Visit Angouleme France In Charente Know Things To Do

The Nearest Airport to Angouleme Charante France

The nearest airport to Angouleme Charante France –  Angouleme has an airport to the North, with flights direct to the UK 3 times per week.  The City is also on the TGV mainline, with a connection to Paris possible in 2h20min.  Angouleme has an area of 21.85km², and the Charente River runs through the center, with this being the most inland navigable port of the river.

Angouleme France Weather

Angouleme France Weather is Maritime, and therefore temperate with clearly defined seasons.  Average Summer temperatures are between 24C to 27C (13C-15C night), and in Winter this drops to 9C to 10C (3C night).  As with much of Poitou Charentes, the Autumn can be warm, with average temperatures in Sept of 23C and Oct 19C.  October and November are usually the wettest months.  Angouleme is part of a zone that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Angouleme France Map

Where Is Angouleme France – Angouleme is the capital of the Charente and is located to the South and East of that Department (at an altitude of 27m to 130m), near to the borders with Haute Vienne (Limousin) and Dordogne (Aquitaine).  The RN10 (Poitiers-Bordeaux) passes by the West of the City, and the RN141 runs along the West-East axis carrying traffic between Cognac and Limoges.

Angouleme France Map

• Every year in January the town hosts the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée (Comic Strip), which attracts more than 250,000 visitors.  Also to visit is the “Cité International de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image” a comic museum, open Tuesday to Sunday.
• July sees the Garden NEF Party Festival, where around 17,000 people gather at the Ferme des Valette’s near the center of the town to see top rock music bands.
• September sees the annual classic car rally on the Circuit des Remparts, a 1.3km street-racing circuit.
• In November the town hosts Ludoland, a multimedia festival dedicated to toys and games (4-day event).  Also in November is the Gastronomades (now in its 12^th year), an international festival of flavors, hosted at 7 venues around the town center.  The event includes competitions, tournaments, debates, and exhibitions, and attracts around 100,000 visitors.

Things To Do In Angouleme France

As you would expect from a city of this size all amenities are available. There are over 50 restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine including seafood, Indian, Vietnamese, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican.

The nearest swimming pool is a St Yriex Sur Charente (3.5km away).

Angouleme CFC plays its football in the Division d’Honneur of Ligue Centre Ouest, and the rugby team SC Angouleme plays in the Championnat de France – Federale 3.

Things To Do In Angouleme France – Activities available include table tennis, gymnastics, athletics, canoeing, badminton, billiards martial arts, and parachuting.

Angouleme France Market & Economy

Since the 14^th Century, Angouleme has been connected with the paper-making and printing industry, with the most famous export being RIZLA+ tobacco rolling papers.

Angouleme Market – Currently, the largest businesses in Angouleme are Leroy-Somer (3 branches manufacturing alternators and pumps) and Sajon Angouleme (Intermarche Supermarkets).   Angouleme is part of the Angouleme economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 9.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

A Taste of Angoulême: Local Specialties and Markets

No visit to Angoulême would be complete without indulging in the region’s culinary delights. Be sure to try:

• Charentais goat cheese: Renowned for its creamy texture and delicate flavor.
• Confit de canard: Tender duck confit, a classic French dish.
• Pineau des Charentes: A delicious aperitif made from grape juice and Cognac.

Explore the local markets to discover fresh produce, artisanal products, and regional specialties.

Angouleme France Education

There is a choice of 32 state Nursery/Primary schools, 6 state High School (College), and 1 state College (Lycee).  In addition, there is 1 private option from Nursery to College, through the Catholic Institution Saint Paul and 1 private option from Primary to College, Sainte Marthe Chavagnes, plus 1 other Catholic primary school.  There are a number of options at the Lycee level, with a number of professional colleges available.  A European School of Visual Arts here offers a Comic Strip Masters Degree.

Angouleme France Key Stats

Of the properties in Angouleme, 87.6% are classed as primary residences, with 2.1% being classed as second homes.  There are more females than males resident here (53.2%), and there are slightly more people aged 60 or over than the national average (22.4% vs 21.3%). The number of retired people is similar (19.4% vs 18.2%).  The percentage of people below the age of 19 is marginally lower than the national average (22.2% vs 24.6%)

Beyond the City Limits: Exploring the Environs of Angoulême

Angoulême’s charm extends beyond its city walls. The surrounding countryside offers a tapestry of rolling hills, picturesque villages, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

• The Charente River Valley: Embark on a leisurely cruise along the Charente River, admiring the charming villages that dot its banks. Rent a kayak or canoe for a more active exploration of this tranquil waterway.

• Château de La Rochefoucauld: Discover the majestic Château de La Rochefoucauld, a magnificent Renaissance castle nestled amidst lush gardens. Explore its opulent interiors, wander through the park, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

• Cognac Region: Embark on a journey through the heart of Cognac country, visiting renowned distilleries and learning about the art of cognac making. Indulge in tastings and discover the nuances of this exquisite spirit.

• Futuroscope Theme Park: For a thrilling day out, head to Futuroscope, a futuristic theme park offering immersive experiences, 3D shows, and thrilling rides. It’s a perfect choice for families and those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures.

• Hiking and Cycling: The Charente region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the scenic countryside on foot or by bike, following well-marked trails through vineyards, forests, and charming villages.

Practical Information for Your Trip to Angoulême

To make the most of your visit to Angoulême, here’s some essential information:

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Angoulême Cognac Airport, with limited flights from the UK. For more options, consider flying to Bordeaux Airport and renting a car or taking a train to Angoulême.

• Getting Around: Angoulême is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot. For exploring the surrounding areas, renting a car is recommended. Public transportation options include buses and trains.

• Accommodation: Angoulême offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from charming bed and breakfasts to comfortable hotels.

• When to Visit: Angoulême is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

• Budget: The cost of living in Angoulême is generally lower than in larger French cities, making it a budget-friendly destination.

Angoulême: A Year-Round Destination

Whether you’re seeking a cultural escape, a relaxing getaway, or an adventure-filled holiday, Angoulême has something to offer every traveler. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality make it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Discover more about Angoulême and other enchanting destinations by browsing our blog at SeaFranceHolidays.com. Let us inspire your next adventure!

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