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Angouleme
Angouleme is 130 kilometres north-east of Bordeaux, in the Charente region of Poitou-Charentes overlooking the southern edge of the Charente River.
The picture below has been chosen because it was one of the first colour photographs ever taken, in 1877!
Angouleme is quite well defined on its rocky promontory by the large boulevards that surround it and stand above the original ramparts that protected the town - more than 2km of the ramparts remain intact. The boulevards are wide, open streets with good views across the surrounding countryside.
Angouleme old town is based around the chapel and has some interesting medieval houses (some rather grand) along the pedestrianised cobbled streets.
Within the town there are two main features - the cathedral and the town hall. Although both have been significantly altered over the centuries you can still see vestiges of their earlier origins:
- The Roman style Cathedral of Saint Peter dates back 900 years but has been altered a great deal since. It is the ornately decorated facade that holds the most interest, with 70 carvings depicting the story of the Ascension
- The town hall was built on the site of an earlier chateau, of which just two towers now remain.
There are also several museums in the town, including a Museum of Fine Arts, a Museum of Paper (the prosperity of the town was originally founded on the production of paper); and an Archaeology Museum.
Sundry
The high point in the calendar of Angouleme is the International Comic festival that is held in the town each January. This important event also explains why you will sometimes come across walls painted in cartoon style as you explore the town.
Angouleme: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Plan a visit to Angouleme, France
Hotels Angouleme
Holiday rentals / travel
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Map of Angouleme, France |
Places to visit - Angouleme
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Angouleme.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Angouleme are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
Tourist Classifications for Angouleme
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Angouleme when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
