Château de Briançon The Originals Relais

Here, the gentle way of life of Anjou reigns supreme. To truly soak it in, take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, visit the museums, or explore the many parks and gardens. Nicknamed the "green city," Angers boasts around thirty parks, with the most notable being Terra Botanica. Spanning 12 hectares, it features over 500,000 plants from all continents. This "greenery" is a legacy of King René of Anjou (15th century), who was passionate about horticulture and aimed to make Anjou the "garden of France." His first notable achievement was the creation of the gardens at the château, whose 17 imposing defensive towers have watched over the city since the 13th century.

The "Pearl of Anjou" is a heritage gem in more ways than one. Its most famous monument rises on the "Emerald Rock," as René I of Anjou called the medieval castle of the city, perched 60 meters above the royal river, the Loire. A must-see visit, complemented by a stroll through the medieval streets of the historic center, before heading to the famous Cadre Noir district, home to the prestigious equestrian school.

Whether former quarries, shelters, or dwellings, the troglodyte villages shape the underground landscape of Anjou. Today, they also serve as economic hubs for the region (wine production, mushroom farming, exhibition spaces, restaurants…). Must-see sites include the village of Rochemenier and its museum, La Sablière and its remarkable sculptures, the hamlet of Forges, the town of Doué-la-Fontaine, and the unique village of Cornillé-les-Caves.

Known as the "Giant of the Loire Valley," this château, with its 204 rooms and 7 floors, truly makes an impression as the tallest castle in France! Another "monumental" fact is that the building has been owned by the same family since 1502. For 500 years, this fascinating and passionate history has been shared by the Duke and Duchess, who still reside in the château and enjoy telling it to visitors. Follow the guide!