'With it's meandering river, flat plains and rolling hills,
the Charente has something to offer everyone'
Region
The Charente is beautiful, timeless and natural; it is a haven for the lovers of the art of living and elegance, for lazing about, for families whom love to meet up without wasting a second, for the devotees of Romanesque art and architecture, for aficionados of cultural gatherings and for the lovers of the great outdoors. Comfort and elegance go hand in hand, it is a sparkling destination to experience unforgettable moments.
The Charente is cosy with a family atmosphere; all year round the region has a feel of home nestling in the heart of the countryside, the Charantaise people welcome everyone to share moments of happiness in pure simplicity. The streets are alive with noise and activity. On the rivers and lakes, bathing, fishing and canoeing are always on the agenda.
Take a stroll around the many local villages in red granite, white limestone, historic, protected or listed, whether set in a low valley or on a rocky spur, each village has a thousand and one things hidden away to discover. From village to church to castle, the history of the Charente is a tale of men and stone.
Romanesque churches are legion in the Charente, with almost 400 churches in towns or rural settings; the Charente is one of the richest countries in France in terms of Romanesque architecture.
There is always something new to discover in the Charente.
Places of Interest in the Region
| Angoulême: capital of the comic strip. A town of art and history, on every corner its architectural heritage can be seen. The walls of the town are home to a bubble of creativity, walls painted by famous comic strip authors. Angoulême is a showcase for talent through its numerous festivals and freshly renovated Museum of fine Arts. Numerous restaurants and pavements cafes. |
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| Bordeaux: an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble of the 18th century, also famous for its wine that has been produced since the 8th century. With numerous wine tasting events and tours. |
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| Cognac: a town definitely worth visiting, on the right bank stands the quarter of St-Jacques with its shops, open air market and mooring facilities for river boats. On the left bank, history has left its mark on the cobbled streets. Not to be missed: the Château des Valois, of which the oldest parts date back to the 13th century and is the headquarters of a major Cognac house. |
| La Rochelle: the city has beautifully maintained its past architecture, making it one of the most picturesque and historically rich cities on the Atlantic coast. La Rochelle’s main feature is the “Vieux Port” (“Old Harbour”) which is lined with seafood restaurants. |
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| La Rochefoucauld: takes its name from the large château above the village, partially open to the public, whilst also still inhabited by the Duke and Duchess. |
| Poitiers: sitting on a hill top overlooking two rivers, Poitiers is a country town with a unique charm. Its pedestrian precincts, restaurants, pavement cafes and wonderful central gardens make for comfortable sightseeing. |
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| Royan: rebuilt in the 1950’s, as part of an urbanisation programme. A pleasant resort, known for its beaches, shops, oyster farms, war museum – La Poche de Royan, attractive coves, beach-side cafes and its lighthouse. |
| Rouillac: located near Cognac a historical town which boasts a large agricultural fair / market on the 27th of each month. |
| Saintes: a town of artistic, architectural and historic interest built in the 1st Century A.D. on the banks of the Charente River between La Rochelle and Bordeaux. A lively city with plenty of historical interest; the Roman Arch of Germanicus, the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre and the Roman baths in Saint-Saloine. |
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| St-Amant-de-Boixe: Upstream from Angoulême on the Charente is the Abbey at St-Amant-de-Boixe, it is one of the oldest monastic complexes in the Charente. |
Festivals and Events in the region
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Festivals and Events in the region
January
International Comics Festival
Every year since 1973, the city of Angoulême has produced the Comic Strip Festival (BD) and has become known as the BD city. The establishment in 1990 of the CNBDI, (National Centre for Comic Strips) which houses a museum of comic strips (open year round) that is unique in France has further marked the city's supremacy in this field.
April - May
Théâtres en Fête
The Théâtres en Fête offering several shows (theatre, street, circus and music) targeted at everyone. www.t-e-f.org
May
Musiques Métisses
The festival is a platform of cultural exchange and artistic creation at the highest level. The festival will be in full swing in Angoulême, the communes of Greater Angoulême, in the Charente department and in the region of Poitou-Charentes. www.musiques-metisses.com
June
Fête de la Musique
In towns all over France musicians take to the streets in the evening. In the Charenete, all the main towns will be music making.
July
Garden Nef Party
Rock Festival, Rock, Pop, Folk, Electro… The line-up of the festival includes renowned artists and up-and-coming talents. www.garden-nef-party.com
August
French Film Festival
French Film Festival in Angouleme. www.filmfrancophone.fr
September
Circuit International des Remparts
Vintage car rally inside the old town. www.circuit-des-remparts.com
Marsac ‘Bric-a-Brac’
One of France’s largest jumble sales situated in 5 hectares of meadow. The Bric-a-Brac de Marsac is held annually the first weekend in September, and brings together many enthusiasts of antiques and collectables.
Heritage Weekend
Free entry too many sites and exceptional openings of monuments, gardens etc.
October/November
Piano en Valois
Classic music festival, top flight pianists give a series of concerts.www.piano-en-valois.fr
November
Gastronomades
Gastronomy Market in the town centre of Angouleme. www.gastronomades.fr
Ludoland
Trade fair for toys and games, fun for all the family. www.ludoland.fr
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