Angoulême is an impressive cathedral city of artistic, architectural and historic interest, standing high above the river Charente. It is an ideal place for a walk followed by a meal in the pedestrian streets within the walls of the upper town.

Things to see and do in Angoulême include:

• Centre National de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image (The National Centre of Comic Books and Images) - Recently renovated throughout, the centre is laid out as a series of imaginary museums. There are museums of History, Natural History, Ethnography, Contemporary Art and Science and Technology. All are used to portray different aspects of the 'Ninth Art'.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts, with displays of 16th to 20th-century european paintings, antique weaponry, ceramics, archaeological artifacts and exhibits from prehistoric sites in the local region.
• Boat trips on the river Charente. There are half and full-day cruises often based on a theme. Themes include: papermaking, gourmet, luncheon and sightseeing, and evening cruises.