A weekend in Angers: discovering its world heritage treasures

Welcome to Angers, a destination where history, heritage and exceptional natural beauty blend harmoniously. Come and enjoy the mild September days in Angers over the weekend.

Discover its Unesco World Heritage treasures.

What a program!

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

©Tapestry Apocalypse Angers Lamoureux|Alexandre Lamoureux - Destination Angers

Discover a unique work of art!

Start your weekend with a visit to the National Estate of Château d’Angers, a true medieval gem. Discover the chapel, the royal dwelling and small castle, wander through the regular and hanging gardens, stroll among the roses and lilies, and don’t forget to take a look at the vineyard and vegetable garden. Take a stroll along the ramparts for a unique panoramic view of Angers and the château gardens. We’ve saved the best for last! Château des Ducs d’Anjou’s grand gallery is home to a world heritage treasure: the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.

At 103 metres in length, this monumental work is the largest surviving set of medieval tapestries in the world. Dating from the 14th century, it was commissioned by Duke Louis I of Anjou and illustrates the Apocalypse according to Saint John. But rest assured, there’s no end of the world on the horizon here, just an explosion of incredible colour and detail that will leave you speechless.

Since May 2023, the Apocalypse Tapestry has beenlisted on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, alongside the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and General de Gaulle’s Appeal of June 18, 1940.

Its inclusion in this register gives it universal importance, attesting to the major role played by this masterpiece in the history of artistic creation and demonstrating the need for its preservation over the centuries.

It’s a real treasure trove, and a must-see during your stay in Anjou.

©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

Guided tours are available to reveal all the secrets of the Apocalypse Tapestry. A range of educational tools are available to help young and old alike discover the work and its history.

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.

: A country walk in the Loire Valley

On this second day, discover the landscapes of the Loire Valley and its majestic river: the Loire. The Val de Loire has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Recognised as an outstanding cultural landscape, the area stretches from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire. France’s longest river has been a major communications route for centuries, shaping both rural and urban landscapes, and is home to many animal and plant species. The inclusion of the Val de Loire on the list of World Heritage sites recognises its universal value and the importance of preserving this exceptional landscape.

Our advice to the hardiest souls and early-risers: watch the sunrise at La Bohalle (Loire-Authion), with a 360° view of the Loire and its wild fauna and flora. You won’t be disappointed!

Then opt for a cruise on the Loire withLoire Odyssée. Embark on a relaxing trip along the river, admiring the lush green banks, and let yourself be lulled by the lapping of the water. In September, the golden lights offer breathtaking scenery. Cruises of various lengths are available. For a unique and authentic experience, you can also enjoy a trip aboard a traditional Loire boat with Batellerie de la Loire. The team is passionate about the history of France’s longest river and the need to preserve this unique heritage.

The Loire Valley is also famous for its vineyards, particularly Savennières. Now it’s time to explore these vineyards, renowned for their exceptional white wines. Domaine du Closel, Domaine FL, Domaine aux Moines…

Join a tasting session and guided tour to learn more about local grape varieties and winemaking techniques. The winegrowers will give you a warm welcome and share their passion for their trade with you.

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

On this, our last day, it’s time for a not-to-be-missed activity in Angers: a bike ride along the Loire. Hire a bike and set off on an adventure along the cycle paths of the Anjou loop of the Loire à Vélo. We particularly recommend the route between Angers and Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, which takes in some splendid views typical of the region.

Departing from Angers, you begin your journey along the Maine, the river that flows through Angers before emptying into the Loire. The banks offer magnificent views of Château d’Angers and Saint-Maurice Cathedral. You then arrive at Bouchemaine, where the Maine joins the Loire. This village offers an ideal place to relax, with its quayside facilities and small cafés and restaurants. Take time to admire the view of the river.

If you have time to spare, we recommend extending your journey a little by making a diversion to the charming village of Béhuard, classified as a“Petite Cité de Caractère”. It’s one of the few inhabited islands in the Loire – a little haven of peace that’s well worth the diversion! Here, you can visit Notre-Dame church, built on a rocky promontory, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the narrow streets.

Take the road back to Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, and don’t miss a visit to the Jardin Méditerranéen (Mediterranean Garden), a magnificent area filled with Mediterranean plants of all kinds. It’s an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries, while enjoying a splendid view over the Loire!

For the more adventurous, you can choose to continue your ride by doing the whole of the Anjou loop of the Loire à vélo, or simply return to Angers via Bouchemaine.

Do you prefer walks along the banks of the Loire? Don’t worry, we’ve got just the thing for you, too! Take a 20km stroll alongthe Loire and its horticultural plain, and you’ll find peace and tranquillity all the way. Head along the banks of the Loire and enjoy the lush green countryside. For plant lovers, the Mediterranean Garden is a must-see stop on your walk. For art and culture lovers, the Rive d’Arts creative centre is also worth a stop on your route. Alternatively, if you’d like to take a shorter walk and simply enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Loire, its islands and sandbanks, we suggest the 6km Beautés de Loire route. In the heart of the Loire Anjou Touraine Regional Nature Park, discover the charming village of La Bohalle.

Restaurants, accommodation, here are some of our top addresses for your weekend in Angers.

In low season, check the opening times and days of the various sites you wish to visit.