Races in Angers

Set on the banks of the Loire, right in the middle of the Nantes-Tours-Le Mans triangle, Angers is a city with plenty of strong points—and some wonderful secrets. The smartest way not to miss anything in the “Athens of the West” (yep, that’s its nickname) is to plan a great running outing in Angers’ city center! On the agenda for this great spin: a castle, half-timbered houses, cathedrals, and other listed monuments… Interested? Then lace up your sneakers and follow us to Angers...

Your adventure has to start at the Château d’Angers, entering of course via its drawbridge. You’ll then have access to splendid gardens inside its courtyard. Next, go around the ramparts (from the top of which you’ll have an incredible panorama over the city), passing by its 17 defensive towers! If this castle is so famous, it’s also because it houses a rare medieval tapestry called the Apocalypse Tapestry. Via the Jean-Turc promenade (named after a famous local figure), you’ll arrive near the Saint-Maurice Gothic Cathedral, resplendent thanks to its stained glass, statues, and vaults.

For a little art break, run over to the David d’Angers Jean-Louis Gallery, close to the highly renowned Museum of Fine Arts. As you make your way toward the city center, you’ll come upon the Saint-Aubin Tower, over 50 meters tall—enough to make you dizzy! On your way to the Place du Ralliement, the city’s central square with its Grand Théâtre, you’ll come across the Maison d’Adam (also called the House of Adam and Eve), built around 1500, with its lovely half-timbering. It’s one of the city’s symbols! The surrounding streets are generally very lively in the evening, so don’t hesitate to stop for a drink with friends (or plan your fuel for your nighttime urban trail 🌘)! Then get back on the road through the cobblestone alleyways downtown (it can be good training for the Paris Marathon).

After that, you can start a jog along the banks of the Maine, the river that runs through Angers. By the way, you’ll see plenty of houseboats, each as beautiful as the next. Along the way, you’ll come to the Cœur de Maine Esplanade, a landscaped riverside area by the magnificent Pont de Verdun, which will offer you a lovely view and a great spot for a solid fartlek session. Once on the other side of the river, stop by the Jean-Lurçat Museum, a former hospital converted for this purpose. As an extra tidbit, know that there’s another Jean-Lurçat museum in France! It’s located in Saint-Laurent-Les-Tours in the Lot. Just a few strides from there, roam the streets of the charming Doutre district on the right bank. Your run will likely pass in front of the Church of the Trinity on Place de la Laiterie, as well as by the Ronceray Abbey.

As you’ve noticed, there’s plenty to do around here! And it’s not over yet! If you love running in the heart of green spaces, you’re in for a treat! Angers is known for being a green city and offers plenty of pleasant places for that. You’ll be able to choose between different gardens, like the Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin du Mail in the city center, or Parc Balzac. Want more? Two training-friendly spots are the Parc Saint-Nicolas, with its pond, and the famous Lac de Maine, which even has a developed beach so you can perfect your tan and take a dip! If you can’t find your runner’s happiness with all that... we can’t do anything more for you... Oh yes, we can pull out our ultimate trump card with the Longuenée Forest, not far from Angers. Speaking of nature, did you know that Terra Botanica, located north of the city, is Europe’s first plant-themed park? You can observe many plant species from all four corners of the world!

As for festivities, it’s like the running spots: there are plenty! When it comes to races in Angers, there’s something for every taste. You can take part in Tout Angers Bouge or the Angers 10K. Of course, those aren’t the only ones, since there’s also the Apocalypse Trail as well as the point-to-point Pellouailles-Angers. But there’s more to life than running (yes, it’s true—there are other great sports too). For horse-riding enthusiasts, the Mondial du Lion d’Angers also takes place every year. If you want to party, the Premiers Plans Festival (don’t forget to have a second one, since it only happens every two years) as well as the Accroche-Coeurs will satisfy you. Finally, the Anjou Festival will add an artistic touch to these celebrations, since it’s all about theater. 

But hey, little foodie, did you come to Angers to stuff your face? Don’t worry—we thought of you by selecting a few local specialties! Whether it’s Gouline, Galipette d’Anjou, or Cul de Veau (sorry, it’s not super romantic), you’ll be full. Still, save a little room for a Crémet d’Anjou for dessert 😋. As a souvenir, you can bring back some Cointreau, or even better: some Cabernet d’Anjou that you bought at the Anjou Wine House! 

If you’re still not won over, there’s nothing more we can do for you...

So go on—Angers is waiting for you!