A weekend in Angers: discovering its world heritage treasures

Welcome to Angers, with its wonderful blend of history, heritage and natural beauty. The mild September days are the perfect time to spend a weekend in Angers.

Discover its UNESCO World Heritage treasures.

What a program!

©Tapestry Apocalypse Angers Lamoureux|Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

See a unique masterpiece

Start your weekend with a visit to the Castle of Angers (Château d’Angers), a fabulous mediaeval gem. Discover the chapel, the royal residence and the gatehouse. Take a stroll around the formal gardens and the hanging gardens atop the ramparts, wander among the roses and lilies, and don’t forget to admire the vineyard and vegetable garden. Walk along the ramparts to enjoy a unique view over Angers and the castle gardens. And we’ve saved the best until last! In the castle’s great gallery is a world heritage treasure: the famous, 103 metre long Apocalypse Tapestry.

This monumental work is the largest surviving set of medieval tapestries in the world. Dating back to the fourteenth century, it was commissioned by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, and depicts the apocalypse according to Saint John the Divine. But rest assured, the end of the world doesn’t await you here: just an explosion of colours and incredible details that are sure to leave you speechless.

The Apocalypse Tapestry was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World list in May 2023, giving it a place alongside the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and Charles de Gaulle’s Appeal of 18 June 1940.

Its inclusion on this list highlights this masterpiece’s universal importance, its key role in art history, and the need to preserve it for future generations.

This treasure is a must-see while you’re staying in Angers.

©A group of friends visiting the Château d'Angers National Estate |Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

©View of the vineyards from the ramparts |Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

©Botanical Garden Chateau Angers Lamoureux|Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

View of the gardens of Château d’Angers! — ©View of the gardens of Château d’Angers|Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

After your visit, just opposite the Château, take in the breathtaking view from the Promenade du Bout du Monde over the charming Doutre district and Maine River. Cameras at the ready! Then take a moment to wander through the cobbled streets of Angers’ historic centre. With its half-timbered houses, there’s charm around every corner.

Stroll to Place du Ralliement, a meeting place for many of the locals. For lunch, take a seat on one of the many restaurant terraces in the heart of the city and sample a few delicious dishes.

Continue your discovery of Angers and its heritage with a visit to the Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine. The former Saint-Jean hospital has now become a key cultural venue in Angers. You can admire the architecture of the site, in particular its covered gallery, and contemplate Jean Lurçat’s famous Chant du Monde Tapestry, created in 1957. You’ll see that it bears some similarities to the Apocalypse Tapestry. Indeed, it was designed as a modern version of the famous medieval hanging. Round off your first day with a stroll around the charming Doutre district, and take a break at Cale de la Savatte. Enjoy the scenery and view of Château d’Angers!

More content on the Apocalypse Tapestry and National Estate of Château d’Angers.

Next on the list for your exploration of Angers and its heritage is a visit to the Jean Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum (Musée Jean-Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine). Today, the former Saint-Jean hospital is an essential stop on any cultural tour of Angers. The building boasts stunning architecture, particularly its covered walkway, and is host to the Jean Lurçat’s famous 1957 Chant du monde tapestries. This work has several similarities with the Apocalypse Tapestry. It was, in fact, designed as a modern version of the famous medieval masterpiece.

For the perfect end to your first day, stroll around the charming La Doutre neighbourhood, then head to Cale de la Savatte for a moment by the riverside. Take in the scenery and enjoy the view of the castle!

If you want to unlock all the secrets of the Apocalypse Tapestry, then try a guided tour.

There are also various educational materials available to help both children and adults discover this work and its history.

An idyllic walk in the Loire Valley

Your second day is the perfect time to discover the countryside of the Loire Valley, with its majestic Loire river. The Loire Valley was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. Stretching from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire, this area has exceptional cultural value. For centuries, the Loire, France’s longest river, has been an important route, shaping both rural and urban landscapes and offering a home to numerous animal and plant species. The valley’s addition to the World Heritage List gives official recognition to its universal value and highlights the importance of protecting this exceptional landscape.

A tip if you’re a hardy soul or an early riser: head to La Bohalle (Loire-Authion) to catch the sunrise, with a 360° view of the Loire and its wildlife. It’s well worth getting up for!

Relax afterwards with a cruise along the Loire. Loire Odyssée offer cruises until 19 October. As you drift along the river, lulled by the sound of the lapping water, take the time to admire the lush, green banks.

In the golden light of September, the scenery is breathtaking. Various cruise lengths are available. If it’s an authentic and unusual experience you’re looking for, you might be tempted by a trip on a traditional local boat with La Batellerie de la Loire. The passionate team will tell you about the history of France’slongest river and why we need to preserve this unique heritage.

The Loire Valley is also famous for its vineyards, particularly the Savennières vineyards. Known for their exceptional white wines, there are many vineyards to discover: Domaine du Closel, Domaine FL, Domaine aux Moines…

Treat yourself to a wine tasting and a guided tour to learn more about local grape varieties and wine-making techniques. The people behind these wines will offer you a warm welcome and share their passion for their trade.

Hike or cycle along the Loire!

©Jardin Mediterraneen Sainte Gemmes Mouraud|D. Mouraud - Destination Angers

©Balade Loire Ponts De Ce Lamoureux|Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

©Jardin Mediterraneen Ste Gemmes Mouraud|D. Mouraud - Destination Angers

Prefer a hike along the banks of the Loire? Don’t worry, we’ve got some great suggestions for you, too! A route along the Loire and through its horticultural plain offers 20 km of pure calm and serenity, enjoying the lush landscapes along the river. Plant enthusiasts will want to pause along the way at the Mediterranean Garden. If art and culture is more your thing, stop off at theRive d’Artscreative hub.

If you’re looking for a shorter walk including one of the loveliest panoramic views of the Loire, its islands and its sandbanks, we suggest the 6 km Beauty of the Loire route. Make sure you leave time to explore the charming village of La Bohalle in the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine regional natural park.