Visit Angers in 2 days
16 must-see POIs, optimized routes and anecdotes.
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You will visit the most beautiful points of interest in Angers
2 Days in Angers — A Cozy Two-Day Love Letter to the Garden of France
Angers stole my heart the moment I wandered under its slate roofs and chestnut trees. Called the "Garden of France," the city feels surprisingly intimate and layered. Some say it's overrated, but for me those whispers only made discovery sweeter. I came as a curious stranger and left like a friend who already plans a return.
Why visit Angers? Because it balances gentle history with lively local life. Strolling Place du Ralliement feels like stepping into a warm scene of cafés and tram bells. Inside Logis Pincé, baroque facades make you pause and breathe. The hush and light in St. Maurice Cathedral quiets even the busiest thoughts. This short circuit of the senses gives you taste—fresh pastries and crisp cider—sight—timbered streets and theatrical roofs—and sound—street musicians and church bells. If you’re searching for what to see in Angers, these spots are only the beginning.
Planning a trip can feel overwhelming. There is so much to explore in Angers you could stay for weeks. I get it—time never feels enough on a first visit. That’s why this compact Angers itinerary is designed for people like you and me. It pares down the choices without losing soul. Below I’ll show you how to experience the essentials, from grand theaters to tucked-away courtyards, across two full, joyful days. This plan covers sixteen memorable stops without sprinting.
Key tip: Start your days early. Morning light transforms the medieval stone, crowds are thinner, and cafés feel more generous with their smiles. Early starts let you linger in Place du Ralliement, absorb the grandeur of Grand Theater, and savor quiet moments at Adam's House. Pace yourself, drink in small moments, and leave space for surprises. Now let's dive into the itinerary!
Quick Mini Guide to Angers
Where to stay:
- Base near Place du Ralliement for trams, cafés and evening buzz; alternative: beside Château d'Angers for early access to the tapestry.
- Choose a historic guesthouse in the Vieil Angers to enjoy timber-framed streets and quieter nights.
When to visit:
- Late spring–early autumn (May–Sept) for terrace weather and riverbank strolls; September hosts street arts festival Les Accroche-Cœurs.
- Weekdays are calmer at the Château and St. Maurice Cathedral; mornings best for the Apocalypse Tapestry view.
Things to do (2-day plan):
- Day 1: Start at Place du Ralliement, walk to Logis Pincé and Maison d'Adam, lunch in medieval lanes, evening show at the Grand Theatre.
- Day 2: Château d'Angers + Apocalypse Tapestry, riverside walk along the Maine, visit St. Maurice Cathedral. Book an interactive tour — Mates, Mess and Madness Angers or Saving Marsupilami! ANGERS — to add hands-on local flavor.
- Sample Anjou wines and Quernons d’Argent chocolates between sights.
Don't forget:
- Comfortable shoes for cobbles; bring a light layer for river breezes.
- Check opening times and reserve interactive tours in advance; cash for small cafés and markets.
Day 1 - Angers
10 POIs to discoverDay 1 - Morning à Angers
5 Points of interest - Duration : 4h30 - Distance : 0.7 km - Walking : 0h09
Angers municipal library
- Founded in 1798, the Toussaint media library is one of 9 municipal libraries located in Angers.
- The media library contains an extensive collection of adult and children's books, as well as magazine titles, records, sheet music, DVDs and antique documents.
- Heritage collections include medieval manuscripts, incunabula, correspondence, writers' drafts, heritage print holdings, atlases, photographic holdings, musical holdings and more.
Place Michel Debré
- Michel Debré was Prime Minister of the Fifth Republic (1959-1962).
- He played a key role in drafting the Constitution of the Fifth Republic.
- In the past, the ancient church of Saint-Aubin occupied the square, built to house the tomb of Bishop Aubin.
- In the 6th and 7th centuries, the church became a monastery, but was destroyed in 1816 to make way for Place Michel Debré.
- Parts of the former church have been incorporated into the Maine et Loire prefecture, but traces remain, notably the Romanesque columns on the north and south walls.
- The fortified bell tower, also known as the Tour Saint Aubin, is an iconic vestige of the former church.
Place Saint-Éloi
- The recently renovated Place Saint-Eloi is one of the jewels of Angers city center.
- It's surrounded by the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Café des Orfèvres, the Institut Municipal, the Tour Saint Aubin and century-old houses.
- At the center of the square is a magnificent sculpture of a woman's face, an unfinished portrait by Igor Mitoraj, a renowned Franco-Polish sculptor.
- His intentionally damaged works explore the imperfect human condition and the importance of memory.
Galerie David d'Angers
- The David d'Angers museum gallery is dedicated to the works of the 19th century sculptor, David d'Angers.
- The collection is mainly composed of original plaster casts used as models for the final sculptures in bronze or marble.
- Pierre-Jean David d'Angers donated several of his works to the city in 1811, becoming a celebrated figure of regional Romanticism.
- Its collection includes statues, busts and medallions, as well as drawings and preparatory works for major works.
Tau Palace
- Its presence is attested as far back as the 9th century, with the current building dating from the early 12th century.
- It takes its name from its "T-shaped" layout, inspired by the great Tau hall of the archbishopric of Rémois, also built on a T-shaped organization.
- Contains a lower common room, stables, synod room, bishops' chapel, dungeon and circular kitchen.
- Various uses: tapestry museum, religious art, diocesan house of works.
Day 1 - Afternoon à Angers
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 1.8 km - Walking : 0h23
Adam's House
- Built around 1491, the Maison d'Adam is a half-timbered house, typical of the region.
- Over the years, it has passed through the hands of various notable Angers families, testifying to its importance in local history.
- Unfortunately damaged during the Revolution, the house has been restored several times, with the last major restoration taking place in 1994.
- La Maison d'Adam is distinguished by its half-timbered architecture, carved beams, and a sculpture depicting a "tree of life".
- It also features numerous religious and secular exterior sculptures, as well as picturesque characters such as the famous "Father three-balls".
St. Maurice Cathedral
- Its construction began in the 12th century and was completed in the 13th.
- The dominant architectural style is Angevin Romanesque-Gothic.
- The cathedral's interior includes a Baroque canopied high altar, a 19th-century neo-Gothic pulpit, stalls, funerary monuments, and an organ.
- The cathedral organ has a long history with several constructions, reconstructions and renovations over the centuries.
- The cathedral bell tower contains nine bells, including the "Maurice" bell cast by Besson and weighing 6700 kg.
Prison
- Angers prison, known as the Pré-pigeon prison, was built in the mid-19th century to replace the Château d'Angers as the city's main place of detention.
- The guillotine was used twice in front of the prison entrance in 1896 and 1934, and in 1947, two death row inmates were executed in the inner courtyard.
- The last execution by guillotine at the prison took place in 1949 and was that of Germaine Leloy, the last woman guillotined in France.
- During the Second World War, the prison was used by the Germans to intern and torture resistance fighters.
- Today, it is still in operation, pending the opening of a new prison initially scheduled for 2023.
Saint-Serge Abbey
- The royal abbey of Saint-Serge-lès-Angers was founded in the early 7th century by the Merovingian kings.
- Controlled by the kings of Brittany, it contains relics of Saint Brieuc.
- It suffered much looting during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion.
- It still boasts stained glass windows from the 8th and 9th centuries with interlacing motifs, and others from the 19th century.
- Currently, the abbey and seminary buildings are used by the Lycée Joachim-du-Bellay, and the church is still active for the parish community.
Saint-Samson Church
- The church is integrated into the Jardin des Plantes and used as a storeroom.
- Built from the 11th century onwards, it was the seat of a parish in the center of a densely populated suburb.
- Initially dedicated to Saint-Samson and then Saint-Serge.
- The Romanesque bases of the building have been preserved, but the porch was remodeled in the 16th century.
- The church was transformed into an orangery and then into a storeroom.
Day 2 - Angers
6 POIs to discoverDay 2 - Morning à Angers
5 Points of interest - Duration : 3h45 - Distance : 1.5 km - Walking : 0h19
Logis Pincé
- The Logis Pincé, erected between 1528 and 1535, is a Renaissance-style mansion designed for Jean de Pincé, mayor of Angers.
- In 1889, the Musée Pincé was opened to the public here, housing Greek, Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian antiquities, as well as Chinese and Japanese works of art.
- Today, the museum's collections include ceramics, glassware, Greek and Roman bronzes, representations of Egyptian gods, objects related to Egyptian daily life, Japanese theater masks, Chinese works of art, etc.
Grand Theater
- The Grand Théâtre is a 19th-century concert hall.
- It hosts musical, theatrical and operatic performances.
- It has a rich history, dating back to Gallo-Roman times and the construction of a first municipal theater in 1794.
- The Grand Théâtre is built with materials such as tuffeau and ashlar, and its architecture features elaborate elements such as fluted columns and statues of muses.
- The pediment features the arms of the city of Angers and allegories, such as fame and eloquence.
City hall of Angers
- Louis XI granted Angers a municipal charter in 1475, establishing municipal power and town halls.
- The town's administration was previously under the control of the Counts and Dukes of Anjou.
- The administration moved several times: to the Hôtel de la Godeline in 1484, to the Grande Maison des Halles in 1531, to the former Collège des Oratoriens in 1823..
- The current town hall was built in 1980 with a modern design and innovative structure Other historic buildings, such as the Hôtel de Chemellier and the former Ursuline convent, are integrated into the municipal administration.
Maison du Croissant
- The House of the Tower or Crescent was built in the 15th century.
- King René created the Order of the Crescent to revive chivalry in 1448.
- This order combines an honorary distinction, a mutual aid society and a chivalric brotherhood.
- Its knights must keep the peace, help widows and orphans, and respect ladies.
- They wear an enameled gold crescent with the motto "Los en croissant" on Sundays, which can still be read here today.
Château d'Angers
- Louis IX had the present château built in the 13th century.
- It was used as a residence by the Dukes of Anjou in the 15th century, which still owes it its second name of "château des ducs d'Anjou".
- In the 16th century, troubles linked to the Wars of Religion led to the château's partial destruction.
- Over the years, the château served as a prison, garrison and ammunition depot during the Second World War.
- It occupies a strategic position on the western flank of the Cité hill, the highest point in Angers.
- Prehistoric structures, a Gallic oppidum and Roman remains testify to the site's very ancient history.
Day 2 - Afternoon à Angers
1 Points of interest - Duration : 0h45 - Distance : 0 km - Walking : 0h00
Place du Ralliement
- Before Place du Ralliement, Place des Halles was the bustling center of Angers, housing institutions and bringing residents together for various activities.
- The square's ancestors date back to the time of Augustus, with archaeological evidence of potters' workshops and active life during the High Roman Empire.
- The 3rd-century crisis and invasions put an end to the area's prosperity, leading it to become an abandoned and later religious quarter.
- In the 4th century, a basilica dedicated to St.
- Peter was built, followed by other churches and chapels erected by successive bishops, forming an enduring religious ensemble.
- Until the creation of Place du Ralliement in 1791, there were still church forecourts, cemeteries and narrow lanes, some remnants of which still contribute to the medieval atmosphere of the district.
Where to Stay in Angers
Choosing where to sleep in Angers matters more than you might think for a short two-day visit: the city is compact and pleasantly walkable, so a well-placed base turns every morning into easy sightseeing time rather than a commute. Aim to be near the heart so you can wander to the main sights — the cafés around Place du Ralliement, the carved timber façades near the Logis Pincé, and the medieval charm around Adam’s House — without having to schedule your day around transport.
Angers is organized around the river Maine and a small, lively center. The east-bank centre-ville (around the square and main shopping streets) is lively in the evenings and ideal if you like being in the middle of restaurants and tram stops. Cross the river and you’ll find quieter, older lanes in neighbourhoods that feel more residential and historic; these are the streets where the stone houses and narrow alleys bring medieval Angers to life and put St. Maurice Cathedral and the Grand Théâtre within a short stroll.
For a short stay, I recommend three simple approaches to neighbourhood choice: stay right by the Place du Ralliement if you want instant access to cafés, evening life and easy tram or bus links; pick a lodging near the Logis Pincé and surrounding lanes for a compact, historic atmosphere and quieter nights; or base yourself by Adam’s House / the cathedral quarter for a deeply atmospheric feel and the comfort of being steps from the principal monuments. All three keep you within easy walking distance of one another for a two-day itinerary.
Transport in Angers is straightforward: most visitors arrive at Gare d’Angers Saint‑Laud and can walk or catch a short tram or bus ride to the centre. Taxis are readily available and the city is very bike-friendly if you prefer two wheels for short hops. For two days, plan on walking as your main mode and using public transport only for longer legs or if the weather turns.
Finally, don’t overthink hotels — pick a place that feels safe, centrally situated, and offers simple conveniences like luggage storage or a flexible check-in. With a compact base near the places named above you’ll spend less time traveling and more time enjoying Angers’ centuries-old streets and relaxed Loire Valley charm.
Getting Around Angers
Angers is wonderfully easy to navigate, even if you're visiting for the first time. The city center is compact and well signposted, and the public network run by Irigo combines frequent tram and bus services that reach most tourist spots. You’ll find stops at obvious places like Place du Ralliement, and the pace is relaxed compared with larger French cities, so getting from the square to sights like the Logis Pincé or Adam's House feels natural and unhurried. The vehicles are clean, drivers are helpful, and the system is built for short hops as well as longer rides across the metro area 🚇.
Practical tip: buy your tickets before you board. There are handy ticket machines at tram stops and major bus hubs, and you can often use the Irigo ticket app or contactless payment depending on the vehicle. Single fares are affordable (usually just a couple of euros), and if you plan several trips in a day it’s worth grabbing a day pass—it’s simpler and can save money. Always validate your paper ticket or activate your mobile pass when you get on; inspectors do patrol occasionally 🎫.
Rely on Google Maps or the Irigo app for real-time routes and departures — both will show you whether it’s faster to walk or wait for the next tram. Google’s transit directions are generally spot on here: choose the transit option, check the estimated wait times, and you’ll see where to get off and the short walking route to your destination. If you prefer low-tech, the tram and bus maps posted at stops are clear and often include walking times to major landmarks.
To save money and add flexibility, mix walking with public transport. Angers is very walkable, so many visitors find that combining a few short tram rides with scenic walks along the Maine or through the old town is the most enjoyable—and cheapest—way to see the city. Also look for multi-ride tickets or a 24-hour pass if you’ll hop on and off; renting a city bike is another easy option for mid-distance trips and often cheaper than multiple single fares 💡.
I remember one sunny afternoon when we wanted to go from Place du Ralliement to Adam's House after a museum visit at the Logis Pincé. We validated a single ticket at the tram stop near the square, jumped on for one short stop, then hopped off and enjoyed a ten-minute stroll through narrow streets to the timbered Adam’s House. It felt effortless—the tram saved time on the first leg, and walking let us discover a tiny café I’d never have noticed otherwise. You’ll find that same pleasant mix of transit and walking makes exploring Angers both efficient and charming 🗺️.
What to Pack for Angers
Short trip to Angers means lots of wandering between the Château, the old town, and a couple of theatres — you’ll cover more ground than you expect. I once walked 15 km (about 9 miles) in a single day there, popping into narrow streets and pausing for cafés; these choices are what I bring every time because they solve the real problems I hit on a two-day city stretch.
1. Comfortable walking shoes (required — e.g., Merrell Moab 2): Cobblestones, steps up to the château towers and long pavements add up fast. The first time I wore new sneakers I had blisters after 6 km; after switching to a broken-in pair like Merrell Moab 2 or Ecco Soft 7 I went 12+ km a day with no pain. Good soles and ankle support keep you enjoying sites, not nursing feet.
2. Cross-body bag (preferably lockable, e.g., Pacsafe style): Angers isn’t dangerous, but narrow streets and busy theatre evenings mean you want hands-free security. I keep passport, cards and a folded map in a zippered, close-to-body bag — once I had my phone bounce out of a loose tote on a tram stop, and I still prefer the peace of mind a secure cross-body gives when you’re out 8–10+ hours.
3. Weather-appropriate layers (light waterproof jacket + scarf): The Loire Valley weather flips fast. On one drizzle-heavy afternoon my thin jumper soaked through; a lightweight waterproof with a packable hood saved the rest of the day. A scarf is great for chilly theatre interiors or breezy riverside walks. Layers let you move from sunny courtyard to cool cathedral with comfort.
4. European power adapter (Type C/E, 230V): French sockets are Type E (Type C plugs fit), so bring a small adapter with USB ports. I forgot one once and charged in short spurts in cafés — inconvenient when you want to use maps, tickets and photos all day. A proper adapter keeps you moving between shows and monuments without hunting sockets.
5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): Between photos of the tapestry, map apps and ticket confirmations, battery drains fast. I carry a 10,000 mAh bank that gave me a full phone charge and still had juice for evening plans — enough to last a full day of sightseeing without cutting corners.
6. Optional: compact umbrella & small travel scarf: Compact umbrellas fold into a coat pocket for sudden showers I’ve hit twice in Angers, and a thin scarf doubles as a neck warmer or a light shawl in theatres. Both take almost no space but rescue comfort quickly.
Profitez de votre voyage à Angers !
En deux jours, cet itinéraire couvre seize lieux indispensables d'Angers, des cafés animés de la Place du Ralliement au charme Renaissance du Logis Pincé, jusqu'à la mystérieuse Maison d'Adam. Il est pensé pour être bien rempli, mêlant monuments, architecture et spectacles, et vous donne tout ce qu'il vous faut pour découvrir la ville sans perdre de temps.
Souvenez-vous que ceci reste un guide, pas un emploi du temps strict : laissez de la place à l'imprévu. La vraie magie d'Angers survient souvent quand vous vous perdez volontairement dans ses ruelles, tombez sur une exposition inatendue ou vous attardez dans un café au soleil. Ne cherchez pas à tout voir : mieux vaut savourer quelques moments que courir après quinze.
J'espère que vous êtes prêt(e) à tomber sous le charme angevin : je suis impatient(e) pour vous de voir la lumière sur les façades du château ou l'ambiance conviviale de la Place du Ralliement. Embrassez chaque instant, et préparez-vous à repartir avec des souvenirs inoubliables.
Envie d'une découverte ludique ? Les parcours Coddy — Mates, Mess and Madness Angers, Saving Marsupilami! ANGERS — transforment la ville en jeu, parfaits pour les familles et les curieux. Découvrez ces aventures interactives pour une façon originale et amusante d'explorer Angers.
Bon voyage ! Amusez-vous bien à Angers — partagez vos découvertes ou posez-moi des questions si besoin, je serai ravi(e) de vous lire. Profitez !
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