Angers is a destination that truly deserves a visit. The iconic Château d’Angers, a medieval fortress from the 13th century, houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a gem of medieval tapestry art. This monumental work, measuring over 100 meters long and 4.5 meters high, has been inscribed in 2023 on UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register.
In the heart of Angers, the Saint-Maurice Cathedral, a stunning Gothic building from the 12th century, and the beautiful Place Sainte-Croix are also worth exploring. Take some time during your stroll to stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants in the city center, where you can savor local specialties like rillauds d’Anjou or Loire pike.
Angers serves as the perfect starting point to discover the vast Anjou-Saumur wine region, which stretches over nearly 20,000 hectares and includes no fewer than 27 AOC (controlled designation of origin) appellations. This diversity promises plenty of wine tasting opportunities ahead. The Anjou-Saumur vineyard is the third largest in France in terms of AOC production.
Just south of Angers, the valleys of Aubance and Layon produce the renowned sweet white wines of the region. The AOC Coteaux du Layon, recognized since 1950, is particularly famous for its sweet wines made from the Chenin Blanc grape. These wines can age for several decades, developing complex aromas of candied fruits and honey over time.
Don’t miss the Château de Brissac, known as the “Giant of the Loire Valley” due to its seven stories, making it the tallest castle in France. This castle also produces its own Anjou wines on a 35-hectare estate. The wines from Château de Brissac benefit from the AOC Anjou and Coteaux de l’Aubance designations.
For wine tourism enthusiasts, the region offers numerous marked wine routes that allow you to explore the different terroirs and appellations. The “Route des Vins d’Anjou” features several thematic itineraries through the vineyards.
Lastly, if you visit the region in October, be sure to check out the “Touristic Harvests,” an event that allows visitors to participate in grape harvesting and discover the winemaking process at various estates in the area.
Looking for a wine getaway near Angers? Cross the Loire to discover the famous sweet white wines of the Layon Valley. Wineries like Petit Métris and Patrick Baudouin will gladly welcome you. To the north, Savennières will charm you with its dry whites, particularly at Domaine aux Moines. For a more complete experience, consider staying at Château Soucherie. And to extend your exploration, head over to Domaine de Bois Mozé, located near the majestic Château de Brissac.
