Angers is a city in the Loire Atlantique department in western France. It lies beside the Maine river at the edge of the Loire Valley. The medieval seat of the Plantagenet dynasty, it has an old town with half-timbered houses such as the ornate Maison d’Adam (now the Maison des Artisans). The Cathédrale St-Maurice, in central Place Sainte-Croix, features twin 75m spires and elaborate stained-glass rose windows. The city’s newer areas offer a thriving cafe culture.