Twinned with Wigan, Great Manchester

East-northeast of Nantes is the beautiful city of Angers.

A business and trade centre, it is known for its wine and the famous Cointreau liqueur.

It also has glassworks, printing plants, and factories making electronic and photographic equipment, textiles, food, paper products, and tiles.

On its outskirts are the largest slate quarries in France.

Angers is the capital of Maine-et-Loire dept, in the historic province of Anjou and is the 16th largest town in France, with 156,000 inhabitants. It is situated along the both banks of Maine River and the southern suburb is situated along the Loire River.

The most notable buildings are the magnificent twin-spiralled Cathedral of Saint Maurice (12th-13th century) and the massive Castle of Angers (early 13th century).

Around the castle are 17 cylindrical towers, which reminds us of the military history of the town.

The castle of Angers houses a tapestry museum that includes the famous Apocalypse series of Nicholas Bataille who did the weaving and Hennequin de Bruges did the painting. It is 140 meters long and is the biggest tapestry in the World.

Maison d'Adam, House of Adam, the oldest house of Angers.

Capital of Anjou and gateway to the Loire valley, Angers is distinguished as much for the richness of its heritage as for its cultural and economic dynamism.

Angers is located equidistant from Paris (2h30 by motorway and 1h30 by high-speed train) and from the Atlantic Ocean.
With more than 300 km of navigable waterways and 250km of footpaths
or rambling, it provides a range of activities for its inhabitants and its guests. Like many towns located in the majestic Loire valley,Angers is, of course, endowed with an historic and cultural heritage of an astounding richness.

Musee Jean Lurcat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine 
 
The Song of the World by Jean Lurçat is a work comprising ten woven tapestries. Considered to be the contemporary counterpart of the Tapestry of the "Apocalypse of Angers" (right)

Musee des Beaux Arts d'Angers
 
A long-awaited new look at the collections (left)

Jardin du Mail

Facing the Town Hall, it owes its name to the old game of Mail which dates back to the early 17th century. Make the trip to see the exceptional Summer flowers.

Cathedrale St Maurice

A perfect example of Angevin Gothic architecture. A fine collection of windows from the 12th, 13th and 15th centuries.

Parc Saint Nicolas

Semi-natural parks covering more than 110 ha (250 acres). There origin dates back to the 10th century. Astonishingly diversified landscapes and flora.