Loire Valley is likely one of the most lovely locations to discover in France and it’s crammed with postcard-pretty villages, infinite quantities of chateaus and chic cities. Angers, the capital of the Maine-et-Loire division in western France, is one in every of these charming cities.
It’s not massively often known as a vacationer vacation spot as an alternative it attracts extra discerning guests within the know. I flew out to discover the town and located a chic however laid-back place crammed with beautiful half-timbered structure, glorious museums, spectacular chateaus, artwork galleries galore and a few significantly nice buying!
I began with one of many metropolis’s most iconic landmarks the fantastic and really hanging 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 the town’s historic centre which was dripping with architectural treasures, from the elegant Renaissance facades of the Adam Home, also called the Home of Artisans.
This was a shocking 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 marvel 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 fashionable 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 fantastic former mansion overlooking the Maine River.
Right here, I wandered by 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 unbelievable 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 known as Place du Ralliement and I cherished this beautiful historic sq. which was additionally the vigorous hub of the 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 outside cafe, or just absorb the vibey ambiance.
Surrounded by elegant buildings, vigorous cafes, and bustling retailers I sat in the course of the sq. people-watching on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand and thought it was an awesome 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 shocking neoclassical constructing and it frequently hosts cultural occasions reminiscent of operas, ballets, and theatrical performances all year long. We stumbled throughout a chic mild present projected on the entrance of the constructing on our journey.