Doué la Fontaine BioparcDoué la Fontaine Bioparc
©Doué la Fontaine Bioparc|Christophe Martin

Over 15 ideas for days out around Angers

If you liked its castles and châteaux, its wines and its river, you’ll love these days out, just 30, 60 and 90 minutes from Angers.

Days out 30 minutes from Angers

cheetah, sarcophagi and peppermint

1. Animal adventures at Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine

Carnivore Crater, Rhinoceros Valley or Giraffe Camp: exotic adventures are guaranteed at this attraction, which has an award-winning commitment to animal welfare. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a couple, you’ll be amazed by this magical place to relax among nature.

An exciting world tour, just a stone’s throw from Angers!

2. Cave dwellers & sarcophagi

Head to the Troglodytes et Sarcophages site in Doué-la-Fontaine to discover a fascinating place, where history meets nature. Enjoy a unique visit to this vast and astonishing underground refuge: the only attraction of its kind in Europe. Created by the Vikings, it boasts wine cellars, a chapel, and a sarcophagus factory.

This amazing attraction is accessible to all, offering an immersive and enriching experience, perfect for fans of history and heritage.

3. Underground magic at Le Mystère des Faluns

Underground elephants and jellyfish? It’s actually possible, thanks to the magical scenes created within these caves at Les Perrières!

In these underground galleries hollowed out of the falun (local shelly sand deposited by the sea), let the sound and light effects transport you to another world…

4. Saumur

An unmissable day out near Angers. Our top picks? The silent charm of the wine cellars and their treasures, the local markets and their artisan products, the unpredictable games of boule de fort (a local game)… Not to mention the fabulous hot air balloon flights.

5. Cadre noir: National Riding School

Want to be a horse-whisperer?

Visit this famous site that blends artistic performance with equestrian excellence. The school’s regular shows and galas are an elegant spectacle. Cadre Noir also offers tours and demonstrations that will delight adults and children alike, while immersing visitors in French horse-riding history.

6. Camifolia Garden

Visit this remarkable garden nestled in the Hyrôme valley. Health, medicine or beauty: unlock the secrets of its 600 plants through 6 thematic spaces.

Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean greenhouse, explore the powers of herbal medicine, and slip off your shoes for the sensory trail.

Weekend ideas around Angers

After exploring Angers, why not continue discovering the Anjou region’s castles and châteaux?

Lose yourself in a labyrinth of old alleyways where every stone has a story to tell, step inside the Castle of Angers towering proudly over the Maine river, discover cultural sites where art meets heritage. Château du Plessis-Bourré, Château de Brissac… The countless castles are sure to take your breath away. Prepare for a journey through history!

Days out 45 minutes from Angers

Champagne and bonsai trees

7. Parc oriental de Maulévrier Japanese garden

Considered the largest Japanese-inspired garden in Europe, Maulévrier will transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun. From dawn to dusk, the garden is breathtaking.

Whether you’re passionate about plants, love peaceful surroundings or are simply seeking some tranquillity, this garden is a must-see to discover the delights of nature and gardening.

8. The Ackermann wine cellars

A captivating cave experience sheds light on Ackermann’s fine wines and fascinating history.

Take your senses on a fabulous journey as you discover the different stages in the making of sparkling wines and learn all about the art of wine production. The site also offers a wonderful view over the Layon valley: the perfect place to give your tastebuds a treat.

9. The Bouvet Ladubay wine cellars

The Bouvet Ladubay wine cellars are well deserving of their place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover their exceptional, prize-winning vintages. A journey for the senses, promising art, emotion and authenticity.

During your visit, you’ll discover the secrets of wine-making, learn about the history of Bouvet Ladubay and taste a selection of exceptional sparkling wines, all while admiring a magnificent panorama of the Loire Valley. The perfect wine-themed experience to share with others, in the heart of Anjou’s vineyards.

reserve your angers city pass!

Want to extend your visit to Angers?

Save time by booking your Angers City Pass online.
Once you’ve got it, you’ll have free access to 25 must-see sites, plus a whole host of other benefits!

10. Zoo de la Flèche

“Understand to protect”: this is the motto of this zoo committed to protecting biodiversity. And you’ll certainly see lots of amazing species on your visit! With animals like California sea lions, North American river otters and Indian rhinoceros, a short trip from Angers will feel like an exotic voyage

The zoo also places great emphasis on conservation and biodiversity eduction, with concrete actions to protect threatened species. As well as its animals, the zoo has shows and activities for the whole family, guaranteeing an enriching and fun experience.

Days out 60 minutes from Angers

a jester, a mechanical elephant and muscadet

11. Fontevraud Royal Abbey

Counts of Anjou, Plantagenet dynasty, Bourbon royal family… the list of owners of this former monastery speaks for itself. And did we mention Richard the Lionheart?

Highly recommended: Works by Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Delaunay and many more await you in the galleries of the abbey’s recently created Modern Art museum. Keep an eye out to make sure you don’t miss anything.

12. Puy du Fou theme park

This French flagship of fun needs no introduction. Popular with families, it is renowned for its quality, having twice been named the best theme park in the world.

With its grandiose shows and its impressive historical re-enactments, Puy du Fou will take you on a journey through the ages, transporting you back to Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the age of the Vikings.

Travel through time and across oceans to re-live history as if you were there. Spectacular!

13. Nantes and the machines de l’île

A thrilling blend of Jules Verne and Lovecraft, the Machines de l’île will take you into an amazing world where industrial meets animal. A place to let your imagination and your curiosity run wild!

The must-sees include the Great Elephant, a majestic mechanical creature measuring 12 metres tall and offering unforgettable rides on its back.

The Machines de l’île is an unmissable attraction for curious souls, technology lovers and those who want to see something truly original. The most unusual day out near Angers!

14. Clisson

You don’t need to go far for a change of scene. Clisson is a little piece of Italy in France, with its medieval town, its Roman vibes, its impregnable fortress and its beautiful fifteenth-century churches. One of the jewels of Clisson is its magnificent medieval castle, which overlooks the town, offering an unbeatable view over the surroundings.

Clisson is also a great place for festivals, with the famous “Hellfest” music festival attracting thousands of visitors every year. As you wander around the town’s streets, you’ll discover a unique atmosphere: the perfect blend of bucolic calm and lively culture.

Days out 90 minutes from angers

nature’s mosaic and seasalt

15. Castles and châteaux of the Loire Valley

Step inside these spectacular buildings for a magical and majestic day out near Angers that conjures images of merrymaking and splendour. Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Blois or Chenonceau: get a taste of grandeur!

Explore the Loire Valley’s castles and châteaux, diving deep into the history of France’s kings and queens, and taking in some stunning landscapes along the way. With guided tours, walks in the grounds and cultural discoveries, these monuments will fascinate the whole family.

16. The Guérande salt marshes

A sprinkle of something special! Lose yourself in the light shimmering on the surface of the pools and hear the history of the marshes told by their workers…

With their exceptional biodiversity, the Guérande salt marshes are also a fabulous place to spot wildlife.

Savour a day out near Angers!

 

17. The medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne

This medieval gem between Laval and Le Mans is worthy of all the praise it receives. Described as the “pearl of the Maine”, it has been awarded the “Petite Cité de caractère®” label, and was a contender for France’s favourite village on the TV show Plus beau village de France.

Saint-Suzanne is the perfect place to lose yourself in the history and charm of a medieval town.

Stroll through its tranquil old streets, spend some time in the Musée de l’Auditoire (a local history museum in a former courthouse) and discover its traditional paper mill.

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