magical and its interiors offer an unforgettable visit, as it is particularly immersive.

Other visit ideas around Angers

If you want to continue your discovery of the region, don't hesitate to explore its most beautiful villages.

Among these: Savennières, Bouchemaine, Blaison Gohier, or also Béhuard and Cornillé-les-Caves. Between heritage and nature, these destinations will offer you as many lovely walks just steps from Angers. Lac de Maine leisure park, a leisure and swimming place extending over 220 hectares. Terra Botanica reveals the secrets and history of plants, it is the first plant park in Europe between attractions, shows and animations. Serrant Castle in Saint Georges sur Loire, beautifully furnished, its period library containing 12,000 choice works, its collections of furniture and art objects.

chateau du Plessis Bourre — © Shutterstock

In conclusion:

Visiting Angers is a true invitation to discover an important part of French historical heritage between its architecture, its historic monuments, its museums, its parks. A warm, pleasant, and always surprising commune, Angers and its residents will not disappoint you during your vacation.

Whether you have decided to stay in a hotel or in a vacation rental, don't hesitate to make your reservations now to best organize your stay. Once your stay is booked, you can also prepare your activities. This will allow you to fully enjoy your stay once there, without any stress, using perhaps the public transport available right next door in the city streets.