Unlike the Loire Valley’s delicate, Renaissance-style châteaux, the hulking Château d’Angers is distinctly medieval. You can explore its heritage rooms, admire the views from its ramparts, and unwind in its gardens, but most visitors come for the 14th-century Apocalypse Tapestry, which depicts the biblical apocalypse, and is unique among surviving medieval tapestries for its condition and its dimensions: it measures a whopping 338 feet (103 meters). The Château d’Angers features on several multi-day trips from Paris, which also visit other notable Loire châteaux and Le Mont-Saint-Michel.
The château is home to the Monument Café, which offers indoor and outdoor seating, and is a convenient lunch destination.
Owing to its historic architecture, only some parts of the château are accessible to wheelchair users.
Do not bring large bags or luggage with you; there is no cloakroom available on site.
You can buy tickets in advance online, or on-site. Youths and disabled visitors get free entry, and admission is free to all on the first Sunday of the month from November through March.
Be sure to bring layers with you if you plan to explore the château’s gardens and ramparts; the Apocalypse Tapestry room is kept cool year-round.
For a small additional fee, you can explore the château with an audio guide.
The Château d’Angers is located at 2, promenade du Bout-du-Monde, 49100 Angers, right in the center of town. If using public transport, take TGV trains to Angers Saint-Laud; the city is linked to hubs such as Paris and Lyon, and the castle is only 15 minutes on foot from the station. Local bus and tram lines also serve the area.
The Château d’Angers is open daily. During the May-August high season, it’s open from morning until early evening; it closes an hour early at other times of the year. Last entrance to the château is 45 minutes before closing time. Note that the Château d’Angers is also closed annually on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
The Château d’Angers hosts a number of festive events throughout the year, which are a particularly appealing time to visit the monument. Highlights include the European Night of Museums in May, when museums and monuments welcome visitors late into the evening; Le Grand Ball, held in mid-June; Journées du Patrimoine in mid-September (Heritage Days, when visitors can explore the castle for free); and Le Grand Noël, the chateau’s Christmas festival.
