Spend 1 day in Angers on your cruise on the Mayenne river

Discover Angers in a day on your cruise on the Mayenne!

Planning a cruise on the beautiful Mayenne? Then we've got a recommendation for you: make a day's stopover in Angers to enhance your Mayenne cruise experience. Get ready for a memorable day exploring this magnificent city in the west of France. 

Here are our suggestions for making the most of your visit:

Visit the Château d'Angers, the Apocalypse Tapestry and stroll along the ramparts.

The ideal starting point for your Anjou adventure is the famous Château d'Angers. This emblematic monument of the city is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in the West, so don't miss it on a cruise along the Mayenne. With its 17 imposing towers, this castle built in the 13th century by Saint Louis and occupied by the Dukes of Anjou offers a fascinating plunge into history. Don't miss the castle's majestic gardens, accessible after crossing the drawbridge.

One of the castle's main attractions is the Tapestry of the Apocalypse, a masterpiece of medieval art that is unique in the world. This incredible work retraces the Apocalypse of St John, the last Gospel of the Bible, over a hundred metres in length, offering a breathtaking visual experience. A must-see on your Mayenne river cruise.

After exploring the castle, take a moment to admire the panoramic view from the ramparts, where you'll discover the castle's kitchen garden, vines and medicinal and aromatic plants, a testimony to the Middle Ages.

For your lunch break, head to the Crêperie du Château, a not-to-be-missed address in the heart of the historic city of Angers. Enjoy quality galettes in a cosy setting, whether by the fireplace in winter or on the small terrace in summer. Make sure you book ahead, as this place is very popular with the locals.

Explore the Galerie David d'Angers and the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

After lunch, continue your tour at the Galerie David d'Angers, which exhibits works by the sculptor David d'Angers. The former abbey church is bathed in light thanks to a glass roof that harmoniously blends the ancient and the contemporary. Here you will discover original 19th-century plaster casts of figures such as Fénelon, Gutenberg and Ambroise Paré, as well as preparatory work for the pediment of the Paris Pantheon. This cultural stopover will enhance your Mayenne cruise experience.

Then take a stroll through the garden of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of Angevins' favourite spots, before stopping off at Place Saint-Eloi. You won't want to miss the statue of Igor Mitoraj in the middle of the square.

Visit the Collégiale Saint-Martin, the Grand Théâtre and the Doutre district.

Take a stroll down rue Saint-Aubin, one of the oldest streets in the city, and succumb to the delights of Caramandes, delicious almond and chocolate sweets. A stone's throw away, the Collégiale Saint-Martin will transport you back through the centuries with its remains of the ancient church and its remarkable archaeological crypt.

The Place du Ralliement is a popular meeting place for Angevins. Take the opportunity to admire the majestic façade of the Grand Théâtre, a superb Italian-style theatre, which is the perfect complement to your day's cruise on the Mayenne. The area is entirely pedestrianised, ideal for shopping or enjoying a drink on the terrace.

If you still have some energy left, explore the Doutre district on the other side of the Maine, with its town houses, Angevin mansions and timber-framed houses. Pass through the Place du Tertre and the Abbaye du Ronceray, remarkable for its long nave, then walk along the little port of La Savatte to take in the breathtaking views over the city.

To round off the day in style, head to the La Cale bar and sip a drink on the terrace beside the River Maine. And for a memorable culinary experience, book a table at the Bistrot des Ducs, where chef Kévin Lefaucheux will delight you with delicious dishes.

Angers offers an experience rich in history, culture and gastronomy, and your day's river cruise on the Mayenne will be unforgettable thanks to this discovery of the city and its treasures. Make the most of every moment of your visit to Angers!