Discovering angers

Angers castle:

Angers castle is a 13th century fortress perched on a rocky promontory over-looking the Maine. Inside its ramparts, structures dating from the 14th, 15th and 18th centuries permit visitors to see how the castle evolved over the years. The earliest signs of human occupation of the site in fact date back 4,000 years. The counts of Anjou first built a stronghold here in the 9th century to defend themselves against the attacking Normans. Of this structure only the two side walls of the great hall, including a 12th century door, plus the apse of the chapel of Saint Laud, now remain.

Following the expulsion of the Plantagenets by Philippe Auguste, in 1230 the young Saint-Louis began building an enormous fortress of some 2000 m² around the old counts' stronghold to defend his realm against the threat posed by the neighbouring duchy of Britany. This construction was flanked by 17 towers and had only two doors, a town door and a country door. In 1360, the dukes of Anjou started to erect new buildings inside the fortress, including the Royal Lodge, the chapel, and the inner castle.

Since 1984 the restored Toussaint Abbey (13th century), has been home to the collection of the sculptor, David d'Angers, (1788 - 1856). Because of the large number of gifts he regularly gave to the town of his birth until the end if his life, the museum collection is impressive : medallions, busts, monumental works, commissions (Front of the Pantheon). You can see how the work originated from the sketches in clay and plaster moulds. This powerful architectural restoration juxtaposes the principles and materials of modern times (iron structures, use of concrete and glass) and those of the past (missing roof, use of tiles, slate floors etc.). The architect, Pierre Prunet, wanted to preserve the building's status as a classified Historic Monument, while giving light an essential place.

A place for walking alongside the Maine and the town, its architects were inspired by the Poitevin Marshes to lay out a landscape of canals which forms a flora and fauna reserve of great ecological richness.

The monumental and princely tapestry of the Apocalypse was ordered in 1373 by Louis I, duke of Anjou. The work illustrates the text of the Apocalypse in 6 parts and 74 scenes, in the historical context of the 1st century of the Roman invasion with its trail of epidemics and famines, a context in fact identical to that of the 14th century with its population suffering from 100 years of war. The tapestry is exceptional in length (106 m have been preserved), and is on view in a specially designed museum environment. A number of other tapestries dating from the 15th and 16th century are also on show in the Royal Lodge.

The Public Park of 'Lac de Maine' is only 5 minutes from the town centre. It is located on a 540-acre area of an exceptional beauty combining water and green areas. Sport activities: tennis, golf, swimming, windsurf etc...

Let Cointreau be your guide in its fun, cultural and educational museum, situated in the production site. Divided into 4 areas, which spread over 3 000 m2, you will discover an exceptional product, known all over the world, through a fabulous collection of 4 000 documents, 80 films, numerous original items and an historical film of 12 minutes. Cointreau Museum is a real universe of history and discovery.