Angers

One of Angers most impressive structures is the Châteaux de Foulques, which looks much like we expect a castle to look. Located on the Maine River, just before it joins the Loire, the seventeen large round towers, 130 to 165 feet tall, are layered in dark and light stone.

Our dictionary says that the French word Châteaux means the same as “castle” in English, but the turrets, walls, and drawbridges on these Châteaux (except for Angers) do not look like, for example, those on castles in England and Germany. Most of the Seventeen Great (and uncounted smaller) Châteaux of the Loire River country are more like huge beautiful mansions.

In one huge specially designed, 350-foot-long, three-story room in the Châteaux, we could view what remains of the Apocalypse Tapestry, made in Paris between 1375 and 1380. Originally ninety scenes on six tapestries that were 78 by 20 feet each, the Apocalypse Tapestry was at one time discarded as a piece of no value. The seventy pictures that remain as a 335 by 16 foot display, closely follow the text of the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. Information guide booklets, available in several languages, contain explicit detail that will take a visitor step-by-step through the exhibit. About the most inspirational exhibit we have seen. Truly a work of art.

Angers’ Cathedral is beautifully furnished with large and intricate carvings. The 1800s pulpit, the high altar, and other furnishings are carved from wood and marble, and a huge wood carving is beneath the organ. Aubusson tapestries hang from the walls, and the stained glass windows have particularly vivid blues and reds. Various windows in St.-Maurice will allow the visitor to follow the stained glass art from the 1100s to the present day.