1. Keep fit in the open air
The active types among you can start the day off with a jog or a walk around the 'interpretation circuit' on the Île Marquet.
This natural gem, in the heart of Angoulême, and also in the middle of the Charente river, gives you a chance to get back into nature surrounded by birdsong and to take a trip back in time through its historical heritage. Incredible view of the town.
2. The place to go for tastes and flavours
As you continue exploring Angoulême, don't miss the chance to wander round the Angoulême covered market with its local farmers and their produce. The opportunity to discover a monument inspired by the famous Pavillon Baltard in Paris designed by the architect Edouard Warin.
3. Get a view from the top
Make the most of being at the Place des Halles to visit the ramparts. You get to see all of the old town of Angoulême by walking the whole way around. This lovely walk will give you breathtaking views and enables you to discover a more secret Angoulême with its paved streets, noble façades and listed buildings. As you wander round, be sure not to miss the façade of Saint Peter's Cathedral and the exhibitions in the Angoulême Museum. Allow about an hour from the Market Place to the Carnot Statue at the Desaix Rampart (excluding guided visits).
5. Walls and Bubbles
Angoulême, known throughout the world as the International Comic Strip Capital has been exhibiting the 9th art on its walls since 1982. Discover about twenty painted walls that interact with the spectators and/or architecture.
The town of Angoulême has devised two software applications to guide you on your way round:
Available on Google Play: Google Play
Available on App Store: App Store
6. Culture Break
To continue your immersion in the town of the Cartoon, I suggest you head to the foot of the ramparts, on the banks of the Charente. There, in the Saint Cybard area of the city you'll find the impressive glass and steel vessel of the Cité de la Bande Dessinée and by taking the Hugo Pratt walkway, the majestic Comic Strip Museum and its campus, unique in Europe.
For more information: www.citebd.org
In the same part of town, continue your cultural visit of town by finding out about the paper industry. A fun and instructive visit to The Paper Museum is an absolute local must-do! And to continue the adventure, rendez-vous in one of the many paper mills that surround the town, such as the Moulin de la Courade registered on the list of Historical Monuments, located just south of the La Couronne.
7. A relaxing evening
After all your visiting, sit back and relax on the terraces of the bars and restaurants dotted around the Covered Market in Old Angoulême. There's plenty of choice and something for everyone! One of the most popular bars is the Blues Rock Café.
For dinner, if you're looking for an authentic, relaxed atmosphere, head for
Bruleau Charentais!
The menu and dining room are small, but you're guaranteed fresh, tasty cooking every time. If you're after a more hushed atmosphere, go to Restaurant La Ruelle a benchmark in terms of gastronomy.
8. Where to spend the night?
Here are my two favourite addresses if you're staying the night: Hôtel Mercure and Hôtel Saint Gelais.
The Hôtel Mercure located opposite the Market Hall is perfect for spending a night in the heart of town. If you stay there during the annual Comic Strip Festival, you'll be rubbing shoulders with all the big names in comic strips from across the world!
The Saint Gelais is a boutique hotel situated on the ramparts. You'll find a unique atmosphere in this former Diocesan house at the foot of the Aubezine Church, history mixed with contemporary touches and tones.
Dad on the roam, Olivier has his head in the clouds and his feet firmly on the ground! Always on the look out for new ideas and outings for his young teenagers, he loves out of the ordinary experiences that will appeal to both young and old. Ready for a family treasure hunt across Nouvelle-Aquitaine ?