Filled with filled with postcard-pretty villages, endless amounts of chateaus and elegant towns I think the Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful places to explore in France. Angers, the capital of the Maine-et-Loire department in western France, is one of these charming cities!
It’s not hugely known as a tourist destination instead it attracts more discerning visitors in the know but me and Scott Balaam flew out to explore this intriguing city on a long weekend.
I found it was elegant but laid-back place filled with gorgeous half-timbered architecture, excellent museums, impressive chateaus, art galleries galore and some seriously great shopping! But there were just a few things I didn’t like as well and I’ve outlined these at the end of the article…
I started with one of the city’s most iconic landmarks the fine and very striking Château d’Angers, a medieval fortress that has stood guard over the Maine River for over 800 years.
It was a very photogenic place with towering ramparts, imposing towers, and sturdy walls. Inside, I especially loved the intricate Tapestry of the Apocalypse which depicts the end of the world! Yikes!
I fell in love with the city’s historic centre which was dripping with architectural treasures, from the elegant Renaissance facades of the Adam House, also known as the House of Artisans.
This was a stunning and very well-preserved example of Renaissance architecture that when we took a wander inside discovered now houses workshops and studios for local craftsmen.
As we strolled around the city, we stumbled across the zen-like Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Angers which was housed in an impressively preserved former abbey made of stone. Inside it showcased a superb collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning centuries of European history.
I was a big fan of its tranquil courtyard which was dotted with modern art including some sculptures, some of which was very quirky!
We also stumbled across Musée Pincé, a hidden gem tucked away in a fine former mansion overlooking the Maine River.
Here, we wandered through its richly decorated rooms, admiring its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning centuries of history.
Pretty buildings aside, I personally thought that Angers was an incredible place to shop and I loved wandering around its many independent boutiques, shopping for elegant French clothes and accessories as well as quirky trinkets and souvenirs.
The main square was called Place du Ralliement and I really liked this gorgeous historic square which was also the lively hub of the city’s social and cultural life.
From early-morning strolls to late-night gatherings, the square buzzed with life as locals gathered to enjoy a leisurely meal, sip coffee and people-watch in outdoor cafe, or simply soak up the charming atmosphere.
Surrounded by elegant buildings, lively cafes, and bustling shops we sat in the middle of the square people-watching on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand and thought it was a great place to spend a few hours in the sunshine.
Elegant shop fronts and ornate balconies line the square but to me the Grand Théâtre d’Angers really stood out. It was housed in a stunning neoclassical building and it continually hosts cultural events such as operas, ballets, and theatrical performances throughout the year. We stumbled across an elegant light show projected on the front of the building on our trip.
I also loved the food foodie scene in the city, especially the markets which bustled with jostling locals and sold all sorts of local produce (from fresh fish to cooking apples).
The quaint cafes were also another great feature of the city and offered a lot more than the cafes back in the UK! Here we found colourful cocktails served up in gigantic glasses, fine wine and ultra-strong coffees!
Before ending our day, we paid a visit to Anger’s most iconic churches: the Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, with its elegant Baroque facade and ornate interior, and the Église Saint-Antoine, a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture that dates back to the 11th century.
Lastly, we wandered through the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, where centuries-old buildings and half-timbered houses stood as silent witnesses to Angers’ storied past. In fact, I was in awe of most of the striking buildings there, they were so perfectly preserved!
I loved how ancient history and modern innovation coexisted in perfect harmony, creating a city that is as vibrant and dynamic as well as being steeped in tradition! I also loved how compact and walkable everything was and thought it made a great weekend city trip.
As we bid farewell, we were both very grateful for the opportunity to explore this charming city and immerse ourselves in its rich history and culture. From its majestic château to its quaint medieval streets and plenty of elegance and quirky details thrown in for good measure, I thought Angers was a true gem waiting to be discovered by the rest of the tourist crowds!
What I Didn’t Like!
Honestly, there wasn’t a lot I didn’t enjoy about Angers – but if I was pushed, there were a couple of things I could mention. First up was the size, it was very compact which get it a friendly, local vibe which was easy to explore on foot, but it did mean it felt a little quiet and small at times. It was also very quiet in the evenings – there were no crazy nightclubs to be seen, everything felt very civilised but dare I say, a little subdued at the same time!
Also, while the historic centre was beautifully preserved and full of charm, some areas just outside of the city felt a bit more modern and less atmospheric in comparison – so if you’re looking for an old-world French charm on your doorstep then book accommodation for the city centre.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Angers truly surprised me – in the best possible way! While it might not be on every tourist’s radar just yet, I found it to be one of those rare places that effortlessly combined charm, culture, history, and a touch of elegance without feeling overcrowded or over the top!
From the awe-inspiring Château d’Angers to quirky artisan boutiques, incredible food markets, and peaceful art galleries, there was a quiet richness to every experience. It’s a city that feels lived-in, loved, and very authentically French!
If you’re looking for a lesser-known very laid back French city with bags of character, a small town vibe and plenty of photo-worthy corners, this is a gem I recommend adding to your list!
