Angers Castle Tour Guide: The Iron Castle of the Loire Valley
Located in the Loire Valley of France, Château d'Angers is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. It is famous for its solid fortifications and the stunning "Apocalypse Tapestry". The following is a concise and practical guide to the tour:
Transportation Guide
• Train: Take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse Station to Angers Station (about 1.5 hours), and walk for 15 minutes or take a taxi for 5 minutes to reach the castle.
• Self-driving: It can be reached from Paris or Nantes along the A11 highway. The castle has a paid parking lot (about 3 euros/hour).
• City transportation: You can take bus No. 1 in Angers to the "Château d'Angers" station, which runs frequently.
Tickets and opening hours
• Tickets: 11 euros for adults, free for those under 18 and EU students; it is recommended to buy a combined ticket (including the "Apocalypse Tapestry" exhibition hall), which costs only 13 euros.
• Opening hours: 9:00-18:30 daily (until 17:00 in winter), closed on Mondays (except holidays). It is recommended to reserve 2-3 hours for the tour.
Core tour route
1. Exploring the fortifications: Stroll along the city walls, observe the remains of 17 towers and a 5-meter-deep moat, and feel the wisdom of medieval military architecture.
2. Saint-Jean Chapel: The only religious building preserved in the castle, the stained glass windows depict the family history of the Count of Anjou.
3. The Apocalypse Tapestry Exhibition Hall: A must-see! This 14th-century masterpiece is 103 meters long, woven with wool and silk, and vividly presents the end-of-the-world scenes in the Bible. It is known as "the greatest textile in the Middle Ages."
4. Royal Apartments: A luxurious residence transformed during the Renaissance, where you can enjoy portraits and exquisite furniture of the Anjou family.
Practical tips
• Free guided tours: French guided tours are available at 11:00 and 15:00 every day, and English guided tours must be booked in advance on the official website (5 euros per person).
• Best photo spots: The tower in the southeast corner of the castle overlooks the Loire River and the old town of Angers, and the light is excellent at sunset.
• Dining suggestions: The castle cafe offers light meals (sandwiches are about 8 euros), but it is recommended to walk 10 minutes to the city center "Le Bistrot d’Angers" to taste local cider and crepes.
Surrounding linkage
• Hiking route: A 20-minute walk north along the banks of the Loire River will lead to the "Parc de Terrault", which is suitable for picnics and cycling.
• Cultural extension: Those with plenty of time can take a bus to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has original works by Monet and Degas.
#7月好去处2025