Visiting Angoulême: places to visit and tips for your holiday in Poitou-Charentes

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Angoulême is one of the nicest cities in the Charente for a day trip during your holiday in the Poitou-Charentes. You will find a historic city centre, impressive comic book walls, a Romanesque cathedral, charming terraces and one of the largest comic book museums in Europe. From the FranceComfort holiday parks in Brossac and Les Forges, you can reach the city in about 50 to 80 minutes.

Why Angoulême is worth a visit

The city is located in the Charente department, about a hundred kilometers inland from the Atlantic coast. The old center is located on a limestone plateau, more than eighty meters above the river Charente. For centuries, this high altitude offered protection against enemy attacks. Nowadays, this city is the perfect place to enjoy views over the river and the rolling landscape.

Angoulême has about 42,000 inhabitants and has the charm of a medium-sized French city. You will walk through narrow streets, relax on lively squares and discover the colorful comic book murals that have made the city world famous. From a holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes , you can easily drive to the city for a walk through the narrow streets, lunch on a terrace and a visit to the comic book museum.

Distance from the FranceComfort holiday parks

Angoulême is centrally located in the Charente and is easily accessible from the FranceComfort holiday parks. The route to Angoulême is also worthwhile, seen as you will drive past forests, sunflower fields, vineyards and small French villages.

It’s best to set off for a day trip to Angoulême early in the morning. That way, it’s easier to park on the outskirts of the town centre and stroll through the historic streets before the temperature rises on hot summer days. This is particularly pleasant in July and August.

Are you coming to France by electric car? Then be sure to check relevant information in advance on the page  going on holiday to France with the electric car. In all cases, it is also useful to familiarize yourself with the rules and costs of toll roads, toll badge and Flux Libre. Also make sure you  have applied for the Crit'Air vignette before your departure seen as there is a good chance that you will drive through an  environmental zone in France.

Overview distances

Holiday park

Distance

Travel time

Etang Vallier (Brossac)

approx. 52 km

± 50 minutes

Domaine les Forges (Les Forges)

approx. 95 km

± 1 hour and 20 minutes

L'Aveneau – Vieille Vigne (Les Forges)

approx. 96 km

± 1 hour and 20 minutes

Bourg Est – Vigelière (Les Forges)

approx. 97 km

± 1 hour and 20 minutes

When is the best time to visit Angoulême?

Angoulême is a nice destination all year round, but spring and autumn are the most pleasant periods for many holidaymakers. The temperatures are perfect for a city walk and it is often quieter than in the busy summer months. In July and August, you can expect full terraces and markets and events that add to the atmosphere. In January you can experience the international comic book festival.

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From Roman settlement to fortified city

The history of Angoulême goes back more than two thousand years. There was already a settlement here in Roman times thanks to its strategic location above the river. The area around the Charente formed an important trade route between the inland and the Atlantic coast. From the high cliffs one could control the traffic on the river well.

In the Middle Ages , Angoulême grew into an important fortified city. The Counts of Angoulême had a mighty castle built and fortified the city with thick walls, towers and city gates. Although some of these defences were later demolished, pieces of the city wall are still visible in various places.

Stroll along the old ramparts

During a walk you will regularly wander over former fortifications. From the ramparts, you can see the Charente River slowly meandering through the valley, with the green hills of the region behind it. Especially at the end of the afternoon, when the sun warmly illuminates the limestone facades, this is one of the most beautiful places to take pictures. Here it is clearly visible why this location had such strategic significance for centuries.

If you take a leisurely stroll, you’ll notice that almost every street tells a little piece of history. Medieval houses are interspersed with Renaissance buildings and stately 19th centuries mansions. You’ll hardly see any modern high-rise buildings, which is why Angoulême has retained its historic charm.

Why is Angoulême known as the capital of comics?

Many people know Angoulême mainly for its comic culture. Since 1974, the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée has been organized here every year. This festival is one of the largest comic events in the world and attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year. For four days, the city will be transformed into a meeting place for artists, writers, publishers and comic book lovers from all over Europe.

Even outside the festival, comic book culture remains visible everywhere. More than twenty monumental murals have now been painted throughout the city  . Some cover complete facades five or six stories high. Others are subtly incorporated between windows and balconies, making it seem as if the cartoon characters are really part of the street.

During a walk, you will constantly discover new works of art. Some depict famous characters such as Lucky Luke, Asterix and Tintin, others were specially designed for Angoulême. Take your time. Many paintings contain small details that only stand out when you stop for a moment. 

The historic city centre

The historic centre of Angoulême is compact and therefore pleasant  to explore on foot. Angouleme's main attractions are within walking distance of each other. You don't have to plan a route tightly. It is precisely the wandering through the streets that makes a visit to the city so much fun.

Most of the sights are within a radius of about one kilometre. Precisely because everything is so close together, there’s plenty of time to pop into a café or shop.

Along the way, you’ll pass small squares where locals meet, craft shops, bookshops and cafés where people enjoy their coffee early in the morning. In the narrow streets, you can often hear the church bells ringing and see locals chatting briefly in front of their houses or popping into the bakery on the corner. Also walk through the Rue Hergé, a pleasant shopping street named after Hergé, the spiritual father of Tintin. Here you will find small boutiques, bookshops and cafes where it is pleasant to take a break. Precisely because Angoulême is not a big tourist city, the atmosphere remains relaxed. You walk among the locals and won’t wander past long rows of souvenir shops or large groups from organized tours. 

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Shopping in Angouleme

In addition to the famous sights, Angoulême is also a nice city for shopping. The shopping streets around Place du Palet and Rue de Genève are lined with boutiques, bookshops and specialist shops selling French comic books. For local products such as Pineau des Charentes, Cognac, local cheeses and delicacies, you can go to Les Halles and several delicatessens in the center. Take some local products with you and enjoy them later on the terrace of your luxury villa in the South of France. 

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in southwestern France. Construction began in the eleventh century and lasted for decades. Especially the richly decorated façade immediately attracts attention. Hundreds of sculptures depict biblical stories, animals, apostles and historical figures.

If you look closely, you’ll discover new details every time. No two glances are exactly the same. That’s what makes the façade so special. Inside, however, there’s a sense of tranquillity. The thick natural stone walls keep the temperature pleasantly cool, which is why many visitors pop in here on hot summer’s days.

From the square in front of the cathedral you have a beautiful view over a part of the city. Especially at the end of the afternoon, when the sun colors the natural stone golden yellow, this is a popular place to take pictures. The light color of the cathedral and many other historic buildings in Angoulême is due to the limestone from the area. This natural stone has been used for centuries for churches, city walls and houses. Especially at the end of the afternoon, the stone gets a warm golden yellow glow, making the facades stand out beautifully against the blue sky.

More information about the history and restorations of the cathedral can be found on the website of the French Ministry of Culture.

Hôtel de Ville

A few minutes further you’ll find the impressive Hôtel de Ville. The current town hall was built on the foundations of the former castle belonging to the Counts of Angoulême. Two medieval towers still remind us of this old fortress.

The garden around the building is freely accessible. Here, residents regularly sit in the shade with a book or enjoy their lunch from the city center. The combination of old fortress walls and nineteenth-century architecture makes this one of the most striking buildings in the city.

Les Halles

Would you like to  experience the atmosphere of everyday French life during your holiday in the South of France? Then be sure to visit Les Halles, Angoulême's covered market hall. Early in the morning, the stalls fill up with local products from the Charente. You will find goat cheese, fresh bread, oysters, walnuts, vegetables, fruit, cold cuts and regional wines.

On Saturday mornings, Les Halles is surrounded by a pleasant hustle and bustle. Residents come out of the market hall with a shopping bag, while the first espressos are served on the terraces. It is a great time to take a seat yourself and watch daily life pass by.

It is especially lively on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, as this is the moment when many people from Angoulême do their shopping, chat with the sellers and then take a seat on a terrace. It’s best to arrive before 11.00 am. That way, there’ll be plenty of choice at the market stalls and it’ll still be quiet enough for you to have a look around at your leisure.

Are you looking for more charming markets to visit during your holiday? Then also take a look at the overview of markets in the Poitou-Charentes. Almost every town in the region has its own weekly market.

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The comic book route through the city

One of the best ways to discover Angoulême is via the official comic book route. At the tourist office you will receive a free map on which all murals are indicated.

The route takes you along quiet streets, stairs, old squares and viewpoints that many visitors pass by unnoticed. This will give you a complete picture of the city. Allow about two to three hours for the entire route.

Along the way, you'll pass small boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Relax on a terrace every now and then. The entire route is about four kilometres long. This aligns with the perfect pace for getting the most out of Angoulême. There’s no need to tick anything off a list here; the fun lies in looking around and unexpectedly discovering yet another comic book mural.

Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image

The Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image, better known as the comic book museum, is located by the river. The museum is located in a former paper factory. This is no coincidence. The paper industry played an important role in Angoulême's economy for centuries.

Inside, you can see how a comic book is created. Original sketches, initial print proofs, complete comic albums and changing exhibitions show just how much work goes into a single album. You’ll also learn about the writing process, the illustrations and the various printing techniques.

For lovers of comics, this is one of the highlights of the day. Even without a great interest in comics, the museum is surprisingly interesting because of the original drawings and the history of the comic book. In rainy weather, the museum is also an excellent alternative. You should allow two hours for a thorough visit.

On the official website of the Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image you will find the current exhibitions, opening hours and admission prices.

What is the best way to visit Angoulême?

The historic city centre of Angoulême is compact and largely car-free. This makes walking the most pleasant way to discover the city. Most visitors park their car on the edge of the center and then walk past the main attractions. Almost everything is within walking distance, so you can leave the car here for the rest of the day.

Keep in mind that Angoulême is located on a hill. From the lower parts of the city, you can walk up to the historic center in about ten to fifteen minutes. The slopes are manageable, but you will come across steps in some of the narrow streets and on the paths connecting the city walls to the city centre. Comfortable walking shoes will make your visit a lot more enjoyable.

Explore Angoulême with a guide or on a walking route

Would you like more background information about the history of Angoulême? Then we recommend partaking in a guided city walk. Local guides will tell you about the medieval fortifications, the cathedral, the counts of Angoulême and the comic culture for which the city is known worldwide.

In the summer, a tourist train also runs through the city. Families with young children in particular go for this option, as it allows you to see many of the most important sights in a short time.

Would you prefer to explore on your own? If so, pick up a hiking map from the tourist information office. In addition to the well-known comic book route, there are also routes along historic buildings, the city walls and the most beautiful viewpoints. This way you can discover the city at your own pace.

An ideal day in Angoulême

Would you like to see as much as possible without rushing through the city? If so, the itinerary below is a good place to start.

9:30 – Park the car at Parking Champ de Mars or Parking Saint-Martial.
9:45 – Walk towards the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and see the square and the view.
10:30 – Follow part of the comic book route through the Old Town.
11:30 – Visit Les Halles and taste some local products.
12:30– Enjoy lunch at Place du Palet or Place New York.
14:00 – Visit the Comics Museum.
16.00 – Take another stroll along the city ramparts or have a drink on a terrace before driving back to your holiday park.

By following this order, you’ll take a logical route without having to keep walking back and forth.

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Parking in Angoulême

Angoulême is easily reached by car via the N10. There are several parking garages and parking lots around the historic city center. The most commonly used are:

  • Parking Champ de Mars
  • Parking Saint-Martial
  • Parking des Halles

From Parking Champ de Mars you can walk to the cathedral and the historic center in about five minutes. It’s a little further from Parking Saint-Martial, but the route takes you through charming shopping streets, allowing you to soak up the city’s atmosphere straight away.

Are you coming with an electric car? There are several charging points in and around the city  . Check in advance via your navigation or charge card app which charge points are available.

Why is Angoulême fun for children?

Many historic cities appeal mainly to adults. Angoulême is a pleasant exception to this. The city offers enough variety to keep children enthusiastic too.

The biggest crowd puller is without a doubt the huge comic book walls. Children are constantly looking around to discover new figures. Many families make it a scavenger hunt and try to find as many murals as possible. This way, a walk through the historic center quickly becomes a fun activity.

The comic book museum also appeals to many children. They see how a comic book is created, how drawings are made and how colors are added. There are regular temporary exhibitions or activities where children can get creative themselves.

In addition, Angoulême has several quiet squares where children can take a break or eat an ice cream. Because large parts of the city center are car-free, you can walk around in a relaxed way.

A relaxing day out for the whole family

Are you staying in a holiday home in the Poitou-Charentes  with children during your holiday in France? Then Angoulême is an ideal destination for a day trip. Set off early from your holiday park so you can visit the town before it gets too busy on hot days. After a stroll along the comic book murals, a visit to the comic book museum and lunch on a terrace, you’ll be back at your holiday home by mid-afternoon. While your children go for another dip, you can look back on a varied day out.

Useful tips for your visit to Angoulême

A few simple preparations will make your visit even more enjoyable.

  • Set off early in the morning. The town is quieter then and parking is easier.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes. The town centre is situated on a hill and has several steep streets.
  • Bring plenty of water with you, especially on hot summer days.
  • Pick up a map of the comic book route at the tourist office.
  • Allow at least half a day. If you’d also like to visit the comics museum, set aside a full day.
  • Combine your visit with lunch in one of the squares or in the market hall. Later in the day, you could head to Cognac or Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.

Before your visit, check the current opening hours of the Comic Book Museum, the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and other places of interest. Opening hours and closing days may vary, especially outside the high season. The Angoulême Tourist Office has the most up-to-date information.

Are you in France around 14 July? If so, there’s a good chance you’ll also experience the festivities in Angoulême. On the page about Quatorze Juillet you can read more about this national holiday. The overview of the holidays in France is also useful when you plan your holiday.

Food and drink

The Charente is known for its local produce. Of course, the region is famous for Cognac, but Pineau des Charentes, goat’s cheese, walnuts and local wines are also well worth trying.

You can enjoy a leisurely lunch on the terraces around Place du Palet, Place New York and Place Francis Louvel. Around midday, these squares are mainly filled with locals, giving them a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Taste the flavors of the Charente

A visit to Angoulême is also a great opportunity to discover the local cuisine. Try grillon charentais, a creamy meat speciality often served on bread, farci charentais, a traditional casserole made of green leafy vegetables, bread and fresh herbs, or finish off with of galette charentaise, a traditional butter cake from the Charente.

Well-known restaurants serving regional dishes and local produce include Le Louvel, Le Saint-André, Le Comptoir de Brice and La Cigogne.

Would you like to discover more of the region? Then a visit to the city of Cognac is a great addition to your holiday. Here you can learn all about the famous spirit and visit various distilleries.

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Discover more around Angoulême

A visit to Angoulême can easily be combined with other sights and activities in the region. On the way, visit Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Other beautiful villages in the Charente are also worth a visit.

Another possibility is to combine Angoulême with a visit to the pleasant city of Niort, an afternoon of relaxation in Les Antilles de Jonzac or a tour of the tourist villages around Les Forges. Here you will discover small churches, atmospheric squares and local markets that give a good idea of daily life in the French countryside.

Would you like to see more of the countryside? In the nature reserves in the Poitou-Charentes you will find vast forests, river valleys and protected nature reserves that are ideal for a walk or picnic. The pages on walking in the countryside and cycling in the Poitou-Charentes also offer plenty of inspiration for an active day in the great outdoors.

Do you have more time? In that case, combining it with a holiday in the Dordogne would be a lovely addition to your stay. This region is relatively close by and is known for its castles, caves and charming villages. A holiday home in the Dordogne is also an option. This way, you can discover two of the most beautiful regions of south-west France in a single holiday.

Why Angoulême makes for a lovely day trip from your holiday home

Are you staying in a holiday home in Poitou-Charentes? Then Angoulême is an ideal destination for a day out. From the FranceComfort holiday parks in Brossac and Les Forges, it takes about 50 to 80 minutes to drive to this town. As the town centre is compact, you can easily explore the main sights on foot. Visit the cathedral, stroll past the colourful comic book murals, enjoy lunch on a terrace and round off the day with a walk along the city ramparts. On the way back, you can combine your trip with a visit to Cognac or Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. By the end of the afternoon you will be back at your villa with swimming pool in the Poitou-Charentes, where you can relax. It is precisely this variety of culture, nature and comfort that makes a holiday in this region so appealing.

A versatile destination during your holiday

You won’t be bored for a moment on a holiday in the Poitou-Charentes region. One day you might visit Angoulême; the next, you could go for a walk through a nature reserve, cycle past sunflower fields or explore a local market. Be sure to check out the page on the Poitou-Charentes region.

Whether you’re staying in a holiday home in Poitou-Charentes or opting for a holiday home with a private pool in France, you determine the pace of your holiday yourself. A morning of culture, an afternoon relaxing by the pool and a barbecue on your own terrace in the evening: it’s precisely this variety that makes this region so appealing.

Do you dream of visiting France more often? Then you might be interested in looking into the possibilities of buying a holiday home in France.

Practical information

Are you planning a day trip to Angoulême? Then the information below will come in handy.

Population

approximately 42,000 (urban area over 110,000)

Altitude

about 80 meters above the Charente

Time required

half a day to a full day

Best time to visit

All year round, with spring and autumn being the favourites

Tourist Office

Place du Palet, in the old town

Parking

Champ de Mars, Saint-Martial or Les Halles

Lots of walking?

Yes, but the distances are short

Suitable for pushchairs?

Yes, although some streets are steep

Editorial team

This article has been compiled using information from official tourist boards, local experts, the managers of the FranceComfort holiday parks and our own research. The content is regularly checked and updated to ensure you have up-to-date and reliable information for your holiday in Poitou-Charentes.

Tip from the travel specialists at FranceComfort

Do you like the peace, space and French outdoor life in the Poitou-Charentes? If so, Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon are also wonderful regions for your next holiday. Looking for even more inspiration? Then take a look at our holiday homes in France and discover which region best suits your holiday preferences.

Frequently asked questions about Angouleme

How much time do you need for Angoulême?

One day is ideal for the historic city centre, the comic book route, the cathedral and lunch. If you’d also like to visit the comic book museum in detail, allow a full day.

What is Angoulême famous for?

Angoulême is known worldwide as the capital of comic books. In addition, the city has a well-preserved historic center, an impressive Romanesque cathedral and beautiful viewpoints over the Charente.

Is Angoulême suitable for children?

Yes. Thanks to the comic book murals, the comic book museum, the car-free city centre and the easy-to-follow walking routes, Angoulême is a great destination for families.

When is the market in Angoulême?

The covered market hall, Les Halles, is open daily. The busiest market days are Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Is Angoulême still enjoyable in bad weather?

Yes. The comic book museum, the market hall, the cathedral and various shops ensure that you can have a fun day even when it rains.

When is the best time to visit Angoulême?

Spring and autumn are pleasant due to the mild temperatures. In July and August, all the outdoor cafés are open and the city is buzzing with activity. At the end of January, the international comics festival attracts visitors from all over Europe.

Is Angoulême suitable for visiting with your dog?

Yes. Dogs are welcome in the historic city centre and on many outdoor cafés. Dogs are generally not allowed in museums and some attractions, except for assistance dogs.

Is Angouleme suitable for a day trip?

Yes. Thanks to its compact city centre, short walking distances and numerous attractions, Angoulême is an ideal destination for a day trip during your holiday in Poitou-Charentes.

Stay in Poitou-Charentes and discover Angoulême

A day in Angoulême really shows just how diverse the Charente region is. You can stroll through the historic town centre, admire impressive comic art, enjoy local specialities and round off the day with a stunning view of the river. From a holiday home in Poitou-Charentes or a villa with a private swimming pool, this unique town is located nearby. Take a look at our holiday parks and holiday homes in Poitou-Charentes and plan a day trip to Angoulême during your holiday.

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