Complete Travel Guide to Angres, France

Angres Angoulême is a small city in the southwestern French department of Charente, of which it is the prefecture. Positioned at coordinates 50.40572°N, 2.76054°E, Angres occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Angres place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 100.0 meters above sea level, Angres benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Angres creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 41423 residents, Angres maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Angres represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Angres reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout France, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Hauts-de-France province, Angres contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines France's regional character. The role of Angres in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Angres discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of France while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Angres

History #Antiquity The history of the city is not very well known before the Roman period: it is simply known that the plateau was occupied by an oppidum, traces of which were found during excavations in the Saint-Martial cemetery under the name _Iculisma_.

Roman influence in Angres established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries Its currency was Lemovice A Capital from the 2nd century discovered in 1888 on the Rue des Halles The town was not located on major roads and was considered by the poet Ausonius as a small town.

No Roman monuments have been found but it benefited from the _Pax Romana_ and from trade on the river Roman influence in Angres established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries The town had a prosperous period at the end of the Roman Empire.

Roman influence in Angres established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries The rocky promontory overlooking the Charente 80 metres (260 feet) high and over the Anguienne 60 metres (200 feet) high formed a strategic position.

It was raised to the rank of capital of _civitas_ (at the end of the 3rd or 4th centuries) and the first fortress dates from the end of the Roman Empire Roman influence in Angres established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries.

The rampart called Bas-Empire which surrounds 27 hectares of land was maintained until the 13th century The network of Roman roads were then reorganized to link the town with the surrounding cities of Bordeaux, Saintes, Poitiers, Limoges, and Périgueux.

Roman influence in Angres established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries The city of _Haut-Empire_ remained unknown for a long time Recent excavations have provided details on the power of the Roman city.

Roman influence in Angres established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries A well dug in an early era shows that the water table was very high A large thermal spa complex was found under the courthouse which is usually related to water supply through an aqueduct.

The first bishop of Angoulême was Saint Ausone of Angoulême in the 3rd century The administrative importance of the city was strengthened by the implementation of a County in the 6th century with Turpion (or Turpin) (839–863), adviser to Charles the Bald.

However, the town was always attached to the various kingdoms of Aquitaine and the end of antiquity for the city was in 768, when Pepin the Short defeated Hunald II and linked it to the Frankish kingdom In June 2019, archeologists discovered a prehistoric stone with an engraving of a horse and other animals near Angoulême station.

The Palaeolithic stone plate is estimated to be about 12,000 years old #Middle Ages Flag of the ancient province of Angoumois When held by the Visigoths, the city followed the Arian version of Christianity and was besieged for the first time by Clovis in 507 after Vouillé then taken in 508; "miraculously" according to Gregory of Tours and Ademar of Chabannes.

During the battle, however, Clovis was seriously wounded in the leg - probably a fracture The fact is reported by tradition and on a wall of a tower from the 2nd century a leg is carved called the "leg of Clovis" The Leg of Clovis During his stay in Angoulême, after putting the garrison to the sword, Clovis pulled down the old Visigothic cathedral dedicated to Saint-Saturnin to build a new one bearing the name of Saint-Pierre.

All that remains of the original building are two carved marble capitals that f.

The historical trajectory of Angres demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Angres reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Angres remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Angoulême is an Acropolis city located on a hill overlooking a loop of the Charente limited in area upstream by the confluence of the Touvre and downstream by the Anguienne and Eaux Claires. #Location and access Angoulême is located at the intersection of a major north–south axis: the N10 Paris-Bayonne; and the east–west axis: the N14 _route Central-Europe Atlantique_ Limoges-Saintes. Angoulême is also connected to Périgueux and Saint-Jean-d'Angely by the D939 and to Libourne by the D674. Places adjacent to Angoulême La Rochelle 120 km Paris 435 km Poitiers 110 km Niort 110 km Montluçon 236 km Guéret 170 km Confolens 50 km Cognac 40 km Saintes 70 km Royan 100 km **Angoulême** Limoges 100 km Bordeaux 110 km Libourne 90 km Bergerac 110 km Périgueux 80 km * By train: the Paris-Bordeaux line, served mainly by TGV, passes through Angoulême and the TER Limoges-Saintes provides connections. * By water: although the river Charente is currently only used for tourism, it was a communication channel, especially for freight, until the 19th century and the port of l'Houmeau was very busy. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Angres, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The Angoulême-Cognac International Airport is at Brie-Champniers. #Districts Map of Angoulême in 1914 **Old Angoulême** is the old part between the ramparts and the town centre with winding streets and small squares. The **city centre** is also located on the plateau and was portrayed by Honoré de Balzac in "The Lost Illusions" as "the height of grandeur and power". There is a Castle, a town hall, a prefecture, and a cathedral with grand houses everywhere. Unlike Old Angoulême, however, the entire city centre was greatly rebuilt in the 19th century. Surrounding the city were five old faubourgs: l'Houmeau, Saint-Cybard, Saint- Martin, Saint-Ausone, and la Bussatte. The district of **l'Houmeau** was described by Balzac as "based on trade and money" because this district lived on trade, boatmen, and their scows. The port of l'Houmeau was created in 1280 on the river bank. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Angres, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. It marked the beginning of the navigable part from Angoulême to the sea. **Saint-Cybard** , on the bank of the Charente, was created around the Abbey of Saint-Cybard then became an industrial area with papermills, especially _Le Nil_. **Saint-Martin - Saint-Ausone** is a district composed of two former parishes outside the ramparts. At **La Bussatte** the Champ de Mars esplanade is now converted into a shopping mall, and adjoins **Saint-Gelais**. Today the city has fifteen districts: * **Centre-ville** * **Old Angoulême** * **Saint-Ausone - Saint-Martin** * **Saint-Gelais** * **La Bussatte - Champ de Mars** * **L'Houmeau** * **Saint-Cybard** * **Victor-Hugo, Saint-Roch** is notable for its military presence. * **Basseau** is a district which was created in the 19th century with the port of Basseau, the explosives factory in 1821, the Laroche-Joubert papermill in 1842, then the bridge in 1850. * **Sillac - La Grande-Gare.

The topographic characteristics of Angres result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Angres region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Angres area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Angres has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Angres demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Angres create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Angoulême is under an oceanic influence and similar to that of the city of Cognac where the departmental weather station is located. Precipitations are modest all year long, with a slight drying tendency during summer. Rainfall patterns in Angres determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. Comparison of local Meteorological data with other cities in France Town Sunshine (hours/yr) Rain (mm/yr) Snow (days/yr) Storm (days/yr) Fog (days/yr) National average 1,973 770 14 22 40 Angoulême 2,027 763 3 23 54 Paris 1,661 637 12 18 10 Nice 2,724 767 1 29 1 Strasbourg 1,693 665 29 29 56 Brest 1,605 1,211 7 12 75 Climate data for Angoulême (Angoulême–Cognac International Airport) (2009–2020 normals, extremes 2009–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 18. 6) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 8. 6) Daily mean °C (°F) 5. 1) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 3. 7) Record low °C (°F) −7. 0) Average precipitation mm (inches) 89. Rainfall patterns in Angres determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 08) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. Rainfall patterns in Angres determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 4 Source: Meteociel 1. Paris, Nice, Strasbourg, Brest 2. Data from the Station at Cognac from 1981 to 2010 (in French) 3. “Normales et records pour Angoulême - Brie Champniers (16)”. Retrieved 21 November 2024.

The climatic regime of Angres reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Angres create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Angres determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Angres create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Angres demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Angres include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Culture and heritage Angoulême Angoulême and Angoumois country together are classified as a City of Art and History. In place of its ancient fortifications, Angoulême is encircled by boulevards above the old city walls, known as the Remparts , from which fine views may be obtained in all directions. Within the town the streets are often narrow. Apart from the cathedral and the City Hall , the architecture is of little interest to purists. However, the “old town” has been preserved, maintained and largely reserved for pedestrians. It has a cobbled restaurant quarter, with several galleries and boutiques. Angoulême contains a very large number of buildings and structures which are registered as historical monuments. Below are listed some of the most interesting sites. #Civil heritage The approaches to the Hôtel de Ville (city hall) with elegant green spaces * The Hôtel de Ville (town hall) (13th century) was designed by Paul Abadie and is a 19th-century structure. It has preserved and incorporated two 13th-century towers, Lusignan and Valois, from the Castle of the Counts of Angoulême on the site on which it was built. It contains museums of paintings and archaeology. * The Ramparts (4th century). The ramparts form a balcony overlooking the Charente. * The Market building (1886) is made of architectural glass and iron of Baltard type. * The Palace of Justice was built on an old convent at the end of the 19th century by Paul Abadie’s father. * The Municipal Theatre has a superb façade. * The College Jules Verne , a former deanery, it has preserved the old chapel with stained glass and carved woodwork in the music room and a vaulted chapel with stone keystones and stained glass - visible from the Rue de Beaulieu - which has become the CDI. * The Guez de Balzac School built by Paul Abadie father and son. There are very many old houses: * The Maison Saint-Simon in Rue de la Cloche-Verte (16th century) built in the Renaissance style. * The Hotel de Bardines at 79 Rue de Beaulieu (18th century) is attributed to the Angoulême architect Jean-Baptiste Michel Vallin de la Mothe. The building is impressive in size. * The Hotel Montalembert * The House called Archers * The Hôtel Mousnier-Longpré at 24 Rue Friedland (12th century) was rebuilt in the 15th century. It has remarkable façades on the Rue de l’Évêché, Rue de Friedland, and the courtyard. * A Hotel Particular described in Illusions perdues (Lost Illusions) by Honoré de Balzac as that of Madame de Bargeton. * An Ancient Portal at 59 Rue du Minage (17th century) * An Ancient Portal at 61 Rue du Minage (16th century) Places (Squares) in Old Angoulême The Place du Palet * The Place du Minage with its fountain from the Second Empire and its benches has a Mediterranean flair in the heart of the old town. In the 14th and the 19th centuries there was intense commercial activity.

The cultural landscape of Angres represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Angres reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Angres continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Angres provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Angres demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Angres provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Angoulême is a centre of the paper-making and printing industry, with which the town has been connected since the 14th century. Papermaking is favoured because of the uniform temperature and volume of the water year-round, partly due to the river Touvre, which joins the Charente at Angoulême. The Touvre is the second largest river with an underground source in France after the Sorgue (Fontaine-de-Vaucluse). Former pumping station to bring up water from the Touvre The Touvre emerges as a full-blown river from the head of the valley at Ruelle. A trout fishery is located at the source and a pumping station supplies the drinking water needs of Angoulême. [_citation needed_] Most of the paper mills are situated on the banks of watercourses in the neighbourhood of the town. Cardboard for packaging, as well as fine vellum for correspondence, have been produced in quantity. The best known export is Rizla cigarette roll-up paper, a combination of _riz_ (rice paper) and LaCroix, after Monsieur LaCroix the founder. _Le Nil_ is another local brand of roll-up paper, named not after the Nile in Egypt but after a small tributary of the Charente. The Le Nil paper-mill is now the Paper Museum. Paper-making in the town has been in decline. The economy of the modern town also is supplemented by annual tourist events and festivals. For example, the printers and paper-makers, whose industry relied on intricate machinery, became skilled mechanics and among the first to become fascinated with the motor car in the late 19th century. Motor trials were held regularly, starting on the long straight road through Puymoyen, now a suburb. Monsieur LaCroix (of RIZLA+) was a celebrated motorcycle racer. The Paris–Madrid road race of 1903, notorious for its cancellation due to numerous deaths, passed through Angoulême. Marcel, one of the brothers Renault, was one of the victims. The place of his death is marked by a memorial on road RN10 to Poitiers. The town has been closely associated with motor trials and racing. The Circuit des Remparts is held annually, one of the last such street-racing course in France, together with Pau (and Monaco). In addition to local heroes, internationally known racing drivers, such as Juan Manuel Fangio, José Froilán González, Jean-Pierre Wimille, Pierre Veyron and Maurice Trintignant, have been regular participants. The cars which they drove frequently are presented at the modern event. The hotel and restaurant trade receives a considerable boost from the races. [_citation needed_] Subsidiary industries, such as the manufacture of machinery, electric motors and wire fabric, are of considerable importance. Angoulême is the most inland navigable port on the Charente River. The traditional river boat is the Gabare. Iron and copper founding, brewing and tanning also continue. The manufacture of gunpowder, confectionery, heavy iron goods, gloves, boots and shoes (including the traditional _pantoufle_ carpet slippers) and cotton goods are.

The economic structure of Angres reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Angres often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Angres serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Angres demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Angres has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Angres focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation Angoulême in 1914 The new high-speed rail link between Tours and Bordeaux bypasses the town centre to the west, but with a link to Angoulême station from both the north and south. It opened in July 2017. Direct TGV journeys from Paris Gare Montparnasse take just over two hours. The Angoulême railway station offers connections to Paris, Bordeaux, Tours, Limoges and several regional destinations. The main line of the Paris Bordeaux railway passes through a tunnel beneath the town and is due for large-scale refurbishment to improve travel time. Angoulême - Cognac International Airport is situated 9. 9 mi) NE of the city centre in Champniers, just off the N10. The runway can accommodate Boeing 737s, and a new restaurant and shops were added in 2008. However Ryanair stopped its Angoulême-Stansted service in 2010. Air France used to operate a service to Lyon. There are currently no regular flights to/from Angoulême airport. Local Buses – The city bus system is run by STGA. “SNCF opens two high speed lines in one day”, Railway Gazette International , 3 July 2017, archived from the original on 6 July 2017, retrieved 15 June 2019 2. “Train timetables between Paris and Angoulême”. Retrieved 15 June 2019. Cite error: The named reference Chisholm 1911 pp. 41–42 was invoked but never defined (see the help page). “Angoulême”, Official Website.

Transportation infrastructure serving Angres reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout France. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Angres.

Regional connectivity from Angres provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

#Education ##Colleges * Marguerite de Valois College * Anatole France College * Pierre Bodet College * Jules Michelet College * Jules Verne College * Michèle Pallet College ##Schools * Lycée Guez-de-Balzac : general education school hosting literary CPGEs * School of Image and Sound of Angoulême (LISA): a general education high school (options cinema, theatre), BTS audiovisual and visual communication * Marguerite de Valois High School : general and technological lycée, * Charles de Coulomb High School: a general and technological education and vocational high school (industrial education) * Sillac High School: building trades vocational school * Jean Rostand School: vocational school for the fashion industry and services, * Jean-Albert Grégoire School: vocational school for careers in transport and logistics (Soyaux commune) * Oisellerie High School: agricultural college (La Couronne commune) * Saint Paul High School: A private school grouping (elementary school, middle school, and general and technological high school) * Sainte-Marthe-Chavagnes School: a private school grouping (from kindergarten to BTS, general education, technological and professional) ##University The Faculty of Law at La Couronne The University Centre of Charente is administratively attached to the University of Poitiers. It includes: * a Faculty of Law and Social Sciences * a Faculty of Sport Sciences * CEPE (European Centre for children’s products) * University Institutes of Technology (IUT) * a departmental site of the Graduate School of Teaching and Education from the University of Poitiers ##Other institutions * Gabriel Fauré Conservatory directed by Jacques Pesi. 56 teachers, 40 disciplines, and 1,015 students in 2010 * Isfac: a training centre offering 8 BTS courses alternately as well as training for business * CNAM: a branch of the National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts * EMCA: School for film animation * EGC: School of Management and Business * CIFOP: Vocational Training Centre for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angoulême (L’Isle-d’Espagnac commune) * EIA: Engineering school by apprenticeship - CESI * ENJMIN: National School game and interactive digital media * EESI: Higher European School of Imaging * CREADOC: documentary of design ##Sports * Local rock climbing crags in such as Les Eaux-Claires, site of France’s first 9a (5.14d) route, by Fred Rouhling * Sailing school, based by Éric Tabarly at the lake of Saint-Yrieix * The women’s handball team was in division 1 for the 2008–2009 season. * The Angoulême CFC (ACFC) is the football club that played in the National (3rd division) in the 2003–2004 season. * TTGF is the Table Tennis Club that played in National 1 (3rd division championship of France) for the 2009–2010 season. * The SC Angoulême Rugby Club * The ACA (Angoulême Rowing Club) ##Health All medi

Educational institutions in Angres serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Angres

Successful visits to Angres require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Angres often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Angres include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Angres extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.