Black and White Angers, France, August 2000
The Castle and fortress of Angers also known as the Chateau de Angers in French was constructed due to its strategic position next to the Maine River. It was for this very same reason why the Romans occupied the same spot centuries earlier.
What sets this chateau apart from all others in the Loire Valley is its black and white banded towers from behind the moats. Within the thick defensive walls guarded by a drawbridge and massive 17 towers, there is a formal garden and a chapel built in the 15th century. There is likewise a modern gallery on the premises which contains the so called "Apocalypse Tapestry" woven in Paris in the 1380's for the Duke of Anjou. Measuring 16 feet high and 120 yards long, the numerous panels depict 70 horrifying and sometimes humorous scenes from the Book of Revelation. In one, fire falls from heaven while boats tip over and men struggle in the water. Another tapestry showed a beast with seven heads.
The Maine River in Angers
Another view of the Castle and Fortress of Angers also known as the Chateau de Angers
Angers, a town in the Loire Valley, was the first of many towns we would visit for its chateaus and castles.
Here I am by the castle and fortress or Chateau de Angers
Marc by the Castle and Fortress or Chateau de Angers
What used to be the moat surrounding the Chateau de Angers is now a garden full of flowers.
Here's a better view of the moat turned garden surrounding the Chateau de Angers
In front of the current entrance to the Chateau de Angers
Another photo of myself taken in front of one of the towers of the Chateau de Angers
Now Marc's turn with the same background
Although Marc would oblige to have his picture taken now and then, it is a battle to have him pose and stand still for a photo op. He'd probably kill me for writing about this.
What architecture!
The Cathedrale Saint Maurice
Half timbered houses were to be found in Angers just like in Rouen
The statue of Monsignor Freppel Lanjou
The Municipal Theater in Angers
A local church in town
Given that I am writing this blog roughly 13 years after our visit to France, I cannot recall for the life of me the name of this church. I have searched the internet over and over hoping I would eventually find out what the name of this church is. I haven't had much luck though.
Me in front of the local church in Angers
Walking around Angers is a walk through several centuries of architectural history from the 13th century fortress to 19th century house facades.
The statue of King Rene right next to the Chateau de Angers. Can you see the Chateau in the background?
A fuller view of the statue of King Rene right next to the Chateau de Angers
This is one way to go down to the Maine River. What stairs!
Next stop: Saumur