Angers City Break weekend

A weekend in Angers means wandering through the historic streets of a city with a unique and surprising heritage, taking a break from nature on the banks of the Maine or on Ile Saint-Aubin, tasting fine wines on a terrace in the setting sun and taking the time to savor every moment! The art of living in Anjou is like an emotion that can only be understood by living it!

Day 1: A stroll through the city

To kick off this weekend in Anjou, discover the city’s most emblematic monument…the Château d’Angers! Enter via the drawbridge and present your Angers City Pass at reception, and your journey through history begins. With its 17 towers (yes, that’s right!) and formal gardens, the fortress proudly overlooks the Maine River, and is home to a unique medieval treasure, listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World register: the Tapestry of the Apocalypse. This masterpiece measures over 100 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, so keep your eyes peeled! Before you leave, take the time to stroll along the ramparts, which offer a breathtaking view of the river and the picturesque Doutre district on the other bank.

In the vicinity of the fortress, wander through the cobbled streets of the historic town, discovering charming timber-framed houses dating back to the 15th century. Along the way, stop in front of Saint-Maurice Cathedral, a beautiful 12th-century Gothic building at the top of an imposing staircase, the montée Saint-Maurice. A stone’s throw away, in the former Toussaint abbey church, is the city’s most surprising venue: the Galerie David d’Angers. The natural light that floods into the gallery enhances the works of sculptor David d’Angers. As for the tufa stone walls, they harmoniously embrace the spirit of the place.

Now it’s off to Place du Ralliement for a lunch break. Right in the heart of the city center, it’s a lively and dynamic place at any time of day. Don’t miss the 19th-century Grand Théâtre, which proudly dominates the square! And if you’re a fan of street art , look up and take out your camera! And to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s must-see sites, follow the blue thread!

A weekend in Angers means discovering a wine-growing region renowned for the variety and quality of its wines*. Located opposite the château, the Maison des Vins d’Anjou et de Saumur showcases the expertise of Anjou’s winegrowers. Savennières, Coteaux-du-Layon, Cabernet d’Anjou… Take advantage of expert advice from wine professionals who know the region inside out!

How about a delicious meal for two? Sens, Autour d’un Cep… In Angers, a large number of restaurants offer local and responsible cuisine, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. A dinner of refinement and simplicity!

Day 2: It’s only a short step from the city to nature!

After a good night’s sleep, a good cup of coffee and some hot croissants, start the day with a morning stroll through the Jardin du Mail, right in the heart of France’s greenest city**. Take a stroll through the flower-lined alleys, and along the way you’ll come across a kiosk that gives the garden all its charm!

Spending a weekend in Angers means savoring the local specialties that make the area so rich, including Cointreau. Cointreau is a deliciously scented* liqueur made from orange peel. If you have some time to spare, you can visit the Cointreau Distillery in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, east of Angers. Stroll through the stills room and admire the barman’s perfect mastery of the art of cocktail making! The Giffard company, based in Avrillé, just a few minutes from Angers, is also the pride of the Angevins! Famous for its liqueurs* and syrups in a wide range of flavors and colors, Giffard invites you on a tour of its manufacturing secrets. A sensory experience well worth the detour!

To soak up all that Anjou has to offer, return to the historic city and head for the banks of the Maine. Take the Pont de Verdun and walk along the Quai des Carmes. Take time to stroll through the medieval streets of the charming Doutre district, then head for the Cale de la Savatte. It’s an ideal spot to sit on the grass and enjoy a picnic, before relaxing in the sun. Continue your stroll along the river Maine and stop off at Parc Balzac, a 50-hectare green park. Just a stone’s throw from Angers city center, treat yourself to a moment of suspended connection with nature… What more could you ask for?

Day 3: Green escape in a bucolic setting

After your last night in bed, start your morning with a 100% fresh, home-made brunch at La Cour ! Located right in the center of town, the place is cosy and warm. With its sweet and savory blend, it’s the perfect place to fill up on vitamins and delicacies for the day!

To round off this long weekend, enjoy a final nature getaway on Île Saint-Aubin, just outside Angers. This unique, unspoilt area is open from April to October. You won’t see a car in sight – the island is accessible only by chain ferry, an unusual experience that gives the place its singular, authentic character.

Once on the island, a change of scenery is guaranteed! On foot or by bike, discover the site at your own pace. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, this little haven of peace invites you to discover preserved flora and fauna, meet protected species and observe fields as far as the eye can see… As you can see, nature reigns supreme here!

Our stay in Angers is already drawing to a close. Before heading home, treat yourself to a last snack on the terrace of the Port de l’Ile guinguette. Enjoy a few more moments of Anjou’s sweetness, because once you’ve tasted it, you’ll find it hard to leave!

For those lucky enough to still have some time to spare, don’t hesitate to continue your stroll and discover the exceptional natural sites around Angers. The Basses Vallées Angevines, the Ardoisières and the vineyards have plenty of surprises in store for you!

Selection of accommodation for your weekend in Angers :

B&Bs, hotels, self-catering cottages…Choose your cozy nest for the weekend!

An address not to be missed in Angers:

La Maison du Quernon d’Ardoise (22 rue des Lices),home of the eponymous sweets. It’s a square nougatine caramelized with almonds and hazelnuts, covered in slate-blue chocolate. This local specialty refers to the slate that covers many of the region’s roofs. We warn you, this delicious delicacy has a taste of home!

A great tip for visiting mâlin :

The Angers City Pass 72h is a practical and economical way to discover Angers’ heritage, castles and museums in a weekend, just 1h30 from Paris! Want to visit Angers in 24 or 48 hours? No problem! You can choose the pass that matches the length of your stay.

*ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH. CONSUME IN MODERATION.

**According to the Observatoire des villes vertes de France 2020.