In the heart of the Loire Valley, an area known for its grand chateaus and wineries, the mid-sized city of Angers makes an excellent base for exploring the region. If you’re a fan of art and architecture, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Angers. Don’t miss the Château d'Angers, a massive medieval fortification that initially belonged to the Plantagenets, a royal house who ruled England from the 13th century until they were defeated in the War of the Roses. The castle houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, the most extensive set of medieval tapestries in existence.
The weather in Angers is most pleasant from late spring until early fall, and you'll find the warmest temperatures and lowest chance of rainfall if you visit between May and September. However, note that many French people take multi-week vacations in August, and some shops and even restaurants shut for all or part of the month. Film fans may want to consider coming in January when the Angers European First Film Festival occurs.
Angers has an excellent public transportation system, with an extensive network of trams and busses that connect different points in the city and provide service to surrounding suburbs. Most lines converge near the central Angers Saint-Laud railway station in the city center. Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available. If you’d like to explore the Angers by bicycle, there’s a free loaner bike service—VéloCité—with roughly 2,750 bikes across the city.
If you're feeling hungry after visiting the Château d'Angers (Angers Castle), the nearby Crêperie du Château is a great place to refuel. This adorable spot is housed in a centuries-old structure with exposed wooden beams and mismatched tables, making it feel more like a family dining room than a restaurant. There’s also a small courtyard for alfresco dining on warmer days. The extensive menu features sweet crepes and savory galettes stuffed with everything from smoked haddock to leeks.
