#12: Angers, France
Situated in the northwest of France, Angers offers an effortless blend of metropolitan living and historic sites. The Chateau d’Angers presides over the city, it’s ancient walls, ramparts, and towers last expanded upon in the 13th century. The castle is impossible to miss with its domineering cylindrical towers keeping watch over the Maine River that winds its way through the city. It would be a mistake not to venture onto its grounds. Inside, the Apocalypse Tapestry adorns the walls, and despite the menacing name, this woven piece of art encapsulates the beauty of this decadent medium enjoyed in the medieval era primarily by royals. For those interested in the modern era, Angers cultural contributions didn’t end in the Middle Ages.The city is full of museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Located inside a mansion, the museum has been named one of the best in France. Both experiences offer visitors a taste of the sublime.
The simple pleasures of Angers are not to be dulled by the extravagant works of art. Strolling through the town, mingling with the local Angevins while the temperate breeze, cooled by the Atlantic, steadily pushes you down the historic roads, it’s hard to wish for anything more from this storied location.
–Abby L. Johnson
