Angers weekend city break

After a wonderful night’s sleep, some good coffee and a few croissants hot out of the oven, start your day with a morning walk in the Jardin du Mail in the very heart of the greenest city in France**. Stroll down the floral paths and see the park’s extremely charming bandstand on your way.

A destination that has given birth to brands of excellence

Spending a weekend in Angers is also the opportunity to sample some of the local specialities and riches of the area, like Cointreau. Cointreau is a delicious liqueur* perfumed with orange peel. If you have time, you can tour the Cointreau Distillery in Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou, just east of Angers. Visit the still room and watch on as the barman provides a perfect demonstration of the art of cocktail making. The Giffard company in Avrillé, just a few minutes from Angers, is another local source of pride. The brand is famed for the production of liqueurs* and cordials in a wide array of colours and flavours. On the Giffard tour, you will discover their manufacturing secrets and enjoy a sensory experience that is worth the detour.

Nature in the heart of the city

For a further taste of the Angers gentle life, head back now to the historic city centre and to the banks of the Maine. Cross the Pont de Verdun bridge and walk along the quayside known as Quai des Carmes. Take time to wander the Medieval streets of the charming Doutre district then continue on to the Cale de la Savatte. This wharf area is the ideal place to sit on the grass and enjoy a picnic, before an utterly relaxing lounge in the sun. Next, continue your walk alongside the Maine, stopping at Balzac Park, a 120-acre oasis of green. Just a few steps from downtown Angers, what better than a moment in connection with nature where time stands still ?

End your day at an incredible viewpoint – the rooftop of the Théâtre Le Quai. The view from here of the Maine and Angers Castle in the last glimmers of sunlight is superb. Make the moment last with dinner and a glass of wine on the terrace of the restaurant La Réserve (on the same rooftop), which serves truly delicious “bistronomic” cuisine.

After this last night in your oh-so comfortable bed, enjoy an easy start to the morning with a totally fresh and homemade brunch at La Cour. This eatery right in the centre of town has a warm and cosy feel. Get your fill of vitamins and fill up for the day on a delicious combination of sweet and savoury treats.

Before this long weekend comes to a close, enjoy a last dash into nature on Saint-Aubin island, on the edge of Angers. This unique and unspoilt site is accessible from April to October. You won’t see a car in sight here. The only way to reach the island is via an original hand-pulled ferry, making a trip to Saint-Aubin a unique and authentic experience.

Once on the island, you’ll feel like you are in another world. Explore this haven of tranquillity, on foot or by bike, at your own pace. As a Natura 2000 site, nature reigns supreme on the island. You will see pristine flora and fauna, including some protected species and meadows as far as the eye can see.

This break in Angers is already drawing to an end. Before setting off home, treat yourself to a last little waterside bite on the terrace of the Guinguette du Port de l’Ile. Savour the Angers gentle life a few moments longer, because once you’ve tasted it, it will be hard to leave behind!

For those lucky enough to still have some time left on their stay, don’t hesitate to continue exploring the outstanding natural surroundings around Angers. The Basses Vallées Angevines wetlands, the Ardoisières Park and the vineyards have plenty of surprises in store for you.