Angoumois and surrounding area

Angouleme

A medieval past

Angoulême and Angoumois have been occupied for thousands of centuries since historic sites bear witness to an occupation dating from the end of the Early Bronze Age. Look up and admire its ^12th century cathedral, the towers of the ^13th and ^15th century count's castle, the ramparts, the directions of the streets and its numerous Romanesque churches, which reveal a medieval past.

Two periods in history

Angoulême evolved over time and even became a prosperous city in the ^16th century under the influence of the Valois family who transformed it into an intellectual and artistic center. The development of paper mills helped the growth of Angoulême and that of trade around the port until the ^18th century, with the arrival of the railway.

Medieval Angoumois underwent significant transformations from the ^19th century, when the ramparts were dismantled to be modified into traffic routes for pedestrians and automobiles. The industry also appears with stationery, powder or earthenware companies. Monuments are restored, others built, such as the town hall, schools or chapels. The city of Angoulême has faded to make way for a more modern Angoulême.

Today, Angoulême is renowned for being the capital of paper and comics, which is confirmed on every street corner.

Angoulême, some must-see attractions not to be missed

Angoulême is an easily accessible city, especially by train. Climb aboard and come discover the city’s must-see attractions during a stay of a few days!

The painted walls of Angoulême

Since 1982, the ^9th art has been exposed to everyone's eyes and on every street corner with around twenty painted walls. Download an app so you don't miss any, go to the Tourist Office to get a map of the city and its colorful streets.

The rampart path

Take to the skies on an unusual path departing from Place des Halles. For an hour, you will have your breath taken away by unique panoramas of the city, its emblematic sites and its alleys painted with comic strips.

The City of Comics and Images

Difficult to miss, a visit is essential to this temple which brings together a museum and a bookstore centered around comics. Spend hours strolling through the aisles and take the time to flip through a few pages of your favorite comic book.

Chocolate, a delicious guilty pleasure

Before entering the famous Duceau chocolate factory, take the time to admire the front of this oldest shop, classified as a Historic Monument. Open your eyes wide and let your taste buds savor the chocolate Angoulême marguerite, pure pleasure.

Markets in Angoumois

Grab your best basket to find culinary gems in the markets!

• Brie: every day
• La Couronne: Wednesday and Saturday mornings
• Angoulême: covered market under the halls every day except Monday
• Angoulême: Victor Hugo market every day except Monday
• Champniers: Saturdays
• Roullet-Saint-Estèphe: Fridays
• Fléac: Wednesday and Sunday
• Saint-Yrieix: Saturdays
• Saint-Saturnin: Wednesdays

Without forgetting the farmers' markets which take place in summer.

Cultural events in Angoumois

Don't miss the major events in the city and its surroundings.

• Les Gastronomades from November 29 to December ¹ at Isle-d’Espagnac
• Earth Festival in August at La Couronne
• The French-speaking Film Festival at the beginning of September in Angoulême
• The Jazz(s) Festival in September in Trois-Palis
• The Circuit International des Remparts in September in Angoulême
• The International Comic Strip Festival in February in Angoulême

The territory of Angoumois

Angoulême and Angoumois form a territory called GrandAngoulême, made up of 38 communes. Crossed by the Charente and the Touvre, it offers numerous opportunities for walks and discoveries on foot or by bike, on cycle paths, greenways and the Flow Vélo. Water activities are also a fun and sporty way to visit the region, as is geocatching which takes you on a life-size treasure hunt. From Marsac to Jauldes, from Brie to Vouzan, from Dignac to Roullet-Saint-Estèphe or from Sireuil to Asnières-sur-Nouère, you have toured Angoumois.

Coming to Angoumois

The easiest way is to reach the capital Angoulême, by several modes of transport.

• By car from Paris via the A1 to Poitiers, then via the RN10
• By train from Paris (1h40), Poitiers (40 minutes) or Bordeaux (35 minutes)
• By train in the region with line 16 which connects Angoulême to Cognac, Saintes and Royan

Angoulême also has an airport in Champniers for private and business aviation.

Also consider the Blablacar to get around, an economical and ecological way to come to Angoumois.