Running in Angoulême: the capital of comic books
- audreyubertino
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking a bend in the Charente River, Angoulême is a city that has successfully combined the past and present and is resolutely focused on the future. While its reputation stems mainly from comic books and its famous festival, Angoulême is nonetheless a city rich in history that has much to offer. Evidence of the past rubs shoulders with recent developments to form a charming city that attracts many visitors every year. Come and discover the city of the Valois with the audio-guided routes offered by the city!
The former capital of Angoumois, Angoulême was an important crossroads for communication routes and was long a coveted stronghold. Although it suffered numerous sieges and had a turbulent past, it became an intellectual and artistic centre in the 16th century thanks to the Valois family.
The 19th century was synonymous with prosperity, thanks in particular to the development of industries (paper mills, foundries, etc.), which today make Angoulême one of the most industrialised towns in the region.
Old Angoulême
Due to its strategic location, the Angoulême spur was inhabited as early as the Stone Age, and several fortified walls were built during the Gallo-Roman period to reinforce its natural defensive position. Destroyed, rebuilt and reinforced several times, the ramparts were levelled and the gates demolished in the 19th century to allow for the expansion of the city. Today, only a few remains dating from the 4th, 13th and 16th centuries are still visible throughout the city. Some of these ramparts have been converted into promenades and offer a beautiful view of the Charente River.
Unlike many cities in France, Angoulême has a Romanesque cathedral rather than a Gothic one. Built in the 12th century, Saint-Pierre Cathedral owes its preservation to architect Paul Abadie Jr., who undertook a major restoration campaign in the 19th century. A true architectural gem, listed as a historic monument since 1840, the cathedral impresses with its western façade, adorned with rich sculptures and bas-reliefs. The most curious visitors will not hesitate to push open the doors of the building to discover an interior full of space and light.
On your way, you will also pass the town hall, formerly the residence of the Counts of Angoulême. Combining medieval, classical and Renaissance styles, the building retains only the Lusignan keep and the Valois tower from the old count's castle. It was in the latter that Marguerite d'Angoulême, sister of François I, was born. The building was converted into a town hall in the 19th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 2013.
Capital of the 9th art
Located in the heart of a region with a papermaking tradition dating back to the 18th century, Angoulême was destined to become the capital of comic books. The love affair between the city of Angoulême and the ninth art began in the 1970s with the creation of the first comic book festival. Since then, every year, professionals and enthusiasts gather for four days to celebrate their love of this diverse and popular art form.
Although the festival only takes place once a year, the ninth art can be found all over the streets of Angoulême. Your stroll will take you on a journey of discovery, with around twenty murals celebrating comic books adorning the city walls: Lucky Luke, Titeuf, Blake and Mortimer... discover all your favourite heroes as you wander through the narrow streets of the city centre and the more outlying districts. Don't miss, among other things, the magnificent trompe-l'oeil entitled ‘La fille des remparts’ (The Girl on the Ramparts), which incorporates elements of the environment such as the stone railing and the windows of the house.
The route is also dotted with several statues paying tribute to comic books, including one of Lucien, Margerin's hero, and another of Corto Maltese, who welcomes visitors to the Comic Book Museum. Housed in the Chais Magelis buildings, the museum has a collection of drawings, original comic strips and related items that is unique in Europe. The museum is part of the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l'image, which also includes a library, an arthouse cinema, exhibition galleries, and more.
Along the water
Beyond its historical and cultural heritage, Angoulême boasts an exceptional natural heritage. Crossed by the Charente River, the city offers a bucolic setting for numerous water sports, recreational activities and sports, as well as lovely walks and bike rides. The Au bord de l'eau route allows you to discover the rural landscapes along the riverbanks, notably by taking the old towpath, which has been converted into a green corridor.
Your walk will also take you to Marquet Island, the city's natural gem with a rich history. Home to allotment gardens, a sawmill and a plaster mill, this nature reserve covering nearly 8 hectares is home to a wealth of flora and fauna.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from the Comic Strip Museum to St. Peter's Cathedral!
Find all the routes in the city of Angoulême and more than 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.
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