Château d'Angers
A formidable medieval fortress housing the monumental Apocalypse Tapestry and offering stunning rampart views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tapestry viewing
Château d'Angers
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better tapestry viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A formidable medieval fortress housing the monumental Apocalypse Tapestry and offering stunning rampart views.
"One of the best château visits in France. Awe-inspiring. You will not be disappointed."
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with detailed historical context for the tapestry and castle.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and ramparts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Apocalypse Tapestry
A monumental medieval masterpiece depicting the Book of Revelation, woven with 25 colors.
Battlement Walks
Stroll along the impressive ramparts for panoramic views of Angers and the Maine River.
Royal Apartments
Explore the former living quarters of the Counts of Anjou and Kings of France.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fortress or Fairytale?
Tapestry is the Star
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with detailed historical context for the tapestry and castle.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and ramparts.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush the Apocalypse Tapestry; it's the highlight and deserves your attention.
📸 Capture the Views
The ramparts offer fantastic photo opportunities of the city and river.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with detailed historical context for the tapestry and castle.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces and ramparts.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush the Apocalypse Tapestry; it's the highlight and deserves your attention.
📸 Capture the Views
The ramparts offer fantastic photo opportunities of the city and river.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Château d'Angers as an impressive and historically rich site, with the Apocalypse Tapestry being a standout attraction. Many find the entry fee to be excellent value for the experience. Some note it's more of a fortress than a fairytale castle, but this doesn't detract from its awe-inspiring nature.
"Great château but more of a defended fortress. Well worth the 11 euro entry fee. Coffee shop, bookshop and toilets. Most areas wheelchair friendly. Apocalypse tapestry and exhibition well worth a visit. Parking nearby suspended for resurfacing."
Sarah Masters
"Just did a tour and it was so fascinating. Such history, and beauty, so well preserved and displayed. Really enjoyed the guided tour by audio device."
Chris Kloetstra
"There is so much to see and learn in this castle with huge walls. Already, the Romans and Gallic tribes (mainly the Andecavi) had settlements at this place. The Romans called it Juliomagus .
The Counts of Anjou built a first stone fortification in the 9th century, which was expanded and beautified in the next centuries.
You should visit the former palace and large chapel first as there is an exhibition on the background of the large tapestry in the special building.
There is information on the apocalyptic times when the tapestry was made, how it was made, and much more.
The Tapestry of the Apocalypse is a masterpiece of medieval art woven from died wool with 25 different colours. Originally, it measured 140 x 6 meters, of which 103 meters survived and is on display. It tells the story of the final book of the New Testament, the Revelations by Saint John.
The tapestry is divided into sections of 2x7 scenes with a larger image preceeding a section of a figure reading the Apocalypse. You follow the scenes in each section from top left to right and then from bottom left to right.
There are remarkable details in the scenes, so you take your time to appreciate it all.
Furthermore, there are some nice gardens on the walls where you can also have a panoramic view of the castle and the city"
Seimen Burum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The château is centrally located in Angers. You can easily walk from the city center or take local buses. Parking nearby was suspended for resurfacing, so public transport or walking is recommended.
Parking options can be limited and may be under construction. It's best to check current local advisories or opt for public transport or walking.
Yes, Angers has a good public transport network. Several bus lines stop near the château, making it easily accessible.
Most areas of the château are wheelchair friendly, including the Apocalypse Tapestry exhibition.
Angers city center is very walkable. Exploring on foot allows you to discover hidden gems and easily reach attractions like the château.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are around 11 euros, which is considered well worth the experience for the history and the tapestry.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance can save time, especially during peak season. Check the official website for current recommendations.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Château d'Angers website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Inquire at the ticket office or check the official website for details.
Your ticket typically includes access to the ramparts, royal apartments, and the exhibition of the Apocalypse Tapestry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The undisputed star is the immense Apocalypse Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval art. The château's history and ramparts are also significant draws.
To fully appreciate the tapestry and explore the grounds, plan for at least 2-3 hours.
Yes, audio guides are available and highly recommended to understand the rich history and details of the tapestry and castle.
The château features pleasant gardens on the walls, offering lovely panoramic views of the city and river.
Children can enjoy the scale of the fortress and the visual storytelling of the tapestry, though the historical context might be more engaging for older kids.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas and the royal apartments, but often restricted inside the Apocalypse Tapestry exhibition to protect the artwork.
The ramparts offer stunning panoramic views of Angers. The courtyards and exterior architecture also make for great shots.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical sites like Château d'Angers to preserve the monument and ensure visitor safety. Always check local regulations.
A versatile camera that handles both wide shots (for rampart views) and detail shots (for architectural elements) would be ideal. A smartphone is also sufficient for most visitors.
Yes, photography is usually not permitted inside the exhibition hall for the Apocalypse Tapestry to preserve its delicate fibers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Consider an audio guide to make the history more accessible, and ensure kids wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds. The gardens offer a nice break, and the sheer size of the château is often impressive enough for younger visitors.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the tapestry, delve into the architectural evolution of the château, from its early fortifications to the grand royal apartments. The audio guide is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the historical events and figures associated with this significant landmark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Apocalypse Tapestry: A Medieval Marvel
Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the tapestry, which is divided into sections. Each section features scenes from the Apocalypse, often preceded by an image of a figure reading the text. The level of detail is remarkable, offering a glimpse into medieval life, beliefs, and artistic techniques. The exhibition provides context on the historical period, the creation process, and the narrative of the tapestry, making it a truly immersive experience.
While photography is usually prohibited within the tapestry hall to protect the delicate fibers, the visual impact and historical significance of this masterpiece are unforgettable. It's a must-see for anyone visiting Angers, offering a profound connection to medieval history and art.
Château d'Angers: More Than Just a Castle
Exploring the battlement walks offers a fantastic perspective on the château's scale and provides panoramic views of Angers and the Maine River. Wandering through the royal apartments gives a sense of the lives of the Counts of Anjou and subsequent royalty who resided here. The château has witnessed centuries of French history, serving as a strategic stronghold and a royal residence.
Beyond the main attractions, the château grounds include pleasant gardens, offering a tranquil space to reflect on the history you've absorbed. The combination of formidable architecture, rich historical narratives, and the awe-inspiring Apocalypse Tapestry makes Château d'Angers a compelling destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
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