- Angers Loire Tourisme

PRESS PACK
Angers Loire Tourisme
2014
www.angersloiretourisme.com
1
TEN REASONS TO VISIT ANGERS
IN THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
“Surrounded by vineyards, the former capital of Anjou offers a balanced mix of culture,
urban chic and a relaxed pace of life” (Daily Telegraph, 2012)
1
Angers is … a classic French city: cobbled streets, medieval half-timbered houses, a grand
cathedral: just the right amount of culture – high-quality, but not overwhelming! See section 1
2
Angers is … easy to get to. Just 2.5 hours from the Channel ports, 1 hour from Nantes
Atlantique Airport; on the high-speed TGV route.
See section 2
3
Angers is … known in France for its good food: light, fresh cooking…and affordable
restaurants.
See section 3
4
Angers is … famous for fine wines, liqueurs and beautiful vineyards!
5
Angers is … France’s greenest city, with parks, gardens and rivers.
6
Angers is … great for enjoying the sunny outdoors, right on the River Loire and the
“Loire à Vélo” cycling route.
See section 6
7
Angers is … a delight for one-of-a-kind shops, selling everything from clothing to food
and wine.
See section 7
8
Angers is … fun! There are festivals throughout the year.
9
Angers is … value for money, with affordable hotels, B&Bs and restaurants.
See section 4
See section 5
See section 8
See section 9
10 Angers is …accessible to all…and open for business.
See section 10
SPECIAL TIP
The Angers City Pass card saves time and money, with free admission to some 20
sites and attractions: 24-hour City Pass 14€/£11; 48 hours 22€/£18, 72 hours
29€/£24. Among the highlights, the City Pass card offers entry to the ChâteauFortress of Angers and the Apocalypse tapestry, the Château du Plessis-Macé, the
sculptures in the Galerie David d'Angers, the modern tapestries at the Musée Jean
Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine, the Musée Cointreau, and guided city
tours with the tourist train.
2
ANGERS is …a classic French city
City of Art and History
With its history, heritage and the world’s longest tapestry, Angers is officially labelled as a “City of Art and
History” (Ville d’Art et d’Histoire). It is in the Loire Valley, an area that has been recognised by UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site because of its outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty. A couple of miles
from the Loire itself, Angers straddles the River Maine. A city of 150,000, it hums with history, as well as
students from the local universities.
Apocalypse Tapestry
Most impressive is the castle, a real 13th-century
fortress with 17 towers studding its massive two-tone,
black and white walls. Now the ramparts and moat are
given over to gardens, some formal and others full of
herbs.
Cultural District
Inside the fortress is the world’s longest tapestry, the 14th-century Apocalypse Tapestry, an
astonishing 460 feet long by 20 feet high. This hand-stitched masterpiece of medieval artistry depicts
the battle between good and evil. But it is the detail that delights: bunches of grapes, a rabbit diving into
its burrow, a seven-headed lion.
Art is everywhere in this medieval city, with its cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Stroll
through the Cultural District (Quartier des Beaux-arts), with its museums and galleries.
3
The highlight for many is the collection of plaster casts of
sculptures by David d’Angers (1788-1856), one of
France’s greatest artists. Goethe, Balzac, Voltaire – even
the pediment of the Pantheon – are shown in a restored
medieval abbey, beneath a glass roof.
Others prefer the wood carvings that crawl all over the
Maison d’Adam, a 16th-century merchant’s house on the
Place Ste Croix: use binoculars to spot the racy depictions,
as well as religious scenes. Inside is a fine arts and crafts
shop.
The 12th-century St Maurice Cathedral is the resting
place of the once-powerful Counts of Anjou, including Le
Bon Roi René, the 15th-century local hero. Look up to see
the cathedral’s greatest asset: stained glass windows from
the 12th to 16th century.
Geocaching
More and more English-speaking visitors enjoy exploring the city without a guide. All you need is the
English-language route planner, a GPS-enabled device (Smartphone or hiking/hand-held GPS) with a
geocaching app, plus a little bit of gumption and off you go, searching for hidden 'treasure'!
www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/discovery/see-it-do-it/visit-angers-geocaching-way
Secret corner
Across the River Maine is La Doutre, a quiet
residential district where locals go to eat and
drink on the la place de la Laiterie, with its
chestnut trees. This is also home to the Chant
du Monde, an impressive contemporary
tapestry by modern master Jean Lurçat.
The ten tapestries are set in the 12th-century
Hospital of St. John.
La Doutre
DID YOU KNOW?
Henry II (1133-1189) was also the
Count of Anjou. The King of England
from 1154 to 1189, he was the first
monarch of the Plantagenet dynasty!
4
ANGERS is … easy to get to from the UK
Go by train, plane or ferry; drive your car or take a camper van!
By plane
Angers Loire Airport www.angersloireaeroport.fr
BA CityFlyer operates from London City to Angers, Tues, Sat (May 20 to September 2).
Extra flight on Wednesdays (July 9 to August 27).
One-way all inclusive fares start from £65 on www.ba.com
www.britishairways.com/travel/london-city-airport/public/en_gb#
Nantes Airport www.nantes.aeroport.fr is one hour away.
By high speed train (TGV)
Go by train. The old Rail Europe has a new name
and a new website: Voyages-sncf.com http://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/
Angers - Nantes: 35 min
Angers - Paris: 1h 30 (18 TGV every day)
By ferry
Brittany Ferries routes are convenient for Angers:
From Portsmouth to Caen, St Malo, Cherbourg - From Poole to Cherbourg
From Plymouth to Roscoff, St Malo - From Cork to Roscoff.
Via the A88, E501 motorway, the Channel ports are about 2h 30min from Angers.
Paris to Angers is about 2h 30min
Brittany Ferries: www.brittany-ferries.co.uk, 0871 244 0744.
Taxis in Angers
Allo Anjou Taxi: 02 41 87 65 00
Accueil Taxi Angevin: 02 41 34 96 52
ANGERS is affordable when you get there
Weekend breaks and packages for groups or individuals
The Angers Tourist Office offers attractive, well-priced city breaks with
themes that include city tours, chateau tours, vineyard tours and cycle
tours. www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/my-stay
Contact our central online reservation service for hotels, activities and the
money-saving City Pass: [email protected]
For all PRESS ENQUIRIES, please email me or just call:
Olivier BOUCHEREAU
Tel: 0033 241 23 50 25
[email protected]
5
ANGERS is …known for its good food
For food that tastes good and is also good for you – look no further than Angers and Anjou: freshwater fish,
orchard fruits (greengages, cherries, Comice pears) and delicious veg from what is often described as
“France’s kitchen garden”. Not forgetting wines: red, white and rosé, as well as some of the world’s most
famous liqueurs to sip over ice in the sunshine or on a crisp autumn afternoon. And did you know that the
“Prince of Gastronomy” was born in Angers? Known to all by his pen name, Curnonsky, Maurice-Edmond
Sailland (1872-1956) was a pioneer of food tourism. His motto? Good cooking is when things taste of what
they are!
Here are some favourite Angers treats…..some are famous and on menus around the world, others are
waiting to be discovered by you and your taste buds.
Beurre blanc : with wine butter sauce
Created on the banks of the Loire in 1890, beurre blanc is a simple, delicious and
delicate emulsion of wine and butter with finely-chopped shallots. In and around
Angers, it is traditionally served with sandre (pike-perch), but it is also a perfect
partner for any seafood.
Fricassée de poulet à l’angevine: much more than chicken stew!
Made with chicken, onions, mushrooms, cream and Anjou wine (of course!), this
delicious chicken stew was originally a peasant dish. Today, gourmets swoon over
its simplicity!
Poire belle angevine: poached pears
Ripe but firm Comice pears poached in a syrup of sugar and red Anjou wine, orange and lemon zest, a
drop of vanilla and a clove. Delish!
Pâté aux prunes: a plum dessert
Orchard fruits thrive in the mild Anjou climate – particularly greengage plums. For pâté aux prunes, the
plums are topped by buttery pastry. Yum!
Quernons d’ardoise: local chocolates
What translates as “slates” are actually chocolates that look like the
roof slates that are typical of Anjou. Think caramelly nougat napped in
a blue chocolate coating ... a delicious souvenir!
Rillauds
A delicious spread. This potted lean pork is like a pâté and goes
perfectly with salad and French bread. And a glass of Cabernet d'
Anjou or Rosé de Loire – of course!
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Angers Insider’s Guide: where to eat
Château de Noirieux
Chef Gérard Côme has a Michelin star for his cooking in the elegant gourmet restaurant of this Relais &
Châteaux hotel. But the food is just as good in the less expensive Côté Véranda - Cuisine Bistrot. And in
both, the wine list features the very best vintages from famous nearby vineyards.
www.chateaudenoirieux.com
The Favre d’Anne
Overlooking the River Maine, Mathilde and Pascal Favre d'Anne have a Michelin star for the cooking in
their restaurant, set in a 19th-century mansion. Madame gets rave reviews for her list of wines – some 250
outstanding examples from the Anjou region.
www.lefavredanne.fr
Une Ile
Chef Gérard Bossé sums up his culinary philosophy in three phrases: “the market, the season, my ideas.”
His wife, Catherine Bossé, is the wine expert and knows all the good wine producers in the region. The
restaurant has one Michelin star and 3 toques from the Gault Millau guide.
www.une-ile.fr
Le XVIIe
Old and new: that is the attraction of the Dix Septième
(it means 17th). This old manor house in the heart of
the city has plenty of atmosphere. Richard and Gaëlle
Cerini offer modern inventive dishes that look as good
as they taste.
6 Rue Claveau.
Ma Campagne
Overlooking the River Maine, just two steps from the
heart of town, Ma Campagne is a gourmet destination
in a rustic setting.
www.restaurant-macampagne.fr
Autour d’un Cep
This small, informal restaurant with plain tufa/limestone walls is run by two friends: chef Jérémie Baron and
Antoine Landron, the son of winemaker. A cheerful bistro, with an excellent choice of wines.
9 Rue Baudrière.
Le Petit Comptoir
The husband and wife team of Mary and Fabrice Forget run this
tiny but classy restaurant on two floors. Their philosophy is
simple: good fresh local produce, carefully prepared in an
informal atmosphere. Great value for money.
40 Rue David d'Angers.
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Le Relais
Close to the Château d'Angers and the station, the Relais has long been a gourmet address. In a setting
full of history, Mr. Pelletier (maitre d’hôtel and sommelier) and Mr. Noël (the talented and passionate chef)
offer inventive, high quality dishes.
www.lerelaisangers.fr
La Salamandre
A gastronomic restaurant, La Salamandre serves dishes full of flavour in a splendid Neo-gothic setting.
www.hoteldanjou.fr
Chez Rémi
From appetizers to desserts, everything is made in house, using the freshest produce chosen by Chef
Rémi Fournier at the market. Ask about his involvement with the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas!
5 Rue des Deux Haies.
A la Pointe
Contrasting precise flavours with ambitious dishes, the menus
here are based on seasonal local ingredients: a small tub of
lightly smoked duck foie gras, fish from the Loire in a beurre
blanc sauce or sweetbreads with a honey glaze.
www.a-la-pointe.com
Le Cavier
15 minutes north of Angers, this charming restaurant has small
vaulted rooms built of slate and limestone – and it’s in a
windmill! From the bread to the ice cream, all dishes are
homemade, using fresh local produce. The wine list showcases
the best local wines.
www.lacroixcadeau.com
Unusual places to eat!
VF (Version Française)
Find out how a Michelin-star chef prepares fast food – the French
way! At VF, in the centre of Angers, Pascal Favre d’Anne serves
familiar American fast food, such as hamburgers, salads and waffles
…but they are all made with high-quality organic produce. The result
is a revelation! Pascal Favre d’Anne also runs the VF (Veri Fraich)
eco-café at Terra Botanica.
www.restaurantvf.fr
Monument Café
In the heart of the Château d'Angers, this unusual restaurant
highlights the culinary and cultural heritage of Angers and its region.
As well as fresh, seasonal dishes, including local specialties, there is
a beautiful terrace in the Château gardens.
www.monument-cafe.com/ou-nous-trouver/chateau-d-angers
For more places to eat/drink, go to: www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/gastronomy/gourmet-restaurants
8
ANGERS is …famous for wines
Loire wines
Nowhere in the world can match this region for variety and styles: delicious whites, light and quaffable reds,
and rosés perfect for warm-weather drinking. Choose from still or sparkling, dry, medium or sweet. If you
don’t know these wines already, you are in for a treat!
“France's longest, laziest river joins not only
some of the most beautiful châteaux and what
was once the playground of the French court
and is now that of well-heeled Parisians, but
also scores of wine districts… the vast and
varied vineyards … produce some great sweet
and some useful sparkling white wines as well
as a host of still reds, whites and rosés…”
(Jancis Robinson).
The grapes that do particularly well in the chalky soil are Chenin Blanc (white) and Cabernet Franc (red).
Look for whites, such as Savennières, Coteaux de l’Aubance, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume
and Bonnezeaux. For reds, try Anjou, Anjou-Villages, Saumur and Saumur Champigny. And don’t
forget the rosés: Cabernet d'Anjou and Rosé de Loire. www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en_en/
Enjoy them at a wine festival!
Sunday July 13, 2014
Tempo Vigne is a unique wine festival in the Cale de la Savatte on the riverside. Organised by the city of
Angers and the independent wine growers association, this is a day of fun for all.
That’s the spirit!
Distilling is another ancient art. Think Cointreau, Menthe-Pastille and more…
Cointreau
The subtle blend of the peel from sweet and
bitter oranges is the base of the secret recipe for
Cointreau liqueur. Created in Angers 150 years
ago, the recipe is unchanged and as popular as
ever. Find out more at the Carré Cointreau,
where the famous liqueur is made. Tour the
distillery, sniff the heady orange scent; taste a
batch; then see historic promotional bottles,
glasses and more.
www.cointreau.com
Giffard
Back in 1885, again in Angers, Emile Giffard turned
his pharmacy into a distillery. An expert herbalist and
chemist, Giffard started making liqueurs and syrups.
Still a family-run company, Giffard produces 120
different flavours! The most famous are Guignolet
d’Anjou (a cherry liqueur) and Menthe-Pastille (mint).
At L'Espace Menthe-Pastille, you can watch
production and learn about the history.
www.giffard.com
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Angers Insider’s Guide: where to drink
The bars à vins: wine bars
Wine bars are a relatively new idea in France. That may be hard to
believe, but it’s true! As well as a convivial place for a chat with friends,
a bar à vins offers the chance to try different local wines by the glass.
Try one of the up-and-coming breed of organic or bio-dynamic natural
wines; ask about the sparkling wines and sweet wines.
Un Brin Folk
This café is popular for its BoHo setting, folk
music and good food (including fulsome
sandwiches), plus a good selection of local
wines.
26 rue du Mail, 0033 244 85 58 04
Le Tire-Bouchon
Good food as well as good wines by the glass
or the bottle. A really French atmosphere!
7 place de la Visitation, 0033 241 88 38 66
Bistrot O’Tono
A downtown mix of wine bar and restaurant; knowledgeable and welcoming staff, great wine list and a good
menu choice.
42 rue David d’Angers, 0033 241 81 03 92
Bistrot des deux A
A fun bistrot with an excellent choice of wines that the knowledgeable staff enjoys talking about.
3 rue Saint-Maurille, 0033 241 87 48 86
L’Angevigne
Popular with the younger crowd in town, both at lunchtime and in the evening.
5 rue Saint-Etienne, 0033 241 87 32 00
Le Cercle Rouge
This funky wine bar specialises in natural wines, with two whole pages of wines by the glass in the wine list.
4 rue des deux Haies, 0033 241 87 49 66
Night life
The liveliest areas are around Rue Bressigny,
the Place du Ralliement and the Rue SaintLaud. La Doutre, across the river, is also very
buzzy. Check out the James Joyce, the Dublin’s,
the Donald’s, the Welsh and Matt Murphy’s.
Themed bars include Café Latin, the
Saltimbanque and K9, in an old chapel. For live
music head for T’es Rock Coco or l’Autrement
Café.
10
ANGERS is …France’s greenest city
Thanks to 1,500 acres of parks and green spaces, Angers is
the greenest city in France. But throughout Anjou, everyone
loves to garden. Indeed, the entire region is one big nursery,
producing more camellias and hydrangeas, blackcurrants and
apples, pot plants and bulbs than anywhere else in France.
And getting out of the city and into the countryside is easy.
Follow the nature trails on the Ile St-Aubin; cycle along the
River Maine to Bouchemaine for terrific views of the city and
its castle.
Terra Botanica
The world’s first amusement park to be themed on plants and
gardens, Terra Botanica opened in 2010. Just outside Angers,
it has more than 40 rides and attractions that are both fun and
educational – perfect for the whole family. www.terrabotanica.fr
Terra Botanica
The highlight? The Bamboo Express, a 4D film!
Clean, clear rivers
Angers also has wonderful access to some of
France’s prettiest rivers. In summer, the navettes
(traditional wooden boats) provide a ferry service
from Angers along the Sarthe, Mayenne, Maine
and Loire. Take one of these river shuttles, then
cycle or walk at one of the little towns along the
route; or, just go for the ride.
From July 1 to September 7 daily, except Mondays.
Open spaces
But you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy
natural beauty. Nearly 250 years old, the Jardin
des Plantes (botanical garden) is in the heart of
the city (entry is free.) One highlight is the
English-style garden, created by Edouard André
in 1905. But there are also the Jardin du Mail,
with lawns, fountains and flowers, and the Parc
de Balzac, a 125-acre open space that runs
along the River Maine.
The Jardin du Mail
11
Only in summer
The Place du Ralliement, the main square, is
transformed into an urban beach. Stretch out on a
chaise-longue under one of the palm trees, listen to
the piano…relaxez-vous! On a summer evening,
nothing could be nicer!
Just east of the city, is Saint-Barthélemy d’Anjou
with the Parc de Pignerolle. In summer, a little
craziness invades the traditional formal gardens. In
2014, the theme is Vent de folie au jardin … a
Crazy Wind in the Garden.
From mid-June to end September.
The Place du Ralliement
Eating outdoors
In summer, nothing is better than spending time at a guinguette (rhymes with can-get) – an open-air spot
for eating and drinking, often with live music at weekends. Invented a century or so ago, this could be the
original pop-up restaurant! Here are our top 5 for a nice lazy day out in summer. Open from May to
September.
5 rivers, 5 guinguettes …
Chez Jojo
On the Loire
in Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire
0033 241 54 60 04
L’Arrêt Public !
On the River Sarthe in Briollay
Tél : 0033 241 72 22 57
www.arret-public.net
Le Noé
On the River Maine
in Bouchemaine
0033 241 77 11 13
www.le-noe.com
Guinguette du Port Albert
On the River Mayenne
in Feneu
0033 241 32 13 66
www.portalbert.free.fr
Guinguette du Moulin de la Boire
On the River Loir
in Soucelles
0033 241 41 02 13
www.guinguettedumoulin.fr
12
ANGERS is … great for enjoying the sunny outdoors
With so much to see and do within 30 minutes, Angers is the perfect base for exploring the chateaux,
vineyards and gardens of the Loire Valley. Unlike many of the chateaux along the Loire, the stately homes
near Angers are still privately owned. When you visit, you are entering a private home – just a very grand
one!
Stately homes
“If I weren’t the heir to throne,
I would like to be a Brissac”.
That was the sentiment of the future King of France
back in 1542. You can see why. Seven storeys high,
the Chateau de Brissac is the tallest chateau in
France. Inside are 204 rooms, many with superb
17th-century gold leaf ceilings, rich tapestries,
antique furniture, even its own Belle Epoque theatre.
Connoisseurs also take home some of the estate
wine!
http://www.chateau-brissac.fr/2006/english3.htm
The Chateau de Brissac
Straight out of a fairy tale is the Chateau du
Plessis-Bourré, a 15th-century fortress that
retains its water-filled moat and drawbridge.
Check out the Salle des Gardes, with ceiling
paintings all about the alchemy in which Jean
Bourré, the owner, dabbled. This chateau has
been used as a set for films such as Peau d'Ane
and Fanfan la Tulipe. www.plessis-bourre.com
The Chateau du Plessis-Bourré
The Chateau du Plessis-Macé, built in the 13th-15th centuries fell into ruin, but was restored in the 1870s.
Now, it is part splendid stately home, part medieval fortress. The best time to visit is during the Festival
d’Anjou, a theatre festival in late June and early July. www.chateau-plessis-mace.fr
The Chateau du Plessis-Macé
13
Exploring by bike I
From the heart of Angers, you can see five different
landscapes on one loop of 30 miles/50 km. Follow
the Maine river/towpath, pass the Trélazé slate
quarries, pedal through
the Savennières
vineyards and continue by the Loire itself.
Exploring by bike II
Voted “Europe’s best new tourism attraction” in 2012 by the British
Guild of Travel Writers, the Loire à Vélo bike route scheme has
opened up the unspoiled beauty of the Loire Valley to cyclists. But
in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape are hundreds of miles
of well-marked trails, all safe and easy for cycling. For example,
explore the Authion Valley or the vineyards of the Aubance.
www.cycling-loire.com
Anjou Adventure Park
Only 5 minutes from Angers in the forest of Ecouflant, the
Anjou Adventure Park is dedicated to the adventurous who
want to move through the trees, 10 to 50 feet above the
ground. Rope slides, hanging bridges, Tarzan jumps, nets,
monkey bridges and more provide the adrenaline rush on the
five trails, some a mile long. There are differing degrees of
difficulty catering for all ages; you can even go out at night!
www.parcanjouaventure.fr
Aquavita
Angers’ newest attraction, close to Terra
Botanica, is a water sports heaven, with
swimming, spa, wading pool, water slides and a
fitness area.
www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/agenda/aquavita
14
ANGERS is … a delight for one-of-a-kind shop and markets
Gourmet food shops, wine stores, fashion boutiques and arts and crafts stores: all are part of Angers life.
Here are a few favourites.
Maison des Vins d'Angers
The best of the local wines all
under one roof. Taste and talk,
then buy some to take home! Find
it next to the tourist office.
5 Place Kennedy, 0241 88 81 13
www.vinsvaldeloire.fr/en_en/
Maison des Artisans
Wonderful and authentic local arts and
crafts from regional artisans in a historic
house.
1 Place Sainte-Croix,
0241 88 06 27
www.maison-artisans.com
Boutique de l’Office de Tourisme
d’Angers
Locally-made crafts items, such as
slate coasters: good value, good
souvenirs.
7 Place Kennedy, 0241 23 50 00
www.angersloiretourisme.com/en
Artisan Passionné
As well as beautiful cakes and
biscuits, this shop has pinkcoated chocolates that recall
the Cholet “handkerchiefs” of
the Vendée Wars of 1793.
59 rue Saint Laud,
0241 87 44 39
www.artisanpassionne.com
La Petite Marquise
Known for its Quernons d’Ardoise,
shaped and coloured blue (like the
local roof slates), these squares of
chocolate-covered nougatine make
the perfect souvenir.
22 rue des Lices
0241 87 43 01
www.chocolat-lapetitemarquise.com
Benoit Chocolats
Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. The “caramandes” are to die for,
as are the Plantagenêts. Named for the 12th century Counts of Anjou, who
were also Kings of England, these chox are made with Cointreau, the
famous, locally-made orange liqueur.
1 rue des Lices, 0241 88 94 52, www.chocolats-benoit.com
Laurent Petit
Pâtisserie, chocolates, macaroons,
tarts, jams and more.
4 rue Saint Aubin, 0241 88 87 15,
www.laurent-petit.com
Market day: almost every day!
Tuesday: Place Marcel Vigne, Rue des Ponts-de-Cé
Wednesday: Boulevard Allonneau
Thursday: Place du Dr Bichon, Square Jeanne-d’Arc
Friday: Boulevard des Deux Croix, Place Marcel Vigne
Saturday: Place du General Leclerc, Grand Marché, Place Grégoire
Bordillon, Place Jean XXIII, Place Lafayette, Rue St-Laud
Sunday: Boulevard Allonneau
15
ANGERS loves to party … Festivals and Events
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with music and festivals year
round. Le Quai is the hub of the arts and the home of three cultural
organisations: the National Centre of Contemporary Dance, the
Angers-Nantes Opera Company and the New Theatre of Angers.
The roof top terrace is a great place for a drink in summer.
www.lequai-angers.eu/en/
January 25 to May 18, 2014 Artapestry3
The Jean-Lurçat Contemporary Tapestry Museum presents 25
beautiful works by great artists such as Paul Klee, Alexandre Calder,
Thomas Gleb and, of course, Jean Lurçat himself.
www.musees.angers.fr
May 17, 2014 The Secrets of Liqueurs
As part of a national open day, Giffard in Avrillé welcomes visitors to explore this year’s theme: “Secrets of
Liqueurs: plants, fruits and spices”. www.printempsdesliqueurs.com
May 17 to November 16, 2014 Art exhibition, Musée des Beaux-arts d’Angers
200 works by Laurent Millet, known for his 3-D installations. www.musees.angers.fr
June 27 to August 30, 2014 Estival Festival Trélazé
Trélazé’s free concerts feature international artists, from classical to rap and jazz. In 2014, stars include
Tom Jones, Simple Minds, Kool and the Gang! www.trelaze.fr/?lang=en
June 28 and 29, 2014 Anjou Vélo Vintage
The unmissable meeting for old bike fans and vintage fashion lovers. A unique event in France. Departing
from Saumur, four exceptional rides to discover the Loire Valley outstanding landscapes listed as a
Unesco world heritage site.
June 29, 2014 Cycling festival
On the banks of the Loire between Angers and
Saumur, 90 miles/140 km of paths and roads are
closed for the day, reserved exclusively for
bicycles. With 30,000 cyclists taking part in the fun,
this is Europe’s largest gathering of bikes!
http://www.fete-du-velo.com/
Tempo Rives
July 13 to August 19, 2014 Tempo Rives
On a special outdoor stage, enjoy 10 free concerts
on the banks of Maine. www.angers.fr
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September 12 to 14, 2014 Les AccrocheCœurs Festival of Street Theatre
Angers becomes an open-air stage for
locals and visitors alike. For three days,
outdoor cinema, music, theatre, dance,
circus and art are all on offer. Best of all, it’s
FREE. www.angers.fr
Autumn 2014, 800th anniversary of the
birth of Saint Louis
The only King of France to be made a saint,
Louis IX ruled from 1226 to 1270. Château
d’Angers.
www.angers.monuments-nationaux.fr
Les Accroche-cœurs Festival
December 2014
Angers conjures up the magic of Christmas, with twinkling lights,
decorations and entertainment for young and old alike! www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/
January 16 to 25, 2015 Festival Premiers Plans
Founded in 1989, this festival of cinema features young filmmakers from all over Europe. More than 70
films are screened in 6 official categories. http://www.premiersplans.org/index_en.php
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ANGERS is … value for money
Small and family-run, professional but relaxed, friendly and informal: the hotels and restaurants in and
around Angers have long been France’s best-kept secret. And did we mention value for money?
Where to stay
21 Foch (3 star)
th
What was a 19 -century town house is now a stylish hotel with 14
rooms, designed by local interior expert Pierre-Yves Delaitre Nicoletti.
Breakfast is provided by Angers’ own Michelin-starred chef Pascal
Favre d’Anne.
21 boulevard Foch 49100 Angers; 0033 230 31 41 00; www.21foch.fr
Château de Noirieux (4 star)
th
This 17 -century chateau offers antiques, old paintings, elegant sculptures – and all modern necessities. In
this Relais & Chateaux hotel, the hosts are Anja and Gérard Côme; his cooking has a Michelin star. The 19
th
rooms are luxurious and tastefully-decorated; some are in the 15 -century manor house next door.
Overlooking the River Sarthe, it is perfect for that special occasion!
26 route du Moulin, 49125 Briollay (20 min north of Angers); 0033 241 37 91 00
www.chateaudenoirieux.com
Hôtel de France (4 star)
Across the square from Angers train station, this 100-year-old hotel is very comfy and suits both business
and leisure visitors.
8 place de la Gare, 49100 Angers; 0033 241 88 49 42; www.hoteldefrance-angers.com
Hôtel Le Continental (3 star)
In the city centre near all the main sites, the Continental is another hotel that is ideal for business and
leisure stays. Rooms are soundproofed, air-conditioned and non-smoking.
14 rue Louis de Romain, 49100 Angers; 0033 241 86 94 94; www.hotellecontinental.com
Hôtel d’Anjou (3 star)
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In a fine 19 -century building, the Best Western Anjou is in the heart of
the city. Decorated in the 15th-century ‘François 1er’ style, La
Salamandre restaurant offers traditional Anjou cuisine.
1 boulevard Foch, 49100 Angers; 0033 241 21 12 11; www.hoteldanjou.fr
Hôtel du Mail (3 star)
This 300-year-old town house, set in a gated courtyard, is off a small quiet street in the town centre. Inside,
the furnishings combine the best of classic and contemporary design.
8 rue des Ursules, 49100 Angers; 0033 241 25 05 25; www.hoteldumail.fr
For more places to stay, go to: www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/accommodation
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ANGERS is … accessible to all and open for business
The Angers Loire Tourisme team believes in accessibility: we aim to have as much of the city and its
surrounds as accessible as possible. Visitors can get to many of the major sites and attractions: museums,
hotels, restaurants, government offices, theatres, sports facilities and so on. Sadly, it is not possible to make
all of the medieval settings open to all.
The Angers Tourist Office on Place Kennedy has details of places
whose facilities cater for a range of disabilities, from lifts/elevators and
tourist guides in Braille and large print to headphones with magnetic
loops. In France itself, the “Tourisme & Handicap” label provides accurate, consistent and objective
information about the accessibility of sites and tourist facilities.
PLEASE CONTACT OUR TOURIST OFFICE WITH YOUR NEEDS
Doing business in Angers
As well as a long and rich history, the Angers Loire Métropole (metropolitan area) is known for its hightech industries, from health and biotechnology to electronics and eco-tourism.
The surrounding 100,000 acres of vineyards in Anjou and Saumur are the third largest wine region in
France. They include 32 appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOCs), with prestigious wines such as
Savennières, Coteaux de l' Aubance and Anjou-Villages Brissac. Wines made here are reds, whites and
rosés that can be dry, medium or sweet, full-bodied and sparkling. In 2011, the region was designated as
“Vignobles & Découvertes”, because of its history, quality and beautiful scenery.
Angers: a destination for conferences and conventions
More and more companies are holding their meetings and conferences in Angers. After all, the city has a
range of modern conference facilities and hotels, easy access and appealing heritage, good food and
wines. Numerous trade fairs are held here every year, ranging from wine exhibitions to a pan-European
conference on medical research and hospital electronic equipment.
For more details and to discuss your conference needs, contact the Angers Convention Bureau (Bureau
des Congrès d’Angers). Part of the Angers Loire Tourist Office, the BDCE is also ready to help with
business meetings, as well as cultural and sporting events.
[email protected]
Tel. 0033 241 23 50 50, www.meetinangers.fr/index_en.php
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 A Day in Angers
 We are HAPPY from Angers!
 Angers in review
Useful websites
www.angersloiretourisme.com
www.meetinangers.com
www.anjou-loire-valley.co.uk
 Angers Get Surprised!
www.paysdelaloire.co.uk
CONTACT
For all PRESS ENQUIRIES, please email me or just call:
Olivier BOUCHEREAU
Tel: +33 2 41 23 50 25
[email protected]
www.angersloiretourisme.com
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