Closed for twenty years, the tallest tower of the Château d'Angers reopens its summit with a free evening opening

A long-awaited reopening after two decades of closure

The Domaine national du Château d'Angers is about to pass a major milestone in the enhancement of its fortified heritage. From 26 September 2026, the terrace at the summit of the Tour du moulin will once again be accessible to all visitors. This decision brings to an end a long twenty-year period of inaccessibility, made necessary by the condition of the monument and by successive construction projects.

To bring this long-awaited return to fruition, nearly five years of restoration were meticulously carried out under the State Recovery Plan. These large-scale works secured the masonry and laid out a suitable visitor route, thereby restoring the historic watchtower function of this building that majestically overlooks the course of the Maine.

The Tour du moulin holds a very singular place within the defensive system. Among the 17 towers of the imposing medieval fortress, it stands out as the tallest. Its summit indeed rises to a height of 40 metres, now forming the highest developed viewpoint over the city of Angers and its surrounding landscapes.

Access conditions and visitor guidelines for climbing the 40 metres

The ascent to the belvedere is a genuinely physical plunge into castral architecture, allowing visitors to travel through nearly eight centuries of history. To reach the summit terrace, the curious must climb a total of 83 steps, a route punctuated by two intermediate landings designed for catching one's breath and appreciating the internal structure.

In order to guarantee optimum safety and preserve the integrity of the site, access to the summit of the Tour du moulin is subject to a very strict quota: only 19 people at a time are allowed to stand on the summit platform. This restricted framework is intended to ensure smooth circulation within the narrow staircases and to preserve everyone's comfort before the panorama.

Because of the medieval configuration of the site and the layout of the historic staircases, the top of the tower is not accessible to people with reduced mobility or to pushchairs. However, the château's general areas remain fully accessible to people with reduced mobility as well as to pushchairs.

To enter the fortress walls, access is entirely free and no prior booking is required. However, the administration reminds visitors that access to the monument is regulated under Vigipirate measures and that strict rules govern the management of luggage and the presence of domestic animals, inviting the public to make all necessary arrangements before arrival.

A festive, free evening opening to mark the official launch

As a prelude to the general opening set for the following day, a grand opening evening is being held on Friday 25 September 2026, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. This event, open to all and entirely free of charge, invites the public to celebrate the occasion at nightfall in a festive and friendly atmosphere. The last entry to the grounds is set at 10:30 pm.

From the first hours of the evening, the musical atmosphere will be provided by the Fanfare du 6e Régiment du Génie d'Angers. Bringing together fifteen musicians handling the snare drum, the trumpet and the saxophone, the ensemble will revisit pop music standards in three sets scheduled at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:15 pm, for energetic performances lasting twenty minutes each.

The estate's gardens will provide the setting for breathtaking artistic performances presented by the companies Exprime ton toi and Lotus Bleu par Aicome 36. In the air, acrobats and dancers will perform at more than 8 metres in height. The aerial programme will feature several acts: spiral performances at 7:15 pm and 9:00 pm, a fabric duo scheduled at 8:00 pm and 8:40 pm, and three sway pole sets staggered between 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm.

DJ set on the ramparts, light scenography and on-site dining

The evening will step up another level of intensity with a unique musical performance. From 9:10 pm to 11:00 pm, the DJs LIXIS and ROXS, well-known figures of the Balconia collective, will take over the medieval fortress for the very first time. Set up directly on the historic ramparts, they will deliver an electro set designed to resonate with the majesty of the site.

Alongside the musical entertainment, a large-scale visual enhancement will transform the site from nightfall and until 11:00 pm. Designed by MSE, this light creation will specially illuminate the ramparts as well as the sublimated Tour du moulin, drawing a resplendent silhouette in Angers' night sky.

To accompany this festive event, several dining options will be offered to the public at the very heart of the monument. The indoor restaurant Le Clos du roi will open its doors for a gourmet stop, while the courtyard will host three food trucks with varied specialities: La petite pompette, Cocotte Minute and Past'A Foodtruck.

This exceptional heritage celebration is part of the partnerships forged with Angers Info, MSE, the DJs LIXIS and ROXS, as well as the houses Cointreau and Ackermann, bringing together local stakeholders and history enthusiasts around the rebirth of this emblematic belvedere.