- Useful links:
- French National Railroad App: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en
- Angers Main Tourist Site: https://www.destination-angers.com/en/
- The covered/ open every day market: https://biltoki.com/nos-halles/angers/
- The English-speaking library in Angers: https://ellia.org/ and calendar of events: https://ellia.org/actualites-whats-happening/
- A fairly decent airport hotel at Charles De Gaulle (which takes pets and is right inside the Terminal 2 airport): ibisParis CDGAirport
- Recommended Reading:
- Some fiction set in Angers:
The Scapegoat by Daphne du Maurier: This novel is set in the Loire Valley region and involves a story of identity switching at a French chateau. Du Maurier often grounds her narratives in strong regional atmosphere.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: This highly popular WWII historical fiction novel is set in the Loire Valley and follows two sisters’ experiences during the German occupation. While Angers is not the sole focus, the events and atmosphere described are highly relevant to the region’s experience during the war (when Angers was occupied and bombed).
The Vintner’s Daughter by Kristen Harnisch: Set in the late 19th and early 20th century France, this novel focuses on the wine industry of the region, which is a major part of the Loire Valley’s identity.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of the American Library in Paris during World War II, following a young librarian, Odile, who joins the Resistance by delivering books to Jewish patrons, and a modern-day teenager, Lily, who uncovers a secret connected to the library decades later. The book explores themes of courage, friendship, and the power of books, highlighting the heroism of librarians who defied the Nazis to keep knowledge accessible A recommendation from an alumni of the Try-It-Out-Trip: “I had read this book before knowing the connection of the American Library in Paris to the library in Angers. There are 2 follow up books. Reading them made me feel even more warmly towards the library even before our arrival! They are not based in Angers, but are connected to the Bibliotheque Anglophone.”
- History and Non-Fiction
The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England : Written by Dan Jones, this book covers the powerful dynasty that ruled England, Ireland, and a large part of France, including the Anjou region and Angers.
The Last Duel by Eric Jager: While not centered exclusively on Angers, this non-fiction book by an American historian covers a fascinating trial by combat during the French Middle Ages and provides great cultural context for the period in France.