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May 19, 2014

A Day in Angers, Loire Valley, France

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There’s something about the light in Angers that captivated me. The capital city of the province of Anjou, in the Loire Valley of France is about 2 hours with Rail Europe from Paris. The station is Angers Saint Laud, where one finds all the amenities – from cafes to car rental services – of a major city terminal.

I arrived to Angers a bit tired from my travels. I had only earlier landed into Paris from NYC, taken a taxi from the airport to the Montparnasse train station for my train into the Loire Valley. I was happy to discover that my hotel was a short 10 minute walk from the station, but the hot afternoon quickly took a toll on me as I made my way there.

Thankfully, Thomas, the General Manager of Hotel 21 Foch, was waiting for me and quickly guided me to my chic room, with clean and contemporary decor, overlooking the streets and the energy of the city, all of which I was able to appreciate before taking a nap.

Hotel 21_Angers_France_girlgonetravel Hotel 21_Angers_France_girlgonetravel Hotel 21_Angers_France_girlgonetravel

I woke up in time to tour the Chateau D’Angers, home of the Dukes of Anjou,another 10 minute walk from my hotel.

angers_girlgonetravel

Angers_girlgonetravel Angers_girlgonetravel

I arrived in time to avoid the major crowds on the gorgeous Sunday afternoon and leisurely enjoy a self guided tour through this Medieval castle and take in the sights of the Maine river.Chateau d'Angers_girlgonetravel

Chateau d'Angers_girlgonetravelChateau d'Angers_girlgonetravel

The castle was built in the 9th century, but expanded further during the 13th century. There are a lot of stairways and corridors, both in and around the garden that make it easy to spend a good part of your day touring. Of course, much of your time is spent simply admiring the Apocalypse Tapestry which is on display here.

Chateau d'Angers_girlgonetravel

Chateau d'Angers_girlgonetravel

Chateau d'Angers_girlgonetravelChateau d'Angers_girlgonetravelChateau d'Angers_girlgonetravel

I saw a lot of families with their children enjoying the area, as well as couples sitting by the café enjoying an afternoon beverage. I quickly forgot I was in the middle of a major city as the breeze gently tossed my curls and the birds sang around me. Then, the bells of the Saint Maurice of Angers Cathedral started to ring, the sounds of which filled the city sky.

I could only see the towers from where I stood, so decided to venture through the winding, cobble stone streets in search of the cathedral entrance.

Angers_girlgonetravel

Angers_girlgonetravel

When I found it the doors were closed. A sad moment as it was clear I would have loved the views from inside. I made my way to the nearby bridge to take a closer look of the river, and then walked more to take in the city more as pedestrians often do. “Angers, the city of art and history” read a nearby sign, and yet, had I never read the sign I could have guessed as much. There are sculptures found throughout, as well as plenty of museums and monuments to explore.

Angers_girlgonetravel

I had dinner at the Brasserie du Theatre, across the plaza from the Grand Theatre of Angers established in 1871. I enjoyed my afternoon of people watching and taking in a more laid back view of French city living.

Angers_girlgonetravelAngers_girlgonetravel

Angers_girlgonetravel Angers_girlgonetravel

Insisting on reading only from the French menu I ended up with a bit more than I expected for dinner, but with a lovely Sauvignon I was able to make somewhat of a dent in my seafood platter!

Angers_girlgonetravel

The hardest part of my time in Angers was going back to bed just as the sun began to set at a little bit past 9PM. Night in Angers is slow to arrive. Angers_girlgonetravel

Angers_girlgonetravel

There is something about the light in Angers, especially at dusk, that captivated me. I wondered, as I fell asleep, how it is that there aren’t endless love songs already written about it.

* * *

To see more of my adventures through Loire Valley, follow my Instagram at GirlGoneTravel or on Twitter (@CarolACain) with hashtag #LoireValleyTravels.

To see how you too can win a trip to France for two, and to check out the other wine bloggers touring the various other regions of France, check out www.FranceWineTravels.com.

All photography is property of GirlGoneTravel.com and may not be used without direct consent from the publisher.

Disclosure: I am touring the Loire Valley as the guest and wine ambassador for Atout France and their partners. All opinions are my own.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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14 Comments
  • janmac1961
    May 19, 2014

    Wow! Carol, your photos are forever amazing me. They get so much more colourful and beautiful every time. What a lovely place this seems to be and I see that you are enjoying it and eating very well! Oh la la! Enjoy your time and safe travels.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      janmac1961
      May 20, 2014

      Thank you! It\’s all about that light I talk about! Makes taking beautiful photos that much easier!

      Reply
  • Yvette (Muy Bueno)
    May 19, 2014

    Gorgeous photos Carol! Looks like an amazing trip! So lovely!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Yvette (Muy Bueno)
      May 20, 2014

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Gina Martin
    May 19, 2014

    So beautiful, your photos are letting me live vicariously through you 🙂

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Gina Martin
      May 20, 2014

      Oh! I\’m so happy to hear it! Thank you!

      Reply
  • Steffystravelblog
    May 20, 2014

    What a stunning place and gorgeous photos Carol!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Steffystravelblog
      May 20, 2014

      Thank you so much! I\’m so happy you enjoy them : )

      Reply
  • Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
    May 20, 2014

    Gorgeous Carol! Living vicariously through you until I get to France next month!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Mardi (eat. live. travel. write.)
      May 21, 2014

      WOOHOO! How exciting!!

      Reply
  • Lisa
    May 20, 2014

    Have a glass or 200 for me. I’m heading to South of France end of June and can’t wait. Travel safely!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Lisa
      May 21, 2014

      Very nice!! And I will definitely try (to have those 200 … but for you, of course. All for you!)

      Reply
  • Suki F
    May 20, 2014

    I am in love with that place. Must visit it!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Suki F
      May 21, 2014

      YES!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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