Practical Information: Angers

Communication

Stay connected during your visit to Angers.

Mobile & Internet Access

Local SIM cards from Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom, and Free Mobile at official stores or ESIM providers like Airalo. Passport for registration is needed.
Most hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are also available. Reliable 4G and 5G mobile data coverage exists. Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable access.
La Poste, the French postal service, maintains branches throughout Angers for sending mail or parcels.

Language & Translation

Navigate language barriers with helpful resources.

Bridging the Gap

French is the official language. An effort to speak a few words of French is appreciated. English is widely understood in tourist-facing businesses, but proficiency outside these areas might be limited. Consider Rosetta Stone for learning.
Download the Google Translate app and the offline French language pack for quick translations, even without internet. The app's camera feature is invaluable for menus or signs.
A small, physical French phrasebook is an useful companion for common interactions.

Essential French Phrases

phrases for polite and basic interactions.

Common Greetings & Requests

Bonjour (bon-ZHOOR): Hello/Good day
Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR): Goodbye
Merci (mer-SEE): Thank you

Asking for Assistance

Phrases helpful for seeking help or clarifying.

Practical Queries

S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH): Please
Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kom-PRAN pah): I do not understand
Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?): Do you speak English?

Other Useful Phrases

Common Responses

Oui (wee): Yes
Non (nohn): No
Pardon (par-DOHN): Excuse me/Sorry
L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYOHN, seel voo PLEH): The bill, please

Greetings and Departures

Even with limited French, always start conversations with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" when entering a shop or restaurant.
This small gesture means a lot to locals.
Say "Au revoir" when leaving any establishment.
Use "Madame" or "Monsieur" when addressing strangers formally.

Tip: Local Courtesy

Even with limited French, always start conversations with "Bonjour" or "Bonsoir" when entering a shop or restaurant. This small gesture goes a long way.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand the typical operating hours for businesses and services in Angers.

Shops

Most shops typically operate Monday to Saturday, from around 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM. Many smaller shops close for a long lunch break, typically from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.

Restaurants

Lunch service generally runs from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Dinner service usually begins later, from 7:00 PM (earliest) to 10:00 PM or later. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service.

Museums & Attractions

Most museums and attractions generally open around 10:00 AM and close around 6:00 PM. Many are closed on Mondays and some public holidays. Check individual websites for exact opening hours.

Banking & ATMs

Access to your funds and financial services.

Financial Access

Banks typically operate Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many close for a lunch break. Some may open on Saturday mornings for limited hours.
ATMs (Distributeurs Automatiques de Billets - DAB) are widely available 24/7 at bank branches, post offices, and in city centers. These are the most convenient way to withdraw Euros.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Angers.

Public Holidays & Seasons

Public and religious holidays can change business operations.

Special Dates

Most businesses close on public holidays. Museums and attractions may run reduced hours or be closed. Public transport may operate on a Sunday schedule.
Some smaller churches may have limited visiting hours outside of service times.
Some smaller businesses or rural attractions may close for a few weeks during summer (July/August) or winter (January) for holidays. Always check in advance.

Public Holidays in France

Fixed Dates

January 1 (New Year's Day)
May 1 (Labor Day)
May 8 (Victory in Europe Day)
July 14 (Bastille Day)
August 15 (Assumption Day)
November 1 (All Saints' Day)
November 11 (Armistice Day)
December 25 (Christmas Day)

Variable Dates

Easter Monday (Varies, March/April)
Ascension Day (40 days after Easter, May/June)
Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday, 7th Monday after Easter, May/June)

Reminder: Check Ahead

Always check individual websites for exact opening hours, especially for museums and attractions, and during public holidays or outside peak season.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observe local customs for a respectful and engaging experience.

Greeting Customs

Initial interactions hold high regard in France.

First Impressions

Always say "Bonjour" (during the day) or "Bonsoir" (in the evening) when entering a shop, restaurant, or addressing someone new. Say "Au revoir" when leaving.
Use "Madame," "Monsieur," or "Mademoiselle" (for younger women) when addressing strangers, especially in a formal context.
Two kisses on the cheek (La bise) are common greetings among friends and family, but typically not between strangers or in formal business settings. A simple handshake suits new acquaintances.

Attire & Dining

Dress and dining practices reflect local culture.

Dressing & Eating Out

France has a stylish approach to dress, even for casual attire. Smart casual is common. For churches and religious sites, respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated.
Keep your hands visible on the table (do not place them in your lap) while dining. Do not cut lettuce with a knife; fold it with your fork.
Service is included in bills. Small additional tips for excellent service are a courtesy, not an obligation. Ask for "l'addition, s'il vous plaît" when ready to leave.

Photography & Taboos

Capture moments respectfully and steer clear of sensitive topics.

Visuals & Conversations

Photography is generally permissible in public spaces. Be respectful of privacy when photographing people; always ask for permission, especially for close-up shots. Look for signs at museums or religious sites for restrictions.
Avoid discussing politics, religion, or money with strangers. Do not immediately start a conversation in English without first asking "Parlez-vous anglais?". Avoid negative comparisons.
Public displays of extreme drunkenness are frowned upon.

Gender & LGBTQ+

France maintains a progressive stance on social issues.

Inclusivity in France

France is generally a progressive and accepting country. Angers, as an university city, tends to be open-minded and welcoming.
Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal in France. Public displays of affection are generally accepted for all couples.
Expect an inclusive and respectful environment.

Cultural Notes

Greetings are Fundamental

Always begin interactions with a greeting, even a simple "Bonjour."
Before speaking English, ask if they speak English.
A handshake is appropriate for new acquaintances.

Dining & Public Behavior

Keep hands visible on the table when dining.
Avoid sensitive topics like politics or religion with strangers.
Always seek permission for close-up photos of individuals.

Service Included

In France, service charges are always included in the price of food and drinks.
This charge goes directly to the establishment.
No additional tip is expected or needed.

Optional Courtesy

If service was exceptional, leaving a small amount (€1-€5) is a courtesy.
Round up the bill or leave a few coins.
This gesture for good service is always appreciated.

Culture of Politeness

Being polite and attempting even a few French words makes a big difference in how locals engage with you.

Accessibility Information

Angers has dedicated itself to enhancing accessibility for all travelers.

Mobility Infrastructure

City infrastructure supports travelers with mobility challenges.

Support for Movement

Angers invested in improving its infrastructure. The tram system is accessible with low-floor vehicles and level boarding.
Many public buildings and newer hotels comply with accessibility standards.
Challenges can still arise in historic areas due to cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and older buildings, including some châteaux and museums.

Accessible Attractions

sites and transport options for diverse needs.

Inclusion for Visitors

Château d'Angers: The Château made efforts to enhance accessibility. Some ramparts and upper levels might pose challenges due to stairs and uneven surfaces.
Musée Jean-Lurçat: Generally accessible for visitors.
Irigo Tram: The tram system is fully accessible for mobility devices. Most buses also support accessibility.

Sensory Accessibility

Support for visual and hearing impairments.

Assistance Measures

Public transport systems often include audio announcements and visual displays.
Some museums may offer audio guides or tactile exhibits.
It is advisable to contact specific venues in advance to confirm available services and make arrangements.

Information Resources

Find detailed accessibility information.

Where to Find Help

Contact the Angers Tourist Office directly. They often hold detailed and up-to-date information on accessibility for attractions, accommodations, and transport.
Websites of individual attractions often hold detailed accessibility information specific to their venue. Look for dedicated accessibility sections.
Travel forums and online communities focused on accessible travel can offer peer advice and personal experiences.

Note: Historic Areas

Many areas of Angers' historic center feature cobblestones, which can pose challenges for some mobility devices or walking in certain shoes.

Practical Information