Angers
[key], city, capital of Maine-et-Loire dept., W France, in Anjou, on the Maine River. A
business and trade center, it is known for its wine and the famous Cointreau liqueur. It also
has glassworks, printing plants, and factories making electronic and photographic equipment,
textiles, food, paper products, and tiles. On its outskirts are the largest slate quarries in
France. Of pre-Roman origin, Angers became the seat (870–1204) of the powerful counts
of Anjou and the historic capital of the province. There is a fine
cathedral (12th–13th cent.) and a museum containing 14th-century tapestries and a large
collection of the sculpture of David d'Angers. The 13th-century castle was among the buildings
damaged in World War II. Schools of fine arts and medicine are located there.
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