Angers history

Foundation and Ancient Roots

The history of Angers is rooted in deep antiquity. Originally, this territory was inhabited by the Gallic tribe of the Andes (or Andecavi), who founded their fortified settlement here. Following the Roman conquest of Gaul in the 1st century AD, the city received the name Juliomagus ("Market of Julius"). It developed rapidly as an administrative centre; however, the city received its modern name later, transforming from the name of the Andes tribe.

Factors of Formation and Rise

The transformation of Angers into a significant European city was driven by several strategic advantages:

• Advantageous Geography: The city is located on the banks of the Maine River, just a few kilometres from its confluence with the Loire. This ensured control over vital waterways and facilitated the development of trade.
• Political Power: In the Middle Ages, Angers became the capital of the historical province of Anjou. It was here that the power of the Counts of Anjou was consolidated, and later the powerful Plantagenet dynasty originated, representatives of which ruled England.
• Defensive Potential: The natural terrain and the construction of powerful fortifications, including the famous castle, made the city an important military outpost in the west of France.

Early Cultural and Economic Appearance

Already in the early Middle Ages, Angers acquired its unique features. The economy was built on active river trade in local produce and salt, while the cultural landscape was formed under the strong influence of the church — the city became an important episcopal centre with numerous wealthy abbeys.

Slate mining in the surrounding areas played a special role in the economy and appearance of the city. Due to the widespread use of this dark stone in the construction of roofs and facades, the city subsequently received the poetic nickname "Black Angers", which remains its architectural hallmark to this day.

Key Milestones in the History of Angers

• 1st Century AD: The Romans found the city of Juliomagus, which would subsequently become modern Angers.
• 851: Signing of the Treaty of Angers between Charles the Bald and Erispoe, defining the political borders of the region.
• 1154: Count of Anjou Henry Plantagenet becomes King of England, firmly linking the city's history with the English crown.
• 1204: King Philip II Augustus reclaims Anjou from John Lackland, annexing the province to the Kingdom of France.
• 1230: By order of the regent Blanche of Castile, construction begins on the powerful Château d'Angers with its 17 towers.
• 1364: The University of Angers is officially founded, quickly becoming a major centre for law and theology.
• 1373–1382: The famous "Apocalypse Tapestry" series is created — the largest medieval woven ensemble.
• 1434–1480: The era of Duke René of Anjou ("Good King René"), which became a golden age of culture and arts for the city.
• 1598: Henry IV signs the "Edict of Angers", which paved the way for the Edict of Nantes and the end of religious wars.
• 1793: During the French Revolution and the Vendée uprising, the city successfully withstands the siege of the rebel army.
• 1849: The railway arrives in Angers, connecting the city with Tours and Nantes, which sparked industrial growth.
• 1944: The city is liberated from occupation by Allied forces under the command of General Patton.
• 2010: Opening of the unique Terra Botanica theme park, cementing Angers' status as the European capital of horticulture.

Stages of Development and Transformation of Angers

The city has come a long way from a Gallic fortification to a modern European capital of horticulture. Several key stages can be highlighted that radically changed the economic and architectural appearance of Angers:

• Capital of the Plantagenets and Fortification. In the 12th–13th centuries, Angers became the political centre of the Angevin Empire. The construction of the monumental castle and city walls not only provided protection but also fixed the boundaries of the historical centre for centuries, creating a unique dense urban layout that has survived to our days.
• Formation of a University Centre. The founding of the University of Angers in the 14th century turned the trading city into an intellectual hub of France. This event changed the social structure of the population: the influx of students and scholars contributed to the development of printing, law, and medicine, making the city an important educational centre in Europe.
• The "Golden Age" of René of Anjou. In the 15th century, the rule of Duke René the Good brought Renaissance culture to the city. Angers became a centre of fine arts and gardening; it was then that the traditions of landscape design, for which the region is famous today, were established.
• Industrialisation and Urban Reform of the 19th Century. During this period, the city expanded beyond the medieval walls. Old fortifications were replaced by wide boulevards in the Haussmann style, and the arrival of the railway and the flourishing of slate mining (forming the famous look of "Black Angers") ensured powerful economic growth.
• Era of "Végépolys" and Sustainable Development. In the 21st century, Angers made the transition to a "green" economy. The creation of the competitive Végépolys cluster, uniting science and business in the field of plant production, and the opening of the Terra Botanica park secured the city's status as a leader in environmental innovation.

Architectural Code: Dialogue of Slate and Tuffeau

The unique appearance of Angers is shaped by the geological features of the region. The city is often called "Black Angers" due to the abundant use of dark slate (schist) in medieval masonry and roofing. However, starting from the Renaissance era, light limestone (tuffeau) was added to it, creating a contrasting style characteristic of the Loire Valley. Urban planning developed from a dense medieval core, limited by fortress walls, to the wide boulevards of the 19th century, laid out on the site of former fortifications.

Epochs and Styles in the Urban Landscape

The architecture of Angers is a visual chronicle, where each period has left its iconic monuments:

• Middle Ages and Angevin Gothic (12th–15th centuries)

  This period gave the city its main symbols. A special place is occupied by the so-called "Angevin Gothic" (or Plantagenet Gothic), characterised by convex vaults resembling domes.

  • Iconic sites: Château d'Angers with its massive striped towers of slate and sandstone; Saint-Maurice Cathedral — a benchmark of the Angevin Gothic style; House of Adam (Maison d'Adam) — a magnificent example of half-timbered architecture, miraculously preserved to this day.
• Renaissance (15th–16th centuries)

  With the arrival of the Renaissance, the severe defensive style gives way to elegance. Facades become lighter thanks to the active use of white tuffeau, and decorative elements and large windows appear.

  • Iconic sites: Logis Pincé — an elegant mansion combining late Gothic and early Renaissance; numerous private mansions in the historic centre (Doutre).
• Classicism and Haussmannisation (19th century)

  At this time, the city radically changes its structure. Medieval walls are demolished, giving way to wide boulevards and squares built up with monumental buildings in eclectic and classical styles, imitating the Parisian models of Baron Haussmann.

  • Iconic sites: Place du Ralliement — the heart of the city's social life; Grand Théâtre with its luxurious facade; the prefecture and court buildings.
• Modernism and Contemporary (20th–21st centuries)

  Modern Angers harmoniously integrates new architecture into the historical environment, emphasising cultural spaces and environmental friendliness.

  • Iconic sites: Le Quai — a modern theatre and cultural centre on the banks of the Maine River with a panoramic terrace and glass facade; new districts developing under the "green city" concept.

Distinguished Personalities of Angers

The rich history of Angers is inextricably linked with the names of rulers, scholars, and artists whose legacy has gone far beyond the region. Here are the key figures who shaped the city's fame:

• René I of Anjou ("Good King René") (1409–1480)
  Duke of Anjou, titular King of Naples, poet, and patron.
  The symbol of the "golden age" of Angers. He turned his court into a centre of fine arts and literature, and also instilled in the region a love for gardening, which persists to this day.
• Jean Bodin (1530–1596)
  Philosopher, jurist, and political figure.
  A native of Angers who became one of the prominent thinkers of the Renaissance. Known as the founder of the theory of state sovereignty, which influenced the development of European law.
• David d'Angers (Pierre-Jean David) (1788–1856)
  Sculptor and medallist.
  A master of monumental sculpture, author of the famous relief on the pediment of the Pantheon in Paris. He gifted his native city a huge collection of his works, which are today exhibited in the David d'Angers Gallery.
• Michel Eugène Chevreul (1786–1889)
  Organic chemist.
  A famous scientist born in Angers. His research in the field of colour contrasts had a huge influence on Impressionist painting, and his work on the chemistry of fats formed the basis for soap and stearin production.
• Curnonsky (Maurice Edmond Sailland) (1872–1956)
  Journalist and writer, "Prince of Gastronomes".
  Founder of modern gastronomic criticism and an active promoter of French regional cuisine. Born and raised in Angers, he always emphasised the value of Angevin culinary traditions.
• Hervé Bazin (1911–1996)
  Writer and poet.
  A native of Angers who headed the Goncourt Academy for many years. He gained world fame thanks to the novel "Viper in the Fist", in which he described the life of the provincial bourgeoisie.