Understand

Angers, located in the French region once known as Anjou in the Middle Ages, is a must-visit destination for historians and eager travelers wanting to delve into France's rich medieval history. This bustling city is home to around 150,000 people and the greater metropolitan area boasts a population of roughly 270,000. Angers has a fascinating history of "almost sovereignty" which has shaped the character of its people. They can come across as cold, but this is because they take immense pride in their city. Historically, Angers was a stronghold facing Brittany and later became a political hub during the Plantagenet era. It played a crucial role in shaping France's history, with important decisions and events taking place within its walls. It's important to understand this historical context when interacting with the locals, as even people from other large cities notice this slight difference in mentality. While Angers is mostly known as a vibrant student city, it undergoes a transformation during the summertime (July and August) when it becomes calm and slightly empty, offering a unique experience for visitors.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first popular French dish is Ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew traditionally made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. This hearty, non-meat dish is typically served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Another famous French dish is Coq au Vin, a braised chicken dish that originated in Burgundy. It involves marinating chicken pieces in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic before slow-cooking them until tender and flavorful. The final dish is often garnished with parsley and served with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

Lastly, the iconic French dish, Croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries made from layers of laminated dough, which are then curved into a crescent shape and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although they are not typically a savory or sweet dish, croissants can be filled with various ingredients like ham and cheese (called a jambon-beurre) or almond paste and sugar (an almond croissant).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing