Visiting Château d'Angers

Is Chateau D’Angers Worth Visiting?

Yes, Chateau D’Angers is a medieval castle that features massive stone walls, towers, and the famous "Apocalypse Tapestry," which is one of the oldest and largest tapestries in the world.

Angers France was our first base camp during our exploration of the Loire Valley. We chose it because there were several Chateau’s that we could explore in the area; Chateau D’Angers, Chateau de Brissac and Château de Brézé. This turned out to be the only chateau we were able to walk to and not drive - as our hotel was only 1.1 kilometers from the chateau.

As we walked down the Boulevard du Roi René, we could see the fortress, and it was easily the most imposing stone edifice we had ever seen. The chateau's outer walls were thick and impressive, reaching heights of up to 66 feet in some sections. The walls were built with a type of metamorphic rock known for its durability and distinctive grey-black color - called "schist". The schist was laid in a regular pattern, further emphasizing the strength and structure of the fortress.

Château d'Angers boasts a 1,000-year history woven with battles, intrigue, and artistic flourish. Founded in the 9th century as a wooden stronghold, it was transformed into a stone behemoth under the English Plantagenet family (the true last Counts of Anjou), guarding trade routes and witnessing medieval sieges. NOTE: Click here to read more information about Château d'Angers and the Plantagenet family.

In 1204, the region was conquered by Philip II and the new castle was constructed during the minority of his grandson, Louis IX ("Saint Louis") in the early part of the 13th century. Louis IX rebuilt the castle in whitestone and black slate, with 17 semicircular towers. Gone were the wooden palisades, replaced by the new imposing stone towers, forming an impenetrable shell.

The construction project, spanning several years, was a testament to Louis IX's vision and commitment. The newly christened Château d'Angers was no longer just a fortress, but a formidable symbol of royal authority, strategically placed and architecturally stunning. It stood as a beacon of both military strength and cultural refinement, a testament to a king who sought to rebuild not just a castle, but the very fabric of his kingdom.

The original fortress towers were significantly taller than their present-day counterparts. Each tower reaching heights exceeding 130 feet, were a testament to the castle's defensive capabilities. Why the towers were reduced in height is not known or recorded. It is assumed to be a part of the 15th century redesign, with King René d'Anjou transforming the castle into a dazzling residence. He commissioned the iconic Apocalypse Tapestry, depicting the Book of Revelation, which still hangs within the fortress.

Above image is the property of Gribeco via Wikimedia Commons using the CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED license

The Château d'Angers Tapestry Museum contains the Apocalypse Tapestry, a monumental work of art woven in the late 14th century. This colossal tapestry, stretching over 330 feet in length and depicting scenes from the Book of Revelation, is the largest surviving set of medieval tapestries in the world.

The exact date of the tapestry's creation remains debatable, but most scholars place it around 1373. Louis I, Duke of Anjou, most likely funded the project. The duke's motives for commissioning such a monumental work are open to interpretation.

The design of the tapestry is attributed to Jean Bondol, a Flemish artist who served the French court. He likely used an illuminated manuscript Apocalypse as a partial reference. The actual weaving, a monumental task taking seven years to complete, was entrusted to a workshop of skilled artisans, most likely in Paris.

In the chamber housing the Chateau D’Angers tapestry, the subdued lighting created an atmosphere of solemnity, accentuating the intricate details woven into the fabric. Though photography was prohibited, the benches provided offered a quiet space for uninterrupted contemplation. We found the tapestry to be truly captivating, each scene unfolding with remarkable clarity and artistry. It's an experience I highly recommend, a highlight not to be missed during your visit to the chateau

  Where can I park near Château d’Angers?

Directly across the street from the Logis Hôtel Marguerite d'Anjou, a small pay parking lot with perhaps 25 spaces. The lot is on the southeast corner of the Château, at the intersection of Rue Toussaint and Boulevard du Général de Gaulle. Here is a link to a Google Map displaying where parking can be found in Angers.

  How can I obtain Château d'Angers tickets?

Château d'Angers can be purchased at the door or online. Tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase and include access to the ramparts, courtyard, gardens, royal lodge, chapel and the Apocalypse gallery. Tickets for Chateau d’Angers can be found here can be purchased online here. You can keep your e-tickets on your cell phone, or print them out. Adult prices currrently €9.5 per person.

  What are Château d'Angers Operating Hours?

From May 2nd to September 4th: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm.

From September 5th to April 30th: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

On December 24th and 31st : closing at 4:30 pm.

  Restaurants near Château d'Angers

Several are near the Château on the southeast side. Here is a link to a Google Search Result for "restaurants near Château d'Angers"

  Wikipedia Article for Château d'Angers

Here is the link to view the Château d’Angers Wikipedia Article.

  Are tours available for the Chateau?

There are audio guides available in 5 languages for an additional small fee.

  Our Image Gallery for Château d'Angers

Click here to view our Château d’Angers Image Gallery.

  Google Image Gallery for Château d'Angers

Click here to view the Google Images set for Château d’Angers.

  Website for Château d'Angers

Click here to visit their Website.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations, click any blue colored link to go to that page.