Chateau d'Angers
Chateau d'Angers
4.5
About
The apparent austerity of this shale and limestone fortress, which the young king Louis IX had built on the edge of his kingdom in the 13th century, contrasts with the tranquil grounds inside the castle walls and the pleasant residence of the Dukes of Anjou, composed of buildings constructed at the end of the Gothic era. To transform and embellish the castle into a more welcoming home for the Anjou court, terraces and gardens were laid out, galleries built and the gateway erected. The star attraction within the walls of the Château d’Angers is the Tapestry of the Apocalypse or woven in 1375. With its 104 metres in length, it is the largest medieval tapestry anywhere in the world. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: La Doutre
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See what travellers are saying
- JennySkiGlasgow, United Kingdom27 contributionsFascinating tapestryThis chateau is worth a visit particularly to see the tapestry of the Apocalypse. It is about 9 or 10 Euros to visit so its not too bad a price. The shop seemed good. Also the Little Train for Angers leaves from outside the castle so we did that too.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 September 2023
- Bernie HEnnis, Ireland194 contributionsCompletely unexpected and stunning interiorThe forbidding walls belie the wonderful interior of this fortress. The exterior is hugely impressive and enormous - although the gardens visible in the moat are an indication of what's to come. Inside it is a beautiful space with gardens, church and what was obviously comfortable accommodation. The views over the city and the formal gardens from the ramparts are well worth the climb. However the highlight is obviously the tapestry of the Apocalypse, which is stunning. The history of the tapestry from design, manufacture and subsequent fate is very well told, as are the stories it depicts. We spent over 4hrs in the chateaux, including a delightful lunch ... highly recommendedVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 October 2023
- Geoff MBrisbane, Australia171 contributionsLovingly RestoredThis attraction is a must-see when visiting. The level of history recorded on the tours is intense. Anything to learn about the people of the time? How history worked out for the good and the bad. Well worth saying take the extra time to stay-a-while.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- Peter MBurford, United Kingdom224 contributionsGive the royal apartments a missThe royal apartments were disappointing.They are now simply an exhibition space with minimal reference to their royal past. The gardens and particularly the views from the ramparts are great but the cherry on the cake are the amazing Apocalypse Tapestries. Seeing them alone is worth the admission price. They are a must seeVisited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,957 reviews
Excellent
1,519
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1,129
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246
Poor
41
Terrible
22
carotravel444
Perth, Australia86 contributions
Feb 2023
I really enjoyed exploring this castle and the incredible Apocalypse Tapestry. The Castle has had many different incarnations in its 600+ year history!
The interiors are simple, but that is because it was still being used by the French military in the 2nd World War, thus anything related to middle age kings and queens was long gone. Some parts were even damaged by bombs, when the Germans attacked what was then a military strong hold.
The walk along the castle walls and view out to the river is wonderful.
The Apocalypse Tapestry that is housed in it's own special gallery in the space where the old palace kitchens once were, is incredible. The story of it's creation, loss, rediscovery, renovation and finally current display again in the 1950s is a story in itself, never mind the amazing pictures from the Book of Revelations. It's 100m long! I found it amazing that such a phenomenal piece of historical work is so little known. Do yourself a favour and visit this wonderful castle and its treasure if in the area. It was a real highlight of my visit to the Loire Valley.
The interiors are simple, but that is because it was still being used by the French military in the 2nd World War, thus anything related to middle age kings and queens was long gone. Some parts were even damaged by bombs, when the Germans attacked what was then a military strong hold.
The walk along the castle walls and view out to the river is wonderful.
The Apocalypse Tapestry that is housed in it's own special gallery in the space where the old palace kitchens once were, is incredible. The story of it's creation, loss, rediscovery, renovation and finally current display again in the 1950s is a story in itself, never mind the amazing pictures from the Book of Revelations. It's 100m long! I found it amazing that such a phenomenal piece of historical work is so little known. Do yourself a favour and visit this wonderful castle and its treasure if in the area. It was a real highlight of my visit to the Loire Valley.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernie H
Ennis, Ireland194 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The forbidding walls belie the wonderful interior of this fortress. The exterior is hugely impressive and enormous - although the gardens visible in the moat are an indication of what's to come. Inside it is a beautiful space with gardens, church and what was obviously comfortable accommodation. The views over the city and the formal gardens from the ramparts are well worth the climb. However the highlight is obviously the tapestry of the Apocalypse, which is stunning. The history of the tapestry from design, manufacture and subsequent fate is very well told, as are the stories it depicts.
We spent over 4hrs in the chateaux, including a delightful lunch ... highly recommended
We spent over 4hrs in the chateaux, including a delightful lunch ... highly recommended
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmeliaJack
Sydney, Australia349 contributions
Aug 2022
Allow yourself at least 2-3 hours to meander around the Chateau d' Angers.
The history is fascinating, the tapestries and medieval art are extraordinary, the gardens are stunning, and do take some time to walk along the walls which have exceptional views over the city – everything about the castle is amazing.
There’s also a lovely cafe within the castle with a alfresco dining area which is great to just chill out for a cold refreshing drink or lunch, in between your meandering!
The chateau is definitely worth visiting when in Angers.
The history is fascinating, the tapestries and medieval art are extraordinary, the gardens are stunning, and do take some time to walk along the walls which have exceptional views over the city – everything about the castle is amazing.
There’s also a lovely cafe within the castle with a alfresco dining area which is great to just chill out for a cold refreshing drink or lunch, in between your meandering!
The chateau is definitely worth visiting when in Angers.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,730 contributions
Jun 2023
We've been wanting to visit this chateau ever since our visit 20+ years ago touring the Loire Valley and chateaux hopping. We just couldn't fit this one in so this is definitely a visit long time in the making.
The structure itself is so unique. You can walk all the way up to the top of the ramparts. Great view of the area. We found the whole area easy to navigate. They sort of "tease" you on where to see the Apocalyptic tapestry (at the very end, of course. In its own museum with great controls to best preserve them)
The back of the chateau was undergoing some restoration, but our photos were great since the photogenic side with all the French gardens was in the front.
We were here about 3 hours. The parking lot was pretty vacant, right by the office of tourism. It is very close to the cathedral, so combine the visit to best utilize your time.
The structure itself is so unique. You can walk all the way up to the top of the ramparts. Great view of the area. We found the whole area easy to navigate. They sort of "tease" you on where to see the Apocalyptic tapestry (at the very end, of course. In its own museum with great controls to best preserve them)
The back of the chateau was undergoing some restoration, but our photos were great since the photogenic side with all the French gardens was in the front.
We were here about 3 hours. The parking lot was pretty vacant, right by the office of tourism. It is very close to the cathedral, so combine the visit to best utilize your time.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greconj
New Jersey368 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The chateau itself is quite mediocre compared to others in the Loire Valley. The navigation signs throughout were lacking and it was difficult to follow. However, the tapestry of the apocalypse is worthy of its own museum and should be known throughout the world. It’s beautiful and fascinating and awe inspiring. It’s really that good!
Written 16 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
g00dappetite
Amsterdam, The Netherlands153 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
The tapestry of the Apocalypse is wonderful - and it is a good thing it did Not get lost or destroyed. But... the chateau has so much more history and so much more to see; it is worthwhile to look for it (because as is, the curators of the Chateau do not show much of it, which is a pity).
Evidently this Chateau has rich history, having been near the frontier of the English invasion of France, and the attempted Moorish invasion of Europe (held off near nearby Poitiers). The Vikings also plundered this region, so please read up on this more general local history, or hope that the information offered in the Chateau will in the future tell more of those stories too...
Evidently this Chateau has rich history, having been near the frontier of the English invasion of France, and the attempted Moorish invasion of Europe (held off near nearby Poitiers). The Vikings also plundered this region, so please read up on this more general local history, or hope that the information offered in the Chateau will in the future tell more of those stories too...
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello
We are sorry that you missed information on the castle’s history.
In addition to the information signage on the tour, a tour document in your language was given to you free of charge at the entrance, which is very useful for obtaining information on the monument. In the royal residence, two large panels translated into English give all the useful information on the location of the various rooms of this building in the 15th century. The comments on the models, also translated, allow you to better understand the evolution of the monument’s architecture.
Moreover, you can also take an audio guide (1 hour 30 minutes) for 3 euros or buy books (from 5 euros) on sale at the shop with reliable information on the history of this monument and of Anjou.
Best regards
Written 15 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jazzymalazzy
Cardiff, UK49 contributions
Jul 2023
You MUST visit, if only to see the medieval tapestry of the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse. It's stunning. There is also a lovely exhibition aimed at children (but good for adults too) explaining more about how the tapestry was made, and how people in the medieval ages lived.
Written 18 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip C
York, ME576 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
A wonderfully preserved Castle that captures the history of Angers from its very early history. A well architected tour takes you through the ages in a somewhat sequential path. But the real highlight of this treasure is the incredible series of tapestries which were commissioned by Louis 1. Make sure you don the headsets for this Castle tour and especially the tapestries.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fsdukejr
Des Moines, WA2,533 contributions
May 2022
The exterior is impressive but gives you no clue as to the immense gardens and chateaus inside. The audio tour guide is a must. We followed it and played all the segments. It is especially important for understanding the story being told by the immense tapestry. We spent over 3 hours walking the grounds and viewing the tapestries. If you miss this, you will have missed the most unique attraction in Angers.
Written 13 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily J
Rennes, France63 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is a great half a day out. I wish we had more time to read all of the information but this wasn’t possible with young children. There is a cafe to sit down but no take away options/ bottles of water etc. The tapestry was amazing. It was ok for children but better suited to adults.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chateau-Angers
Angers, France
Hi
No sorry, dogs or animals are not allowed inside the castle (except assistance dogs).
Written 1 October 2019
Ciao castello .. é possibile visitarti con il mio piccolo kiwawa?
Written 26 July 2019
Mi spiace non so dire se si possono portare animali all'interno.
Credo che non siano ammessi dove è esposto l'arazzo, ma è meglio visitare il sito della fortezza e verificare
Written 5 August 2019
bonjour, savez vous où on peut se garer pour voir ces animations? merci
Written 11 August 2018
bonjour, il y a un parking aux pieds du chateau d'angers.
Written 11 August 2018
la visite du chateau est elle accessible aux PMR?
Written 18 July 2017
Le monde selon Marie
Maine et Loire, France
2 contributions
La visite sur les remparts risque de ne pas pouvoir se faire entièrement néanmoins, toutes les salles (tapisserie, etc.) sont normalement accessibles.
Written 12 May 2021
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