The city of Angers is considered the gateway to the Loire Valley, as it is situated on its western end, and this strategic location has shaped the city's long history. With a strong Gallo-Roman past (the city was then called Juliomagus), Angers has passed through the hands of the Vikings, the Plantagenets and the Huguenots.
A testament to the desirable location of Angers, the imposing Château d'Angers, was built in the 13th century to defend the Loire against the English. It was constructed on a strategic location, looming over the city and the Maine river. Take a visit to this castle along the river, and be sure to see the uniquely double-sided Teinture d'Apocalypse, the oldest tapestry in the world, which depicts the Book of Revelations.
The external façade of the château is interesting because the walls are covered with slate normally reserved for rooftops used for the walls. You will find that many of the city's rooftops are covered with this dark slate, owing to the areas many nearby quarries.
Angers is home to a variety of excellent museums and historical buildings, and a city pass can be purchased at the tourist office for access to many of them. In the centre ville, the St-Maurice cathedral features an elaborate, large baroque alter, which is worth seeing, and its twin spires dominate the view from the opposite banks of the river. Visit the Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine, which houses the tapestries created by the painter Lurçat after he was inspired by a visit to the Château d'Angers (and the Teinture d'Apocalypse in particular). There are some wonderful sculptures on display at the Musée David d'Angers.
For local produce, visit Les Halles on the rue Plantagenet, and for a wide selection of restaurants visit the place du Ralliement. Sample the sweet, orange liqueur, Cointreau, at the Le Carré Cointreau factory.
Angers can act as a good base for those wishing to tour the Châteaux of the Loire valley, including Brissac, the “Giant of the Loire valley”.
