Travel guide – angers
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Overview
Angers straddles the Maine River towards the west of the Loire Valley and is a popular base from which to explore the local sites and the surrounding châteaux country. It is a busy regional centre and university city with an air of sophistication. Like Tours, Angers was badly damaged during World War II. Much of it, however, has been lovingly restored and it remains a pleasant, amiable town with a lively atmosphere. Top sights include the intriguing museum, Musée Jean Lurçat, which is known for its famous tapestry Le Chant du Monde, and the Cathedral with its beautiful 12th-century nave and famous stained-glass windows, also dating from the 12th century. However Angers’ most prominent attraction is the Château d'Angers.
Attractions in Angers
Chteau d'Angers
A kilometre-long wall studded with 17 circular towers surrounds this vast medieval fortress. Visitors can tour Château d'Angers, including the courtyard, prison, ramparts, windmill tower, 15th-century chapel, and royal apartments. The overriding reason however for coming here is to see the 328ft (100m) Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for Duke Réné of Anjou, it takes as its text St John's vision of the Apocalypse, as described in the Book of Revelation. Guided tours provide insight into its architecture and fascinating history.
Climate
The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as la Mistral, can occur in the Cote d'Azur, Provence and in the Rhone valley particularly over the winter and spring. Northern France, including Paris, has a temperate climate similar to southern England with warm summers, cold winters and rainfall throughout the year. The western coast, from the Loire valley to the Pyrenees, is milder and summer days are generally very hot. During the second half of July and August most French take their five-week vacation to the coasts and mountains, and empty cities tend to shut down accordingly.
Health
French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. There have been increased reports of hantavirus (caused by rodents) in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.
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