Having
a reputation for the best spoken French (la belle
langue française) in France and only an
hour and a half away from Paris by TGV (French
high-speed train), Angers boasts a small college town
atmosphere with a friendly community. Angers is located
in the heart of the Loire valley on the banks of the
Maine river about 180 miles (300 kilometers) from
Paris. The city of Angers has a population of over
200,000 and an agriculture-based economy known for
its wine, liqueurs, flowers, textile and clothing
design industries.
Angers'
history began in the Middle Ages when it guarded the
western gateway to the Châteaux de la Loire
region. The massive stone walls of Angers once daunted
potential attackers of the Dukes of Anjou. From the
13th century architecture of the Château
d'Angers to the 14th century tapestry of the Apocalypse
(the largest and oldest in the world), Angers is rich
in both historical and cultural heritage.
Aside
from cathedrals and museums, Angers offers connoisseurs
of the contemporary arts an opportunity to participate
in and/or observe contemporary dance, textile arts,
theater, and international music. There are also numerous
parks and gardens to muse in.
