Angers

Day 1: Castle, old town and formal gardens

Your first impressions of Angers are all about light on slate and river, medieval walls, and immaculate flowerbeds. Keep the pace gentle: this is a walkable city where strolling is part of the experience.

• Morning: Explore the Château d’Angers and the Apocalypse Tapestry, then wander the castle’s inner gardens and small vineyard for views over the Maine. Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter ramparts; remember not to step into flowerbeds and observe pelouse signs.
• Midday: Cross into the old town for lunch around Place du Ralliement or in La Doutre; try local Loire wines with fouées (wood-fired pocket breads). Slip into the Jardin du Musée des Beaux-Arts courtyard for a calm, sculpture-filled pause before heading back out.
• Afternoon: Promenade through the Jardin du Mail’s geometric parterres and fountain, then the Jardin des Plantes’ grotto, stream and grand trees. Seasonal note: spring blossom and bulbs peak April–May; in summer the kiosque hosts free concerts—check the mairie listings.
• Evening: Follow riverside paths to Parc de Balzac for golden-hour boardwalks and city views across the marshes. Pack a light picnic or stop for an apéro on the way back; after dusk, larger parks are best enjoyed from well-lit paths.

Day 2: Plant-world immersion and northern green belt

Today leans into Angers’ horticultural soul—playful, educational, and deeply green. Public transport is your friend: the tram and buses link major gardens easily.

• Morning: Spend the morning at Terra Botanica; pre-book and arrive at opening to ride the boats and treetop walk before queues build. In hot weather, plan indoor greenhouses late morning to escape heat; in winter, check for special light events instead.
• Midday: Lunch on-site or pick up picnic supplies and ride the tram/bus a short hop to quieter lawns nearby. If you prefer a table, head back towards the centre for a bistro near Avenue Montaigne before the afternoon gardens.
• Afternoon: Wander the Arboretum Gaston Allard’s collections, from maples and oaks to trial gardens; greet gardeners with a simple “Bonjour”. Seasonal note: late May–June is perfect for a detour to the nearby Jardin de la Roseraie when blooms are at their best; autumn brings superb foliage.
• Evening: Toast the day with a tasting flight of Anjou and Coteaux du Layon at a wine bar around Place du Ralliement, then dine in La Doutre. If it’s a warm evening, loop back via the Jardin du Mail for a twilight flânerie or a concert at the kiosque.

Day 3: Wild Angers and waterside recreation

Embrace Angers’ wilder side and its easy access to nature. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection in summer; in cooler months, start a little later to catch the day’s warmth.

• Morning: Hike or run the wooded trails of Étang Saint-Nicolas, where rocky slopes drop into a long, still pond—it feels miles from the city. Keep voices low, offer a friendly “Bonjour” on narrow paths, and watch for herons and kingfishers.
• Midday: Head to Lac de Maine for a lakeside picnic or a simple lunch at a café; families can pair it with the beach area in summer. Cyclists can rent bikes in town and follow the signed riverside route via Parc de Balzac to the lake (flat, family-friendly).
• Afternoon: Choose your adventure: hire a kayak, sail, or simply loop the lake on foot or by bike; birdwatchers should bring binoculars. Keen walkers can add a side trip to the evolving Parc des Ardoisières in nearby Trélazé to see striking slate cliffs and blue quarry waters.
• Evening: Return along the river for sunset over the Maine, then celebrate with a casual dinner back in the centre. Winter tip: shorter daylight makes an early supper wise; in summer, linger outdoors as temperatures soften and locals fill the terraces.

By Air

• Nantes Atlantique (NTE) – approx. 90 km SW. About 1h10 by car. Tram/bus to Nantes station, then TER/TGV to Angers Saint-Laud (35–45 min); typical airport-to-Angers journey 1h45–2h15.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – approx. 320 km. Some direct TGVs to Angers (about 2h30–3h). Via Paris Montparnasse (RER/metro transfer 45–60 min) + TGV to Angers (1h20–1h40); total around 2h30–3h15.
• Paris Orly (ORY) – approx. 300 km. Orlybus/Tram+metro to Montparnasse (45–60 min) + TGV to Angers (1h20–1h40); total around 2h30–3h.
• Rennes (RNS) – approx. 130 km NW. Bus/tram to Rennes station, then TER/TGV to Angers (about 2–2h30 total).
• Tours Val de Loire (TUF) – approx. 140 km E. Bus/taxi to Tours station, then TER to Angers (about 1h20–1h40 from Tours; 2–2h15 total).
• Angers Loire Airport (ANE) – approx. 20 km NE. No regular scheduled commercial flights; occasional charters only.

By Train

• Main station: Angers Saint-Laud (city centre).
• Paris Montparnasse – TGV about 1h20–1h40; frequent daily services.
• Nantes – TER/TGV about 35–45 min; very frequent.
• Le Mans – TER/TGV about 40–60 min.
• Tours/Saint-Pierre-des-Corps – TER/TGV about 1h–1h30.
• Rennes – typically 1h35–2h15 (often with a change).
• Lille Europe, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille – high-speed links usually with 1 change; typical times: Lille ~3–3h30, Lyon ~3h45–4h30, Bordeaux ~3h45–4h30, Marseille ~6h.

By Coach/Bus

• Operators: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus.
• Angers coach stop: Gare routière (next to Saint-Laud).
• Typical direct times: Paris Bercy ~4–5h; Nantes ~1–1h30; Rennes ~2–2h30; Tours ~2–2h30; Bordeaux ~5h30–7h; Lyon ~8–9h.

By Car

• A11 motorway connects Paris–Chartres–Le Mans–Angers–Nantes (toll road).
• Driving times (approx.): Paris 3–3h30 (300 km); Nantes 1–1h30 (90 km); Tours 1h40–2h (140 km); Rennes 1h45–2h (130 km).
• City access: ring road links to central car parks; park-and-ride sites serve the tram for easy centre access.