The Anguienne

The Anguienne is a stream approximately 13.2 km long, a left tributary of the Charente at Angoulême, whose valley boasts a rich natural and cultural heritage.

Characteristics of the stream

• The Anguienne rises at Le Boisseau in Dirac at an elevation of 117 m, flows from upstream to downstream through the towns of Garat and Soyaux, and joins the Charente in Angoulême at an elevation of 32 m.
• The stream flows past the Château de la Tranchade, the Moulin du Got, the Logis d’Hurtebise, and the Lion de Saint-Marc in the municipality of Soyaux. The Anguienne is partially channeled in Angoulême (at Petit Fresquet and Fontgrave), disappearing beneath certain roads at the Pont de Vars (starting at the small bypass on the Voie de l’Europe), in Saint-Martin and Sillac (Véchillot Bridge) before reemerging at the Moulin des Dames and continuing to its mouth at Île aux Vaches.
• Its valley, like that of the Eaux Claires, is designated as a Natura 2000 site for its unique biodiversity. It separates the Angoulême plateau from that of Ma Campagne and features a steep-sided environment with limestone cliffs covered in boxwood and oak trees. The imposing viaduct on the Angoulême bypass (D 1000) has spanned the valley since 2005.

Sites and Natural Heritage

• Anguienne Valley in Soyaux: cliffs, boulders, old quarries, and lush alluvial forests create a landscape rich in contrasts between mineral and plant life.
• Trails and walks: Several educational and nature trails allow visitors to explore the geological formations, flora (limestone grasslands, orchids), and local fauna. Family-friendly activities, such as biking and scootering, are available in the lower part of the valley.
• Tourist Trail: The Anguienne Fountains Trail offers an 8.5-km walk with nine interpretive stations, allowing visitors to explore the valley and discover its fountains and historical heritage sites.

The Anguienne is a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts, hiking tourists, and the local community alike, offering a unique blend of ecological, historical, and cultural value. You can visit the valley year-round and take advantage of the marked trails to explore this magnificent part of the Charente.