Loire Valley is likely one of the most lovely locations to discover in France and it’s full of postcard-pretty villages, countless quantities of chateaus and stylish cities. Angers, the capital of the Maine-et-Loire division in western France, is considered one of these charming cities.
It’s not vastly generally known as a vacationer vacation spot as an alternative it attracts extra discerning guests within the know. I flew out to discover town and located a chic however laid-back place full of attractive half-timbered structure, wonderful museums, spectacular chateaus, artwork galleries galore and a few severely nice procuring!
I began with one of many metropolis’s most iconic landmarks the high-quality and really putting Château d’Angers, a medieval fortress that has stood guard over the Maine River for over 800 years.
It was a really photogenic place with towering ramparts, imposing towers, and durable partitions. Inside, I particularly cherished the intricate Tapestry of the Apocalypse which depicts the top of the world! Yikes!
I fell in love with town’s historic centre which was dripping with architectural treasures, from the elegant Renaissance facades of the Adam Home, often known as the Home of Artisans.
This was a surprising and really well-preserved instance of Renaissance structure that after we took a wander inside found now homes workshops and studios for native craftsmen.
We took a surprise across the metropolis and we stumbled throughout the zen-like Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Angers which was housed in a former abbey.
Inside it showcased an outstanding assortment of work, sculptures, and ornamental arts spanning centuries of European historical past.
I used to be a giant fan of its tranquil courtyard dotted with trendy artwork together with some sculptures, a few of which was very quirky!
I additionally stumbled throughout Musée Pincé, a hidden gem tucked away in a high-quality former mansion overlooking the Maine River.
Right here, I wandered via its richly adorned rooms, admiring its huge assortment of work, sculptures, and ornamental arts spanning centuries of historical past.
Fairly buildings apart, I personally thought that Angers was an unimaginable place to buy and I cherished wandering round its many impartial boutiques, purchasing for elegant French garments and equipment in addition to quirky trinkets and souvenirs.
The principle sq. was referred to as Place du Ralliement and I cherished this attractive historic sq. which was additionally the full of life hub of town’s social and cultural life.
From early-morning strolls to late-night gatherings, the sq. buzzes with life as locals gathered to take pleasure in a leisurely meal, sip espresso and people-watch in out of doors cafe, or just absorb the vibey ambiance.
Surrounded by elegant buildings, full of life cafes, and bustling outlets I sat in the course of the sq. people-watching on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand and thought it was an amazing place to whereas away a number of hours within the sunshine.
Elegant store fronts and ornate balconies line the sq. however to me the Grand Théâtre d’Angers actually stood out. It was housed in a surprising neoclassical constructing and it regularly hosts cultural occasions reminiscent of operas, ballets, and theatrical performances all year long. We stumbled throughout a chic gentle present projected on the entrance of the constructing on our journey.
