The Château d’Angers, construction of which began in 1230 under Louis IX is different from most of the other chateaux of the Loire as its construction only uses tufa as a decorative feature, as in the bands around its seventeen towers. The main material used is the grey Anjou schist which gives the chateau its formidable, impenetrable appearance. Although the English never actually besieged the structure, it functioned as a place of retreat during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). Two entrances, complete with draw-bridges, allowed for access. It's towers were at one time much higher and turreted before being lowered to the height they now stand. It remained the seat of power for the Angevin kings throughout medieval times.

 

The dried up moats are now home to beautifully tended gardens.

 

 

 

The ramparts hide a lovely  Renaissance style  garden and chapel within the walls of the chateau, appearing unexpectedly as if on an internal plateau.

 

 

 

 You can walk  the ramparts of the fortress    - where it can be quite breezy - overlooking the city and surroundings from its soaring towers and get a feeling of the security it once provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The chateau houses a tapestry museum that includes the famous 140  metre long Apocalypse series tapestries of Nicholas Bataille.

   It is very impressive - and very  long - judge for yourself!