Doué la Fontaine BioparcDoué la Fontaine Bioparc
©Doué la Fontaine Bioparc|Christophe Martin

Over 15 ideas for days out around Angers

Liked Angers’ castles, wines and rivers? You’re going to love these escapades 30, 60 or 90 minutes outside Angers.

Days out 30 minutes from Angers

cheetah, sarcophagi and peppermint

1. Doué-la-Fontaine Bioparc

With its Carnivore CraterRhinoceros Valley and Giraffe Camp, you’ll feel like you’re in another world at this zoo which has won awards for good treatment of animals. Whether you’re with your family, your friends or your partner, this magical place will amaze you while offering you a moment of relaxation in the heart of unspoilt nature.

It’s a fascinating trip around the globe on the doorstep of Angers!

2. Troglodytes & Sarcophages

This incredible underground shelter created by the Vikings is the only tourist attraction of its kind in Europe. Discover wine cellars, a troglodytic chapel and a sarcophagus factory on this day out outside of Angers.

This emblematic site, accessible to all, offers an immersive and enriching experience, ideal for history and heritage enthusiasts.

3. Mystères des Faluns

Jellyfish and elephants underground, you say? It’s all possible thanks to the magical scenography at the poetic cave adventure in Les Perrières.

Take a dream-like walk through the galleries of falun (which means shelly sand locally), which was deposited by the sea millions of years ago and let the sound and lights transport you to another world.

4. Saumur

A visit to Saumur is a must-do day out near Angers. What we like best? The silent charm of the vast caves and the treasures they hold (often wine!), the terroir markets with their traditionally made produce, the lively games of boule de fort – the local version of pétanque… not to mention soaring up in the sky on a thrilling hot-air balloon flight.

5. Cadre noir: national school of horse-riding

See equestrian excellence at its best!

Encounter the finest riders in France in a prestigious setting and watch the exquisite shows and gala regularly hosted by the school. Le Cadre Noir also offers tours and demonstrations to delight young and old, while immersing you in the history of French equestrianism.

6. Jardin Camifolia

Camomile is one of the 600 varieties of plants in this remarkable garden nestled in the Hyrôme valley. Learn the secrets of their medicinal and cosmetic properties in the garden’s six themed areas.

Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean glasshouse and learn about herbal medicine before exploring the garden of flavours and scents.

Weekend ideas around Angers

After your visit around Angers, continue on to discover the castles of Anjou!

Stroll through a labyrinth of ancient streets where every stone tells a story, push open the door of the Château d’Angers proudly overlooking the Maine River, and discover cultural sites where art and heritage come together in perfect harmony. Château du Plessis-Bourré, Château de Brissac… You’ll be captivated by the many châteaux on offer. Get ready for a journey through history!

Days out 45 minutes from Angers

Champagne and bonsai trees

7. Maulévrier oriental park

Considered the largest Japanese-inspired park in Europe, Maulévrier transports you into the delicate culture of the Empire of the Rising Sun with its amazing garden, from sunrise to sunset.

Whether you’re a botany enthusiast, a lover of soothing landscapes or simply in search of a moment of tranquillity, the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a must for discovering the richness of nature and gardening.

8. The ackermann cellars

Caves Ackermann throws a light on its wines and the history of the sparkling wine house with a captivating cave experience.

Come and enjoy a sensory and enriching experience as you follow the steps involved in making Crémants, and learn all about the art of working with vines and wine. The site also offers a beautiful view over the Layon valley, the perfect setting for a gourmet break.

9. The Bouvet Ladubay cellars

Bouvet Ladubay reveals its exceptional multi-award winning vintages on a tour of its cellars, which are part of a UNESCO world heritage site. Expect art, emotion and terroir on this journey for the senses.

During your visit, you’ll discover the secrets of winemaking, the history of Bouvet Ladubay and taste a selection of exceptional Crémants while admiring a magnificent panorama of the Loire Valley. A place for sharing and conviviality, ideal for an oenological experience in the heart of the Anjou vineyards.

reserve your angers city pass!

Want to extend your visit to Angers?

Save time by booking your Angers City Pass online.
Once you’ve got it, you’ll have free access to 25 must-see sites, plus a whole host of other benefits!

10. Zoo de la Flèche

“A better understanding for better protection” is the motto of this zoo committed to protecting biodiversity. You’ll see some amazing species. With animals like the California sea lion, the Canadian river otter and the Indian rhinoceros, this is an exotic outing not far from Angers.

The zoo also places particular emphasis on conservation and biodiversity education, with concrete actions to protect endangered species. In addition to its animal exhibits, La Flèche Zoo offers shows and entertainment for the whole family, guaranteeing an enriching and entertaining experience.

Days out 60 minutes from Angers

a jester, a mechanical elephant and muscadet

11. Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

This former monastery has had an illustrious list of owners including the Counts of Anjou, the Plantagenet dynasty and the Royal House of Bourbon. And did we mention Richard of Lionheart?

Highly recommended: Works by Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Delaunay and many more await you in the galleries of the abbey’s recently created Modern Art museum. Keep an eye out to make sure you don’t miss anything.

12. Puy du Fou

The leading French family leisure attraction needs no introduction. Renowned for its quality, Puy du Fou is a two-time winner of the best theme park in the world award.

With its grandiose shows and impressive historical re-enactments, the Puy du Fou takes you on a journey through the ages, from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, via the Renaissance to the Viking Age.

Travel through the ages and across the seas to relive History as if you were there. Spectacular!

13. Nantes and the machines de l’île

With a fascinating combination of inspirations from Jules Verne to Lovecraft, the Machines de l’île draws you into its stunning industrial and animal world – giant mechanical elephant included. It’s a treat for the imagination and the chance to let your curiosity run wild.

Among the must-see attractions is the Grand Éléphant, a majestic 12-metre-high mechanical creature offering an unforgettable experience on its back.

Just 1h30 from Angers, the Machines de l’île is a must-see for curious visitors and fans of technology and original shows. The most original ride around Angers!

14. Clisson

Enjoy a taste of Italy just an hour from Angers. The Italian-inspired town of Clisson is a Medieval town boasting Romanesque architecture, an impressive castle and beautiful 15th century churches.

Clisson is also a place of festivities, with the famous “Hellfest” music festival attracting thousands of visitors every year. Take a stroll through the town’s streets and you’ll discover its unique atmosphere, a blend of bucolic calm and cultural liveliness.

 

Days out 90 minutes from angers

nature’s mosaic and seasalt

15. The Loire Valley châteaux

A trip to these majestic châteaux from Angers is an incredible day out of magic, splendour and festivities. Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Blois and Chenonceau await you for a taste of castle life!

To explore the Châteaux de la Loire is to plunge into the history of the kings and queens of France, while admiring landscapes of incomparable beauty. Between guided tours, walks in the parks and cultural discoveries, these monuments are a place of fascination for the whole family.

16. The Guérande salt flats

Spice things up with an escape to a very different landscape! Admire the play of light on the surface mosaic-like salt ponds, listen to their history told by the salt workers and get a real flavour for the place!

The Guérande salt flats are also a great place to observe flora and fauna, with exceptional biodiversity.

A walk around Angers to enjoy without moderation.

17. The medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne

This Medieval treasure between Laval and Le Mans comes highly praised and has won many titles (“Petite Cité de caractère®”, “Preferred village of French people”, “most beautiful village of France”, “Perle du Maine”).

For an immersion in the history and charm of a medieval village, Saint-Suzanne is a must-see destination. Take a tranquil stroll through its centuries-old streets, stop by the Musée de l’Auditoire history museum and visit the traditional Sainte-Suzanne paper mill.

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