Anjou, Historical province in Loire Valley, France
Anjou is a historical province in western France, running along the Loire River and bordered by Brittany, Maine, Touraine, and Poitou. The land shifts between flat farmland, vineyards, and low-lying river floodplains that follow the course of the water.
The region took shape in the 9th century under the Plantagenet family, who later built ties to England that gave them control over lands far beyond the Loire. Anjou lost its status as an administrative unit when the royal provinces were dissolved in 1790.
The name Anjou still appears on wine labels and in local coats of arms found throughout the region. Visitors walking through the river towns will notice how the châteaux shape the identity of each community along the way.
Angers is the best starting point for exploring the châteaux and wine villages of the region. From there, train connections reach the southern wine towns and the castle parks around Saumur without needing a car.
The Château de Brissac is often called the tallest residential building in France, with 107 rooms spread across its floors. A gallery inside the castle dates to 1620 and runs about 115 feet (35 meters) long, yet it remains open to visitors today.
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