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Le October 23th 2025
Perched on its rocky promontory, Angoulême overlooks the Charente Valley and captivates with its unique charm. A City of Art and History and a UNESCO Creative City, it combines exceptional heritage, creativity, and a relaxed lifestyle.
A city steeped in history
A former fortified city, Angoulême has retained its appearance as a belvedere town open to the countryside and the Charente river. Behind his battlements, it reveals a remarkable architectural heritage which bears witness to its rich past.
Strolling through its alleys is like going back in time: Balzac he himself set the scene for his novel Lost Illusions there.
An open-air historic center
The heart of Angoulême is a veritable open-air museum. Between the cobbled streets and sunny squares, let yourself be surprised by its gems:
- La St. Peter's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque art,
- THEHôtel de Ville, installed in the former castle of the Counts of Angoulême,
- On Halles, a lively place of gastronomy and conviviality,
- On battlements, offering panoramic views of the Charente valley,
- Not forgetting its museums and its numerous buildings which tell a thousand years of history.
World Capital of Comics
It's impossible to visit Angoulême without immersing yourself in the world of the 9th art. Here, every wall has something to tell: more than 30 murals bring the city to life and pay tribute to the greatest authors and heroes of comics – from Titeuf à Boule and Bill, Via Blake and Mortimer ou Gaston Lagaffe.
Located on the edge of the Charente, the International City of Comics and Images invites you to discover: its museum, its temporary exhibitions and its library, unique in Europe, make it an unmissable place. Nearby, the towpath which runs along the River offers a peaceful walk, ideal for nature lovers and beautiful escapes.
Prepare your visit
To discover the city at your own pace, the tourist map “Angoulême on a stroll” offers you 8 discovery tours:
- 3 emblematic routes through the must-see places of the historic center, from the ramparts to the Charente,
- 5 thematic tours to explore the city in a different way: urban art, hidden heritage, landscapes or nature walks.
Whether it's history, comics or just a stroll, Angoulême will pique your curiosity and offer you an experience that is as lively as it is unforgettable.