Charente, with its capital in Angouleme, owes its name to the river Charente. Livestock in the north, limestone and moorland with sheep in the south. The west of the Charente is, since the 17th century, famous for its brandy and here you will find most of the vineyards.
Art and history are well preserved in the Charente: 400 Romanesque churches from the 12th and 13th centuries, several museums and historic castles. But that's not all: in the Charente are many wineries and what about the culinary festival 'Gastro Mades' in November and the Fête du Cognac "in July? Additionally, Charente provides fine shopping and do enjoy the French cuisine in one of the many restaurants. Do not forget to drink a glass of Pineau de Charente on a cosy terrace.
The town of Angouleme is the capital of the department, with the St Pierre Cathedral, the historic centre and many interesting museums. The old walls and towers can be visited walking or viewed from a boat. Since 1974, an international comics festival is held in January. This is the largest French-language comic festival in the world and there are prizes awarded to well-known comics artists and their albums.
Do not forget to visit the town of Cognac during your holiday in Charente. This is the centre of the liquor, that bears its name, and you will find there many cognac houses. The old city, with mansions of the 16th and 17th century, has something special and is highly recommended. Do not forget to take a nice bottle of Cognac home!
In the beautiful old town Confolens, you will find a Romanesque church, old bridges, authentic and streets. In La Rochefoucauld, you can visit a beautiful castle from 1622. If you want to visit prehistoric caves, you are at right place in Chazelles. The “Moulin du Verger” can be found in Puymoyen. This old paper mill is located in a valley and is surrounded by cliffs. In the traditional way, paper is made manually from linen and cotton. Children over 7 years can have fun on the kart track in Angouleme.