Nov 19-26 we will be visiting student in Angers. Since she will be in class we are looking for day trips from Angers. Suggestions and details are welcome. Thanks.

Will you have a car? If so, some of the easiest are Fontevraud (highly recommended), Chinon, Saumur, Azay-le-Rideau, Le Lion d'Angers (to visit the national stud farm if you like horses). By TGV, it's easy to get to Nantes or Paris--there is a nice SNCF boutique near the Place Ralliement.
Of course, there are plenty of things to see in Angers itself...the chateau, the medieval quarter, the tapestry museum in Le Doutre, just over the river, the Maison du Vin next to the chateau, the Jardin des Plantes (nice even in November) and Jardin du Mail.

Plenty of nice restaurants in Angers, too...La Ferme is our favorite for dinner, Castel Boeuf (next to the Maison d'Adam) our favorite for lunch--great value and their homemade appetizer buffer selections are all delicious.

The Cointreau distillery just outside of town has tours twice a day that last about two hours. Kids under 18 are welcome but they don't get a sample cocktail at the end of the tour.

I was in Angers last year, nice town. By train, you could easily go to Tours from there, or perhaps Bourges.

There's also a train to Langeais, which is a nice small town which has a great castle. Inside there are beautifully furnished rooms and wonderful tapestries.

Bourges is possible as a day trip, but it's about 2.5 hours each way with 1 or more train changes. (For example, you could leave around 7:45 am with one train change and come back around 6:30 pm--there is one direct train about that time).

If you want to make that kind of day trip, then Bourges is an excellent suggestion. The attractive old town is about a 20 minute walk from the train station and is worth seeing...some very good museums, an incredible cathedral, and it's a fairly untouristy town. Have lunch at d'Antan Sancerrois (inexpensive to moderate, a relaxed casual crowd, but reservations highly recommended).

Dear Travelpug:

With a car, you can go anywhere from Angers i.e Nantes, Saumur, Le Lude etc.
W/O a car, Saumur is an easy and fun day trip. It is only 30-40 mins by train from Angers and the center of town is about a good 15 min walk. From the train station by foot, ou cross the Loire River and behold the Chateau de Saumur; truly breathtaking views from Chateau itself. Some great restaurants in Saumur. I can recommend the Auberge St. Pierre which is located in a 15th century bldg once used as a rope factory..

Drop me a line if you need some more information..

Regards..
Luis

Thank you for your help. Is parking/driving a problem? I must decide today wh/ to rent car.

Definitely get a car.

And definitely see the Apocalypse Tapestry at the Chateau D'Angers. One of the most remarkable things I've ever seen. Seriously.

The Chateau Montgeoffroy, which is just off the N147 west of Angers, is well worth a visit. Untouched during the revolution, it remains the family residence.

I found driving in the Loire valley to be easy. It helped that I'd studied a map before I went. As an example when an arrow said Tours one way and Saumur the other I knew which way to go.

Parking is nearly always a problem in towns no matter what the size. The people at your hotel will know where to park. Whether they offer it themselves or it's public parking down the street.

And if you like the Apocalypse tapestry at the château, follow it up with a visit to the Musée Jean Lurcé (do I have that name right?) on the other side of town - fabulous!

Angers is a wonderful town - you'll have plenty to see and do right there. But the possibilities for day trips, particularly with a car, are endless. Good suggestions here.

Dear Pug:

I believe there are a few parking garages in and around the center of town. There may also be parking right at the train station or a short distance away.. In any event, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a spot to leave car..

Luis

Thank you to all who responded. I'll be sure to follow up on your tips. On to rent a car now.

Travelpug, how did your trip go? Haven't heard back from you. Hope you liked Angers and your day trips all went well.