Angoulême is a small city in the southwestern French department of Charente, of which it is the prefecture. Located on a plateau overlooking a meander of the river Charente, the city is nicknamed the "balcony of the southwest".
Best Time to Visit Angoulême, France
The best time to visit Angoulême depends on what you're looking for:
- September (Best Overall): The Angoulême International Comics Festival (Festival International de la Bande Dessinée) takes place in late January, but September is ideal for mild weather and the Circuit des Remparts, a vintage car race that attracts visitors from all over.
- Spring (April–June): Pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August): Warm weather and lively atmosphere, but also the busiest season.
- Winter (December–February): Quiet, cool, and rainy, except for the January comics festival, which is a major event.
How to Get to Angoulême
By Train (Best Option)
- From Paris: Take a TGV (high-speed train) from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême (about 2 hours).
- From Bordeaux: TGV from Bordeaux Saint-Jean takes about 35–45 minutes.
- From Other Cities: Connections available via SNCF from cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Nantes.
By Air
- The nearest major airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) (about 1.5–2 hours away).
- Limoges Airport (LIG) is also an option, about 1.5 hours away.
- From either airport, you can take a train, rent a car, or use a shuttle service.
By Car
- From Paris: About 4.5–5 hours via A10 highway.
- From Bordeaux: About 1.5 hours via N10 road.
By Bus
- Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer budget-friendly options from major French cities.
Top Attractions in Angoulême
- Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image (Comic Strip Museum) – A must-visit for comic book fans, showcasing an extensive collection of comic art.
- Angoulême Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre d'Angoulême) – A stunning Romanesque cathedral with intricate carvings.
- Musée d'Angoulême – Houses archaeological artifacts, fine arts, and exhibits on African and Oceanian cultures.
- Les Murs Peints (Painted Walls) – A unique street art experience with murals celebrating Angoulême’s comic culture.
- Circuit des Remparts – A historic race circuit around the old town walls, featuring a vintage car race in September.
- Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) – A beautiful 19th-century building incorporating parts of the medieval castle.
- Le Plateau (Old Town) – Stroll through charming streets, lined with cafés, boutiques, and historical architecture.
- Paper Museum (Musée du Papier) – Explores Angoulême’s history as a hub for paper production.
- Jardin Vert (Green Garden) – A peaceful park with great views of the Charente River.
- Château de la Rochefoucauld – A nearby Renaissance castle worth visiting for its impressive architecture.
Activities to Do in Angoulême
- Explore the Comics Festival (January): If visiting in winter, this is a must-attend event for comic book enthusiasts.
- Attend the Circuit des Remparts (September): Watch vintage cars race through the medieval streets.
- Take a Boat Ride on the Charente River: A relaxing way to see the region’s scenic beauty.
- Walk or Cycle Along the Riverbanks: Enjoy picturesque views and historic sites.
- Wine & Cognac Tasting: Visit nearby Cognac for tastings at famous distilleries like Hennessy or Rémy Martin.
- Try Local Cuisine: Taste specialties like "Grillon Charentais" (pork pâté) and "Pineau des Charentes" (a local aperitif).
- Visit Nearby Villages: Discover charming nearby towns like Jarnac and Cognac.
Accommodation in Angoulême
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
- Hôtel Saint-Gelais – A stylish boutique hotel with a great restaurant and modern rooms.
- Mercure Angoulême Hôtel de France – A 4-star hotel in a historic building, offering elegant rooms and a central location.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Hôtel du Palais – Charming hotel with comfortable rooms in the heart of the old town.
- Ibis Styles Angoulême Centre – Affordable yet stylish, with a great location near major attractions.
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
- Hôtel Le Palma – A budget-friendly option in the city center.
- Logis Hôtel Europe – Cozy, affordable, and within walking distance of many sights.
Unique Stays
- Château de Maumont – A beautiful countryside château just outside the city for a relaxing retreat.
- Airbnb & Gîtes (Holiday Rentals) – Many charming apartments in the historic center or countryside villas nearby.
Food & Restaurants in Angoulême
Local Specialties to Try:
- Pineau des Charentes – A sweet aperitif made from grape juice and Cognac.
- Grillon Charentais – A rustic pork pâté, typically spread on bread.
- Mogettes – White beans often served with ham.
- Tourteau Fromagé – A unique cheese cake with a burnt crust.
- Charentais Melon – A sweet and fragrant melon from the region.
- Cognac-based Dishes – Many local recipes incorporate Cognac, such as Cognac-infused sauces for meats.
- Eclade de Moules – A seafood dish with mussels roasted over pine needles, found in coastal Charente.
Best Restaurants in Angoulême
Fine Dining & Gastronomic
- La Ruelle – A refined restaurant offering modern French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
- Le Terminus – A gourmet spot featuring seasonal dishes and a great wine selection.
Traditional French & Local Cuisine
- Le Gargantua – Known for classic Charentaise dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
- L’Algorithme – A charming restaurant offering creative takes on regional cuisine.
- Chez Paul – A beloved brasserie with excellent meats and seafood.
Casual & Budget-Friendly
- Le Comptoir de Brice – A great place for local specialties at reasonable prices.
- Mamie Bigoude – A quirky, colorful crêperie with delicious sweet and savory crêpes.
International & Contemporary
- Fafi Asian Fusion – A trendy spot for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Le Saint-André – Offers a mix of French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Cafés & Bakeries
- Les Halles d’Angoulême – The central market with fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies.
- Maison Rannou-Métivier – Famous for their macarons and pastries.
Local Culture in Angoulême
- Comics & Illustration: Angoulême is the comic book capital of France. The Festival International de la Bande Dessinée (FIBD) in January is one of the world's biggest comic festivals. The city has painted murals on buildings celebrating this art form.
- Medieval & Renaissance Influence: The old town is filled with historic buildings, including ramparts and the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre with intricate Romanesque sculptures.
- Cognac & Pineau Culture: The region is famous for Cognac production, with vineyards and distilleries nearby.
- Automobile Heritage: The Circuit des Remparts, a vintage car race held in September, is a major cultural and sporting event.
- Music & Festivals: Besides the comics festival, Angoulême hosts film festivals, jazz concerts, and art events throughout the year.
- Gastronomy: The Charente region takes pride in local markets, bistros, and family-run distilleries.
