welcome to

Angers

Population

157,555

City - 50,000 - 250,000

Region

Pays de la Loire

Maine-et-Loire

Cost of living

Mid-range

Cost index: 55

Health resources

Friendly factor

Some expats, or other international populations, occasionally you might hear English spoken

Climate

Each scale compares this town with the rest of France: least, mid-range, most.

Sun

Mid-range sunny

Heat

In mid-range of heat

Rain

In the mid-range of rainy regions in France

Snow

Least snowy among regions in France

Wind

Least windy

Cold

In the mid-range of cold regions of France

Welcoming atmosphere

AVF welcome organization for newcomers: Yes

Historical ties to international entities: Yes

Large university nearby: Yes

Larger than typical share of retirees: No

Local Anglophone group: Yes

Anglophone groups: The Bibliotheque Anglophone Angers International Welcome

Getting around

Ease of travelling to this town

Rated: Excellent

Ease of travelling within this town

Rated: Excellent

Train station: Yes

Good train station: Yes

Bike friendly: Yes

Having a car: Probably somewhat hassled; think twice, as public transportation is good and parking is scarce

General comments on transportation

This very well could be the best city in France (barring Paris, perhaps) for public transportation. It's local transporation includes a nearly flawless tram system with two new routes completed in the past few years. It's bus system is robust. It's train station is nearly flawless and it has numerous TGV trains to Paris, the airport Charles DeGaulle ( 7 daily) outside Paris and a direct TGVline to Lyon ( 3 daily)

Nearest international airport

There are 7 daily TGV trains from Angers station direct to the CDG airport (main airport of Paris)

Journey to Charles de Gaulle

To the major train station

There are 7 daily TGV trains from Angers station direct to the CDG airport (main airport of Paris)

Biking notes

Cycling Infrastructure: The city plans to invest €8 million to develop 40 km of additional cycle routes by 2030, connecting the city center to surrounding municipalities. This initiative builds upon a 25% increase in cycle paths over the past five years.

Pluses & minuses

Special pluses

Scores a 98 for health on villedereve.fr: "Angers stands out for its healthcare system, achieving an impressive score of 98%. With high access to general practitioners and 99% drinking water quality, the city is well equipped to care for its residents. The diversity of healthcare facilities ensures care tailored to everyone's needs."
"Angers, a city on a human scale, stands out for its warm atmosphere and art of living. Known for its rich heritage, it is home to historic monuments such as Saint-Maurice Cathedral and the Château d'Angers. The city also offers a vibrant cultural scene with museums and festivals throughout the year. In terms of strengths, Angers ranks among the best cities to live in, boasting a significant healthcare infrastructure with high-quality service and a variety of green spaces."
The city has 17 educational institutions, ranging from universities to grandes écoles. With over 42,000 students, Angers is a dynamic and attractive student city, offering diverse training in many fields, attracting young people from all over France each year.

Possible minuses

It's climate is not sunny.

It's a pretty city, but not at the very top of the many beautiful cities of France

It has 17 universities and 42,000 students (which means housing is not always easy to find)

Longer-stay properties here

More than 30 days, less than 90. Off-peak season, prices and features vetted for this kind of stay.

Geography

-Coastal/ easy access to sea

-A river/canal runs through it

-In a wine region

-Non-Touristy: I don't want to live in a town that is a prime tourist destination

-Opportunities for interacting with English-speakers (usually an organized local expat group or organization to welcome newcomers)

-Smaller town atmosphere: don't need big box stores or freeways

-A good market town (weekly or more)

-Access to health care: good hospital within 10 mile

-Access to health care: doctors (with no long waiting lists) within 10 miles

Who recommends it

Angers named

"The Best Town to Live in France" by le Journal du Dimanche
"The Top Place to Live in France" by Avril International
"The Healthiest City in France" by Meersens

In 2010 Angers embarked on an ambitious 10-year urban development plan aimed at transforming the city into a model of sustainability, digital innovation, and enhanced quality of life.

Green City Recognition: Angers has been recognized as France's greenest city for the fourth consecutive time, boasting an average of 100 sqm of green space per inhabitant. The city has planted 110,000 trees and plans to double this number by 2026.
Tramway Expansion: Lines B and C of the Angers tramway network were inaugurated on July 8, 2023, improving connectivity across the city and its suburbs. Cycling Infrastructure: The city plans to invest €8 million to develop 40 km of additional cycle routes by 2030, connecting the city center to surrounding municipalities. This initiative builds upon a 25% increase in cycle paths over the past five years.
Residential Projects: Angers has unlocked the development of 3,000 new housing units through revisions to local land use plans.

A glimpse at the city's politics

Mayor: Christophe Béchu
- Political Affiliation: Originally from the center-right Les Républicains (LR), he later aligned with President Emmanuel Macron’s Horizons party, part of the broader Ensemble centrist coalition.
- Style: Pragmatic, technocratic, pro-European, with a strong focus on urban modernization and environmental transition.
Municipal Council: Led by a center-right/centrist majority coalition.