Angers: what to do, what to see...

In the heart of the Loire Valley, Angers boasts an exceptional setting brimming with rich heritage, charming châteaux and world-renowned vineyards, combining to provide the very finest of French art de vivre. Visitors can stroll around the old town and the Château d’Angers, or explore the River Loire by boat or by bike, stopping occasionally to sample the emblematic dishes of local gastronomy or enjoy a Cointreau cocktail.

WHAT TO SEE

• Château d'Angers, the Loire Valley's largest fortress
• The magical world of plants at Terra Botanica theme park
• David d'Angers Gallery, a restored abbey-church housing the art and sculptures of David d’Angers
• The Jean Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum's collections
• Two permanent exhibitions at the Fine-Arts Museum

WHAT TO DO

• The scenic Angers loop of the La Loire à Vélo cycle route
• A river shuttle excursion on the Loire and its tributaries
• Stroll in the historic centre around the cathedral and the castle
• A cocktail at the Carré Cointreau with the famous orange liqueur
• Scenic wine routes along the River Loire and through small villages

WHAT TO TASTE

• Crémet d'Anjou dessert with crème fraiche and red fruits
• Quernons d'ardoise chocolates made with caramel nougat
• Loire Valley fish served with butter sauce
• 32 PDO wines, including dry and sweet whites, rosé and fruity reds
• Menthe Pastille white mint liqueur from the Giffard distillery

WHAT TO BRING BACK

• Homeware made from slate, the local stone
• Some of the great wine labels of the Loire
• A small version of a medieval or contemporary tapestry
• Quernons d'ardoise chocolates
• A selection of books on Loire Valley chateaux or the Apocalypse tapestry

Getting to Angers