Angers
Angers is a charming city in western France, located in the Loire Valley. It’s home to around 150,000 people and enjoys a mild climate with an average annual temperature of about 12°C (54°F). While it’s not flooded with tourists, Angers still attracts a steady stream of visitors who come to explore its rich history and beautiful architecture.
The city is known for its impressive historical sites, lovely parks, and vibrant cultural scene. You’ll find plenty of things to see and do here, from wandering through ancient castles to enjoying the local food and festivals. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the city is buzzing with events and activities.
Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Angers
Apocalypse Tapestry, Angers
Arriving to Angers
Angers is a delightful city in the Loire Valley, France, and getting there is pretty straightforward. You can catch a train from Paris, which takes about two hours, or fly into Nantes and take a train or bus from there. If you’re driving, it’s around a 3-hour drive from Paris. Once you’re in Angers, the city’s layout makes it easy to explore.
When it comes to where to stay, the city center is your best bet. The areas around Place du Ralliement and the Château d’Angers are perfect because you’ll be close to major attractions, shops, and restaurants. For a more local feel, consider staying in the La Doutre neighborhood, which has charming streets and a more relaxed vibe.
Getting around Angers is simple with its excellent public transportation system. Buses and trams are frequent and affordable, making it easy to get from one place to another. Biking is also a popular way to explore, thanks to the city’s bike-friendly paths.
Food in Angers is a treat. The region is known for its excellent wines and local specialties. Try the “rillauds” (pork belly bites) and “quernons d’ardoise,” a unique chocolate treat. The city’s markets are great for sampling local produce and delicacies.
There’s plenty to see and do in Angers. The Château d’Angers is a must-see, with its impressive medieval architecture and the famous Apocalypse Tapestry. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is perfect for art lovers, featuring a great collection from the Renaissance to modern art. The Jardin des Plantes is a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll, with beautiful gardens and a serene atmosphere.
For experiences, consider taking a boat tour along the Maine River or visiting the Terra Botanica theme park to dive into the world of plants and gardening. If you’re into history, a guided tour around the city can give you deeper insights into its past.
Overall, Angers is a wonderful blend of historical charm and modern convenience, offering a perfect escape for anyone looking to soak up French culture in a more relaxed setting.
Accomodation
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Currency: The official currency of Angers is the Euro (EUR). 1 € is equivalent to 1.09 USD.
Keep in mind before travelling to Angers
Angers is a city that knows how to throw a great festival! Throughout the year, it hosts several traditional events that are worth checking out. First up is the Festival de la Magie in April, where magic shows and illusions take over the city. Then there’s the Fête du Vin in May, celebrating local wines with tastings and music. In June, the Festival du Château brings medieval reenactments and music to the castle grounds. Les Accroche-Coeurs in September is a street festival with arts, performances, and food stalls. The Marché de Noël in December transforms the city into a festive wonderland with Christmas markets and lights. Les Nuits de l’Anjou features outdoor concerts and performances in July, and the Festival du Film de Comédie in October showcases comedy films from around the world.
For day trips, you can explore Saumur, known for its stunning chateau and vineyards. Chinon offers medieval charm and wine tasting. Savennières is great for its picturesque vineyards. Fontevraud-l’Abbaye has a historic abbey worth visiting. Le Puy du Fou is a theme park with epic historical shows. Lastly, Nantes is a larger city with museums and historic sites.
Tips to visit Angers
Angers, nestled in the Loire Valley of France, is home to about 150,000 locals known as Angériens. When you’re in Angers, a friendly “Bonjour!” or “Bonsoir!” is the way to go, and everyone appreciates a polite greeting. French is the main language spoken, so a bit of basic French will come in handy.
In Angers, people usually eat lunch around 12:00 to 1:30 PM and dinner from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Business hours generally run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some shops closing for lunch between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. Tipping isn’t mandatory as a service charge is often included, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (around 5-10%) is always appreciated.
Angers is covered by France’s reliable national health system, which provides excellent care. For visitors, especially non-EU ones, having travel insurance is wise as some services may require payment upfront. When it comes to dress code, locals dress casually yet stylishly, so you can fit in with smart casual attire. Typical expressions you might hear include “Ça va?” (How are you?) and “Merci beaucoup!” (Thank you very much!).
