"The Heart of the City" Tour

Points of interest to see along the way

• City Hall - Former Castle of the Counts of Angoulême
  Converted into city hall in 1858 by Paul Abadie Jr., the former castle retains two medieval towers. It bears witness to Angoulême’s rich countly past and the major urban developments of the 19th century.
• Hôtel Saint-Simon
  Built in the 16th century, this mansion is a fine example of the early French Renaissance, with its richly decorated façade and architecture that blends seamlessly with the medieval cityscape.
• Le Châtelet - Les Halles
  Standing on the site of a former royal castle are Les Halles, built in 1887 in the style of Baltard’s market halls. At the rear, discover the fresco “La Fille des Remparts.”
• Saint-André Church
  Remodeled over the centuries, the church features varied architectural styles and a rich collection of furnishings. Nearby, a trompe-l’œil titled “Mémoires du XXe Ciel” and the ruins of the Taillefer Palace round out the visit.
• Place Francis Louvel
  Built on the site of a former convent, the square is bordered by the Palais de Justice, constructed in the 19th century in a style inspired by ancient temples. Its fountain dates from 1833.
• Former Bishop’s Palace – Angoulême Museum
  Housed in the former bishop’s palace since 1920, the museum features collections of archaeology, fine arts, and the arts of Africa and Oceania.
• Saint-Pierre Cathedral
  A masterpiece of Romanesque art, the cathedral is distinguished by its sculpted façade and its nave covered with domes, features characteristic of southwestern France.
• Panoramic View from the Carnot Statue
  This lookout point offers an unobstructed view of the Anguienne Valley, the golf course, and several neighborhoods of Angoulême. The statue pays tribute to President Sadi Carnot.
• Theater
  Built between 1866 and 1870, the municipal theater captivates visitors with its Italian Baroque-inspired façade. Restored in 1997, it has retained all of its original character.

Itinerary

Follow the route in a counterclockwise direction.

1. From Place Bouillaud, enter the City Hall garden, built on the site of the former castle of the Counts of Angoulême. The ramparts and towers lining the park still bear witness to the city’s medieval past. Stroll leisurely along them before leaving the garden past the statue of Marguerite d’Angoulême.
2. Then head to Rue de la Cloche Verte, located behind the Quick restaurant. At No. 15, you’ll find the Hôtel Saint-Simon, a remarkable Renaissance mansion built between 1530 and 1550. Listed as a historic monument, it captivates visitors with the elegance and richness of its sculpted façade.
3. Retrace your steps, then turn left onto Rue de Genève to reach Les Halles. Built in the 19th century on the historic site of the Châtelet, this covered market is one of the liveliest spots in Angoulême. Its distinctive architecture and bustling atmosphere make it an essential part of Angoulême life.
4. Continue along Rue Massillon, then turn right onto Rue Ludovic Trarieux before immediately turning left onto Rue des Trois-Notre-Dame. This street will lead you to Rue Taillefer, where a few precious remnants of the former palace of the Counts of Angoulême still stand. On the wall of the small square to the left of the Saint-Paul School, take note of two pointed-arch windows, framed by slender columns topped with delicate capitals.
5. Continue on to Place Francis-Louvel. Once a market square, it retains a beautiful architectural ensemble dominated by an elegant fountain installed in 1833, which still serves as its focal point.
6. Next, take Rue Prudent to its end, then turn right onto Place Henri-Dunant. You’ll pass the Gabriel-Fauré Conservatory before continuing straight ahead on Rue Molière.
7. Turn left onto Rue de l’Évêché, then immediately right onto Rue Corneille. You’ll pass the entrance to the Angoulême Museum, housed in the former episcopal palace, whose origins date back to the early 12th century.
8. Then head toward the Desaix rampart and make your way to the entrance of Saint-Pierre Cathedral. A true masterpiece of Romanesque art, it is world-renowned for its exceptional 12th-century sculpted façade, one of the most remarkable in France.
9. After exploring the cathedral, retrace your steps and follow the Desaix rampart to the statue of Sadi Carnot. This viewpoint offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Charente Valley and the landscapes surrounding Angoulême.
10. End your walk by turning left onto Avenue des Maréchaux, which will gradually lead you back to the City Hall garden, the final stop on this tour of Angoulême’s historic center.