Angers: The Gem of the Loire Valley

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mair-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-new, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-play lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shay-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kohnd ay luh proh-shang (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Angers, located in the Maine-et-Loire department in western France, has its origins in the Roman era. Initially known as Juliomagus, it developed as a significant Gallo-Roman settlement. The strategic location along the Maine River contributed to its growth and prosperity during this period.

In the 12th century, Angers became the seat of the powerful Plantagenet dynasty. Geoffrey Plantagenet, the Count of Anjou, played a pivotal role in the establishment of this dynasty, which eventually ruled over England and large parts of France. The Angevin Empire, as it was known, left a lasting legacy on the region’s architecture and culture.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Angers is the Château d'Angers. Built in the 13th century by Saint Louis (King Louis IX), this massive fortress was designed to protect the region from potential threats. The castle is renowned for its imposing walls, 17 towers, and the remarkable Apocalypse Tapestry, a medieval masterpiece depicting scenes from the Book of Revelation.

Founded in the early 14th century, the University of Angers was one of the oldest universities in France. It played a crucial role in the intellectual and cultural development of the region. Though it was closed during the French Revolution, the university was re-established in the 20th century and continues to be a center for higher education and research.

During the 16th century, Angers was significantly affected by the French Wars of Religion. The city was a stronghold for Protestant Huguenots, leading to several conflicts and sieges. The period was marked by religious and political turmoil, which left an indelible mark on the history and architecture of the city.

In the 18th century, Angers embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment, becoming a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange. However, the French Revolution brought dramatic changes. The city witnessed the rise of revolutionary fervor, the dismantling of the old regime, and significant social and political upheaval. Notably, Angers was a center of resistance during the War in the Vendée.

The 19th century saw Angers transitioning into the industrial era. The arrival of the railway in 1849 spurred economic growth, transforming Angers into an important center for the textile industry, food production, and machinery manufacturing. This period also saw significant urban development and the modernization of the city's infrastructure.

Angers, like much of France, experienced the turmoil of World War II. The city was occupied by German forces in 1940 and became a center for resistance activities. In 1944, Angers was liberated by the Allied forces, but the war left behind significant damage. The post-war period saw a concerted effort to rebuild and restore the city, preserving its historical heritage while embracing modernity.

Today, Angers is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with contemporary culture. Known for its beautiful gardens, thriving arts scene, and renowned wines from the surrounding Loire Valley, Angers continues to be a jewel of western France. The city’s commitment to preserving its history while fostering innovation makes it an essential destination for travelers.

Angers is located in the Loire Valley region of France. The nearest major airport is Nantes Atlantique Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Angers Saint-Laud station, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Paris and take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Angers, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Angers has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by Irigo. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or via the Irigo app. For short distances, walking or cycling is a pleasant option, as the city is very pedestrian and bike-friendly. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Car rental is an option if you plan to explore the surrounding Loire Valley.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Angers, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Contactless payments are also commonly accepted.

Angers is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious around the train station and some parts of downtown late at night as these areas can attract petty crime.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Angers has a well-equipped hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually yet smartly; avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops or beachwear in the city. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and speaking quietly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams or buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Bonjour' and maintain polite formalities. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Cointreau and Anjou wine; don't rush through meals, as dining is a leisurely affair in France.

To experience Angers like a local, visit the local markets such as La Doutre or Place du Ralliement. Try the local cuisine at small bistros and patisseries. Engage with locals in French, even if it's just a few basic phrases. Explore the lesser-known parks and gardens like Jardin des Plantes. Don't miss the stunning Château d'Angers and its famous Apocalypse Tapestry.