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Angers Sights and Landmarks Guide, France

Angers, like La Rochelle and Nantes, was used as a base by the Germans during the World War II and lay in ruins at the end of the war. But then the city has risen above the ravages of the war, restoring its rich history and its historical monuments to become one of France’s topmost tourist destinations.

Angers Sights – Cultural Attractions

The biggest cultural lure of Angers city is certainly the Lurcat Museum (locally known as Musée Jean Lurçat), which showcases the works of the famous painter Jean Lurçat. Jean Lurçat is credited with the honor of reviving the art of tapestry and the museum displays a cycle of 10 tapestries. The building housing the museum is the 12th century built Saint-Jean Hospital (which was commissioned by the Plantagenet King, Henry II of England), in itself an attraction. Other notable attractions in the hospital complex include a Romanesque cloister and a chapel.

Musée des Beaux-Arts, the other cultural address of Angers city, has works of Raphael, Ingres, Murillo, Philippe de Champaigne, Chardin, Boucher, Corot and Ribera. The 15th century mansion, Logis Barrault, which houses the museum has historical significance as well; Mary, Queen of Scots, and Catherine de Médicis can be named among its famous residents.

Your next stop can be the 13th century abbey church of Toussaint, which has now been converted into David d'Angers Gallery. Here you can view the artworks of the famous local sculptor of the yesteryears, David d'Angers.

Angers Sights – Historical Attractions

Château d'Angers is undoubtedly one of the most visited Angers sights. Built in the early part of the 13th century, the fortess-wall has 17 circular towers. There’s a whole lot to see inside the fortress – right from a chapel (added in the 15th century) to courtyards, living quarters and windmill towers, etc. The chief attraction, of course, is the famous tapestry Tenture de l'Apocalypse. Woven by Paris weaver Nicolas Bataille in between 1375 and 1380 (based on a painting of Hennequin de Bruges), has St John's vision of the Apocalypse for its theme.

Le Plessis Macé, with its Gothic chapel and inner courtyard, is the other notable attraction. The castle was originally built in the 11th century, however, its present façade owes a lot to 15th century re-construction work.

Angers Sights – Religious Attractions

Speaking of religious sites, the magnetism of the 12th century St Maurice Cathedral with its twin spires and fine stained-glass windows is simply unquestionable. The cathedral is full of sculptured figures and tapestries.

Of course, there are other notable churches in Angers – some intact and some in ruins. We have already talked of the Abbey of Toussaint. Among the others is the Abbey of Saint Aubin, which with its ornately sculpted arcades makes a great viewing. Besides, you can visit the ruins of the 11th century Notre-Dame du Ronceray and the churches of St. Serge and La Trinité.

Angers sights and attractions apart, an Angers holiday brings you the lucrative prospect of viewing the immediate châteaux country as well.