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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.
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The
dry moats of the chateau are now home to
beautifully tended gardens.
Inside the ramparts hide a lovely Renaissance style garden and
chapel within the walls of the chateau, appearing unexpectedly as if
on an internal plateau.
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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.
Kids will love this part - and its free for them!
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!
Practical information
Open every day
2 May 2 to 4 September: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
5 September to 30 April: 10 am to 5.30 pm
Last entrance time 45 minutes
before closing time
Closed
January 1 May 1 November 1 November 11 and December 25
Prices
Adults: €
9.00
Concessions:€ 7.00
Free for children under 18
Free for people under 26 years old who are citizens
of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are
non-permanent European residents of France
Official website:
http://angers.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/
Chateau d'Angers is located in the
city of Angers on the banks of the river Maine
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Getting there by
train-- Three trains per day make the 1
1/2-hour trip from Paris's Garede Montparnasse. From Tours, seven
trains per day make the 1-hour trip.Angers train station, at place de la Gare, is a convenient walk
from the château.
From Saumur, there are three bus
connections a day from Monday to Saturday (1 1/2 hr.). Buses arrive
at place de la République.
Driving from Tours,
take A85 exit onto A11/E501 toward Nantes/Angers or take N152
southwest to Saumur, turning west on D952.
Driving from Paris, take A11 via Les
Mans.
Visitor Information -- The Office de
Tourisme, 7 place du Président-Kennedy
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