We had passed the castle in Angers on many occasions on our way to Nantes before finally visiting it during a cycling trip. The impressive ramparts of the 13th century fortress built on a spur overlooking the Maine River enclose several buildings, including the Royal Logis and 15th century Chapel. However, its greatest claim to fame is the Apocalypse Tapestry produced between 1377 and 1382, the oldest French mediaeval tapestry to have survived. It consists of six sections, each 24 metres x 6 metres, comprising 90 different scenes, focussing on the heroic aspects of the last confrontation between good and evil. Definitively worth a visit.
Monday’s Travel Photos – Angers Castle, France http://t.co/Ub0oB4te8d
We visited Angers in the 1990’s and those tapestries are spectacular! Keep telling Susan she should go and see them.
They are quite lovely. I’m surprised Susan hasn’t been! I think that they have been reinstalled since the 1990s. Bit difficult to photograph though because of the muted lighting.
WOW! That looks so cool – so different from a lot of other castles. We will have to venture up there – so many places to go – every time I read your blog I add another one to the list!
Yes, Angers is not like the other castles in the Loire Valley, and the tapestry is certainly worth going to. I’m delighted to give you so many places to go!
We came across Angers by chance a few years ago and loved it. I love this style of castle! I didn’t get to visit the nearby Cointreau factory but I definitely plan to next time. 🙂
I didn’t realise that the Cointreau factory was nearby!