'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 2009 in the region
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May 8 – May 17 |
Angoulême ‘Théâtres en Fête’ : Street théâtre |
May |
Saint-Germain-de-Confolens Médiéval fête |
May 29 – Jun 1 |
Angoulême ‘Musiques Metisses’ world music festival
www.musiques-metisses.com |
Jun 21 |
Towns all over France Fête de la Musique’: musicians take to the streets in the evening. In the Charente, all the main towns will be music making |
End June |
Rouillac ‘Sarabands des Bouchauds’: four-day festival on a farm with rock concerts, theatre, dance, circus and humour, art installations and exhibitions |
17 – 18 July |
Angoulême ‘Garden Nef Party’: Rock festival
www.dingo-lanef.com/garden2008 |
July |
Mansle ‘Dance festival’: classical, modern & jazz
www.mansledanse.com |
August |
Confolens World folk dance and music festival |
Sept 5 |
Marsac Bric-à-brac : one of France’s largest jumble sales situated in 5 hectares of meadow. The 34th Bric-a-Brac de Marsac will take place the 1st weekend of September and opens one minute after midnight on Saturday |
September |
Heritage Weekend: free entry to many sites and exceptional openings of monuments, gardens etc. |
Sept 18 - 20 |
Angoulême ‘Circuits des Ramparts’ 70th anniversary (1939 – 2009): vintage car rally inside the old town
www.circuit-des-ramparts.com |
Mid Oct – Mid Nov |
Angoulême 16th ‘Piano en Valois’ festival: top flight pianists give a series of concerts www.piano-en-valois.fr |
November |
Angoulême ‘Ludoland’: trade fair for toys and games, fun for all the family, test the latest novelties www.ludoland.fr |
Nov 19 - 22 |
Cognac ‘Littératures européennes’: literary festival with authors from all over Europe, readings, films, debates, meetings, workshops
www.litterature-europeenne.com/fr |
Nov 27 - 29 |
Angoulême ‘Gastronomades’: international food and cookbook festival
www.gastronomades.fr |
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