Angers is a city in western France 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 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.