Races in Angoulême

Just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean (well, honestly it’s more like 100 km from Royan if we’re being honest 😅), south of Niort and north of Bordeaux, close to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park—perfect for a change of scenery and training for your next trail run—it’s easy to see why Angoulême draws crowds!

Because of its location, Angoulême was a highly coveted city in the past—especially since it lay on the boundary between “Northern France” and “Southern France” (admit it, you didn’t know that!). In the Middle Ages (back when trail running didn’t even exist), it was a transit point, as it sat at the crossroads of many strategic routes. The World Wars also left their mark on its history. The city became heavily industrialized (especially for military purposes) during World War I, and it was also occupied by the Germans during World War II. Today, few traces of the past remain in the urban area, but don’t worry—you’ll have plenty to discover!

To stay in an old-time vibe, you can do your jog along the city ramparts, then head to the imposing Romanesque Saint-Pierre Cathedral, whose splendid stained-glass windows are made of blown glass. Just a couple of strides from there, you can visit the war memorial, as well as the town hall, which turns out to be a former castle. Angoulême is known as the comics capital, so you can guess a stop at the comics museum is a must! During your outing, take a detour to the Alpha media library, easy to spot among all the buildings thanks to its contemporary architecture. Still on the artistic side, the Angoulême Museum will delight you with its different art categories. What’s more, it features several collections from the Louvre’s reserves—pretty cool, right? Now, on to Angoulême’s unmissable highlight! Lace up your running shoes and set off around the city to discover the many painted walls, for a riot of colors 🎨. This route will be great training, as it stretches from old Angoulême to the Champ de Mars (yes, it’s not just in Paris 🤷‍♀️), perfect for not missing any of the architectural treasures of the Charente metropolis. Take this run to see the churches of Notre-Dame-d’Obézine and Saint-Martial. Not far away, you’ll discover the lovely covered market—also called “Les Halles”—built of glass and wrought iron.

If running in the city isn’t your cup of tea, head over to the Braconne Forest or Bois Blanc. Want another route as well? We highly recommend going for a run on the Coulée verte, along the Charente (the river this time), which leads to the Saint-Yrieix lake. For a slightly longer route, go warm up your calves in the Anguienne Valley. If long distances are your thing, then set off to discover the Gardens of the Logis de Forge, the Cassinomagus baths or the Charlemagne Cellars (where you can take a little oenology class). Now that you’re here, why not sign up for a race in Angoulême? There are the legendary Schneider Electric Angoulême Fun Runs or the Angoumoisin Urban Trail!

If you’re coming more to celebrate, the International Comics Festival of course takes place in Angoulême, as does the Garden Nef Party Festival. You’ll also have the Circuit des Remparts, or, for the biggest foodies, the Gastronomades. Speaking of food—after all that sport, your stomach must be screaming with hunger! Treat it to local specialties such as Galette Charentaise (careful, the Bretons will be jealous!), cagouilles, farci, or Grillon Charentais. For something sweet, you can try cornuelle, a kind of biscuit, to enjoy with Cognac (in moderation, of course!). 

Angoulême, like an emblem!