Family weekend in Angers, along the river Maine

Morning: take on the seventeen towers of the Château d'Angers

Start your day with the must-see: the Château d'Angers stands imposingly before you, its seventeen towers of black schist streaked with white tufa. Children are already marvelling at the drawbridge. Once inside, let them become knights for a morning. While they go in search of the mysterious gargoyles that watch over the site, you'll be captivated by the famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse, a veritable medieval comic strip over 100 meters long, in colors that are still vibrant. The whole family can solve the riddles of this masterpiece thanks to the application and the booklet-game.

Afternoon: in the extraordinary gardens of Terra Botanica

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a world where nature becomes a spectacle. At Terra Botanica, Europe's leading plant park, plants reveal their secrets. In the extraordinary gardens, young explorers can climb the flying walnut shells, move from net to net in the treetops, or set off on an expedition in the butterfly greenhouse. Around the bend, a clearing is home to alpacas, goats and cows. Then, at dusk in summer,Terra Nocta transforms the park into a magical show, with the gardens illuminated and brought to life.

Morning: the hidden treasures of Angers' old town

The next day, discover the historic center of Angers. The cobbled streets of the medieval city are a treasure trove of architecture: the majestic Saint-Maurice cathedral, the picturesque Maison d'Adam with its mischievous sculptures that make children and adults smile, the collegiate church of Saint-Martin, a jewel of Carolingian architecture... Look up to admire the beautiful half-timbered houses, then seek out the street art that colors the city walls. History buffs can follow in the footsteps of the good King René on a guided tour.

Art can be found around every corner: push open the door of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where paintings tell the story of five centuries in an elegant 15th-century dwelling. A few steps away, in the former Toussaint Abbey, the light plays with the monumental sculptures of the Galerie David d'Angers. The curious can stop off at the Natural Science Museum, where nature is told from a child's point of view.

At lunchtime, there are two possibilities: a picnic on the Cale de la Savatte, with your feet in the grass overlooking the Maine River and the château, or a gourmet break on a terrace, in one of the restaurants lining the château or a lively square in the town center. This is the perfect opportunity to sample a local specialty, such as crémet d'Anjou, the airy dessert that is the pride of the Angevins.

Afternoon: between Maine and Jardin des Plantes, the natural city

For a refreshing break, the Jardin des Plantes welcomes you to its verdant setting. Red squirrels play leapfrog while you enjoy a quiet moment on a bench, under the benevolent shade of the Siberian Elm, the patriarch of the tree, almost 140 years old.

Then round off your stay with a traditional boat trip on the Maine River. Aboard a "toue" or a "gabare", let the history of the town be told as the water flows by.

From the vineyards of Anjou to the Loire à Vélo, the journey continues

Want to extend your weekend? Get on your bikes for a ride on the Loire à Vélo: a 40-kilometer loop takes you to discover Trélazé and Bouchemaine, between the Loire and Maine rivers. Along the banks of the royal river, you'll pass through charming villages. Further on, the hillsides of Anjou form a curving landscape where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. From wineries to villages, the region reveals its gentle way of life.