Le château d'Angers

As early as the IXth century the counts of Anjou settled on a rocky bluff overlooking the river. The early constructions were erected before the end of the XIIIth century: the Count's Palace and the St Laud Chapel bear witness to that time. The present castle was built after 1230 by Blanche de Castille and later her son Louis. It controls the entry to the Paris Basin and defends the Angevin region.

It is made up of 17 large towers standing on an area of 25,000 sq.yds., and there is no keep. Two drawbridges ensured its independence of the city. The citadel became more..

L'Hôtel des Pénitentes

Built by monks at the end of the XVth century, to be used as a place of refuge in troubled times, this building later became a home for a community of Penitent Nuns. Under the name of 'the Refuge' it accommodated ladies of easy virtue and penitent women. Early in the XIXth century this refuge was transformed into an old people's home, then in turn it housed the Justice of the Peace, a museum of architecture and the Society of Architects of Angers. Restored in 1991 it is now a place for functions and exhibitions.

La cathédrale Saint-Maurice

It is the first major work in Plantagent Gothic style, begun in the middle of the XIIth century. The early spires were rebuilt higher in stone in the XVIth century in a flamboyant Gothic style; a great number of alterations were carried out up until 1862. Among other things, Jean de Lespine added to the former gable a Renaissance-style central lantern tower. It is worth noticing the murals of the apse which came to light in 1980, revolutionising our knowledge of Gothic wall-paintings. Most of the stained-glass windows in the chancel date back to the XIth and XIIth centuries, and more..

L'ensemble Saint-Jean

Older than the Hospices de Beaune, this marvellous ensemble of the XIIth century (Granaries and a Hospital) are a must for the tourist. Bearing witness to the architecture of the Middle Ages, the Granaries (les Greniers) were built in 1188, and the cellars dug during the administration of the Knights Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. Superbly renovated they have been transformed into banqueting halls for state occasions. The former Hôpital St Jean (St John's Hospital) is a remarkable example of Gothic Art of the West of France, called Plantagenet Gothic. The sick bay, a more..

L'Abbaye Saint-Serge

The Saint Serge Abbey Church (XIIth century) is a masterpiece of Plantagenet Gothic style. The vaulting of the chancel with its carved keystones is unique. A special feature of the Gothic period in Anjou is the strong contrast between the lightness of the interiors and the thick outer walls buttressing the vaults; it is all the more striking as this abbey marks the high point of this style.

La Maison d'Adam

A half-timbered house, located near the rear of the cathedral. It owes its name to the wooden statues of Adam and Eve on each side of the still extant "Tree of Life". With its many carved figures it stands as the most refined of Angers' wealthy dwelling-houses of the Gothic period, towards the year 1500. Thanks to its position on the corner of two major streets it shows two equally impressive facades.

L'Hôtel du roi de Pologne

Opposite the castle, this beautiful XVIth century dwelling calls to mind Henry II, Duke of Anjou, King of Poland and future King of France. Originally an inn, then a small factory, this building has had many owners. On the first floor may be seen an extremely rare Renaissance fireplace. A listed building since 1922, it was purchased by the town of Angers in 1953, restored in 1987 and entrusted to the "Welcome to Angers" Society.

L'Abbaye du Ronceray

The only abbey remaining from the Norman period, its rehabilitation took place in the XIth century. One of the reminders of that refurbishing is the lofty vaulted nave and its aisles, whose surprising luminosity comes from the enormous openings in its outer walls.

La Tour Saint-Aubin

St Aubin Abbey was founded in 1534. It was reconstructed in the XIIth century on the area where stands the present Hôtel du Département (County Hall). The Abbey no longer exists except for the bell-tower which looks very much like a keep.

Le château du Pin

The Pine-tree Manor-house, set in a residential part of Angers, is a XVth century building embellished with a Renaissance bay overlooking the staircase tower. Recently restored, its park is open to the public. The building now houses "La Maison des Musiques" and "La Galerie Sonore" (The Sound Gallery) with its collection of musical instruments from all over the world.

Le Grand Théâtre

"No Parisian theatre has been so magnificently decorated, nor, what is more, so tastefully." (Le Patriote, 1871 )

A major building of the "Second Empire", the Grand Theatre of Angers was designed by Alphonse Botrel and its interior decoration greatly enriched by the architect who succeeded him, Auguste Magne. The main originality of this building lies in its facade, inspired by the second French Renaissance. Inside, the main work is still the cupola of the sumptuous auditorium (seating 750) painted by Lenepveu, who was also responsible for the decoration of the cupola more..