Races in Charente

Between history, cultural heritage, preserved villages, and lush nature, the 16 has a lot to charm you 🥰. To start your walk in charming Charente, we suggest you set out to conquer some well-known monuments. The Royal Castle of Cognac and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Angoulême (don't worry, we'll talk about it right after) are worth a visit. The Grotte de Quéroy and the Gallo-Roman theatre of Bouchauds often appear on tourist itineraries crafted by tour agencies. Off the beaten path (or not), take an interest in the Château de la Rochefoucauld, the monolithic and subterranean church (yes, you read that right 🔦) of Saint-Jean, the Château de Verteuil, the Chassenon thermal baths, or even the Château de Villebois-Lavalette. The Abbey of Saint-Amant-de-Boixe and the Manor of Maine-Giraud are also must-see stops.

Your journey will then lead you to the doors of villages not to be missed under any circumstances: Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Saint-Simon, Confolens, Verteuil-sur-Charente, Tusson, Ruffec and Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire. The department holds pretty surprises, particularly the vineyards of Jarnac, the old town of Cognac or even the Dolmen de Garde Epée. An essential stop of the area: Angoulême, where you'll find the National Center for Comics and Image 🗯. It's also in Angoulême, labeled a UNESCO creative city, where the International Comics Festival takes place every year, enjoying top-notch reputation. Furthermore, the city offers you the most interesting running routes between ramparts and street art frescoes, you'll see all colors of the rainbow 🌈. When you've had enough, make a quick escape via... the Charente, the river this time, to dive into nature, the real deal. Continue your road navigation between the Charente Valley, the lakes of Haute-Charente and the Jardins du Coq, one of the only places where you can discover Charente lavender. Indeed, this plant is not reserved just for the fields of Provence! Jarnac, the home of François Mitterrand, or even Soyaux are also great cities for strolling.

"Chilling" is good, running is better cool too ! The Tour of the Charentes, with its 450 km of marked trails, allows you to admire splendid viewpoints while running. To test yourself in competition, there's also plenty of fun to be had here because the race calendar in the 16 is full ! Let's mention the most famous races of the department : the Cognac Marathon, the 10 km National of Schneider Electric Foulées d'Angoulême or the Urban Trail Angoumoisin are well-known.

After comic bubbles or after smashing the clock, it's time for the aperitif, not champagne, but with the famous wine brandy of Cognac (to be consumed in great moderation). Charente cheese (Taupinière) and Charente walnut are also on the menu. What more could you ask for ?

Oh and we almost forgot ! Want to impress on Monday morning at the coffee machine ☕️ after your stay in Charente? Say no more. Don't hesitate to mention that Angoulême was the first name of New York City (yes New York, New York!) in the 16th century. A sometimes little-known anecdote that will make a great impression 😉.

So prepare your nicest Charente slippers!