Angouleme, gites / holiday accommodation. Chateau de Gurat.

Angouleme

Standing on a rock high above the river Charentes, Angouleme is an ancient city and capital of the district. The vibrant city centre has many shops, restaurants and cafes.

City of the Comic Strip.
Angouleme is know as the "Comic Strip Capital" of France and is world renown for its annual international comic strip festival and the national museum devoted to the art of the comic strip and caricature.
Around the city there are many buildings with specially commissioned paintings (see my current favourite at the bottom of this page!)

The Cathedral of St. Pierre
The Octagonal early 12th cathedral has a richly carved facade depicting 75 figures, making it one of the most impressive in western France.

Walk the ramparts
The best way to discover Angouleme is to walk the ramparts around the old part of the town, the views over the Charente plain are simply stunning.

Circuit des Ramparts
Every year in mid-September Angouleme hosts one of the most important events for vintage car enthusiasts from all over France and abroad. The highlight is the Circuit des Ramparts, a classic car race around the city walls. the festival lasts for 3 days and includes rallies and a concours d' elegance.