Planning to visit Angouleme for a memorable getaway with the kids, or perhaps you live close but haven’t really explored? In this post, I’ll share some of the best things to do in Angouleme with the kids.
Angouleme, Charente is located in Southwest France. It is a small city popular by the nickname “Balcony of the Southwest” because of its highland location. Angouleme is known for its Comics Museum and Festivals and is known as the capital of comic books. Every year, they host a Comic Festival, which draws many visitors, particularly families with kids who are avid comic book readers.
Angouleme is also called “The City of Image”, so murals and painted walls are common in the streets. So make sure to bring your artsy little one, and they will undoubtedly have the fun of their lives! Continue reading to know more about the best things to do in Angouleme with children.
Visit the Comic Book Museum
The musée de la bande dessinée has the largest collection of comic books in Europe. Since 2009, the Angoulême comics museum has been located in the Magellis cellars and continues to be the ultimate sanctuary for the art of comic books. Visitors can explore a contemporary exhibition space spanning 1300 m², where more than 400 original panels, prints, and drawings are on display.
The display is separated into four primary sections in chronological order. It showcases both French-language comics and American comics. By doing so, it emphasises the impact that American comics have had worldwide, especially in France. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The process of creating a comic strip is shown from the beginning to the end, including the initial sketches, storyboards, inking, or drawing directly on a computer. The audiovisual sequences provide insights into author interviews, while reports showcase the designers in action.
For children aged 4 to 12, there are games that promote hands-on learning, games that stimulate the senses, and cosy reading corners where little ones can explore the world of comics in an enjoyable way. There are costumes available, a creative station for planning imaginary trips, and an area where children can unleash their creativity through colouring.
The comic book museum is at 121 Rue de Bordeaux, 16000 Angoulême. It is free on the first Sunday of the month, except in July and August. Prices vary between €5-10 the rest of the time.
Visit Alpha Mediatheque
For a more relaxed yet enriching experience with your kids, don’t miss a visit to the Alpha Médiathèque. This modern library offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with cosy sofas scattered throughout for reading or simply relaxing. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the interactive features, including CD and vinyl players, computers, and even gaming computers and Xboxes, which can be used for free for an hour each day with a membership card. There’s also a piano available for those feeling musical, adding an extra layer of creativity to your visit. It’s the perfect spot to unwind while keeping the whole family entertained for free!
Visit the Paper Museum
A visit to the paper museum is a must for any family visiting Angouleme. The Paper Museum has been housed in the old Lacroix paper mills since 1988, which evolved into the Joseph-Bardou “Le Nil” paper mills before closing in 1972. The structures are built on the river and serve as a bridge connecting the rue de Bordeaux and St Cybard Island.
The Museum displays exhibitions on industrial stationery from the 19th and 20th centuries, such as the uses of paper and modern art in which paper and cardboard are significant parts of the expression. Some presentations use documents, photos, and testimonies to portray the site’s history and the industrial manufacturing of paper in Charente. The exhibits focus on different aspects of industrial stationery.
The Paper Museum is located at 134 Rue de Bordeaux, 16000 Angoulême, France. They are open every Tuesday to Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Admission to the museum is free every 1st Sunday of the month, but the regular price is € 3 per person.
Discover local goodies at Les Halles
From Tuesday to Sunday morning, the merchants of Les Halles extend their warm welcome to you. Within the covered market, you will discover a variety of businesses including restaurants, produce vendors, wine shops, cheese shops, bakeries, butchers, and more.
The “Corbeille” market, offering a wide range of fruits, organic vegetables, and flowers, is conveniently stationed at Place Charlie on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Les Halles, a hub for food commerce, stands as a symbol of excellence, variety, and a sense of community. Located strategically between the pedestrian area and the bustling café-restaurant district of Vieil Angoulême, Les Halles plays a crucial role in the commercial landscape of Angoumois.
Explore the shops in Champ De Mars
The Champ de Mars Shopping Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Angoulême. With its elegant and sophisticated architecture, it blends seamlessly with the urban landscape of Angoulême and its historic centre. It is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys shopping! Not just a typical shopping centre, it also offers leisure activities within the Cosmopolite bookstore. Its unique and powerful concept allows for the enjoyment of pleasure and emotions with loved ones. The centre is home to over 25 stores including Zara, H&M, Mango, Sephora, Cosmo Kids, Micromania and Naf Naf.
Attend the Angouleme International Comics Festival
The Angouleme International Comics Festival is the perfect place to bring your kids that are big fans of comics. The Angouleme International Comics Festival is Europe’s second-largest comics festival in Europe. It has been held every January since 1974 and features exhibits, discussions, seminars, and signing sessions with the presence of the top French-speaking writers. Around 200,000 people, including professional artists and journalists, attend the festival annually.
The stores around the city also open their doors for the Comics festival, which culminates in an awards ceremony that offers categories such as Comic of the Year and the Grand Prix for lifetime achievement.
The Comics Festival is ideal for children who aspire to be artists because there’s so much to learn and see.
The estimated date for next year’s Comics Festival is January 25, 2024 – January 28, 2024. The festival is located at 71 Rue Hergé, 16000 Angoulême, France.
Centre Nautilis
Another child-friendly must-visit destination in Angouleme is the Centre of Nautilis which offers Aquatic activities and Ice Skating Rink suitable for kids of all ages.
For their Aquatic activities, there are 7 indoor sports and leisure pools, a spa area, a cardio-training room and 4 outdoor fun pools in summer: pentagliding, wave pool, river and paddle pool.
Their ice rink is a cutting-edge sliding facility, with two courses on two floors connected by ice ramps, four massive screens, and various light shows. Children will surely have a wonderful time at their Ice Skating Rink, whether they are beginners or winter sports veterans.
The Center of Nautilis is located at 189 Rue des Mesniers, 16710 Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente, France. The entrance fee for kids below 3 years old is free, €2.50 for ages 4-17 and €6.10 for visitors above 18 years old. Their opening hours vary depending on the day of your visit, so it is best to check their website.
Escape Yourself at Escape Game in Angouleme
Escape Yourself (Angoulême Franchise) is France’s longest-running escape game franchise, with over 25 locations nationwide. The goal of this game is to escape the rooms within the 60-minute time limit. Escape Yourself live escape game rooms include a variety of themes and may be played in groups of 2 to 8 people with family and friends. They also have virtual reality rooms available.
This type of activity is ideal for kids who enjoy solving riddles and mysteries. It is also a wonderful way to bond because it requires thought, communication, and teamwork. The website states that the
Escape Yourself is located at 45T Rue Hergé, 16000, Angouleme, France. The entrance fee costs €24 for adults and € 21 for kids. They also have a birthday offer (from 4 to 8 participants) from €160 to €200.
Opening hours vary, so checking their site before going is best.
Walk around the Upper Town
The Upper Town of Angouleme is ideal for walking tours where you can relax and have a lovely day out with the kids.
Discover the Upper Town’s northern section, a maze of small cobblestone passageways surrounded by magnificent stone houses and more rustic cottages with wooden shutters.
To the south, you’ll see where the ramparts and compact street system have been removed in favour of straight tree-lined roadways, showcasing the splendour of 18th and 19th-century French urban planning.
Children will undoubtedly enjoy exploring the beauty of Angouleme and its history.
Visit the Angouleme Cathedral
Last but not least is the Angouleme Cathedral, where you may take your kids to admire the lovely architectural style and learn about the Cathedral’s history. Angouleme Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the French town of Angouleme, Charente.
The cathedral is built in the Romanesque architectural and sculptural style and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Angoulême. You’ll see a massive organ found over the entryway during your visit. You can sit here for a peaceful rest and reflection.
Over 70 sculptures and reliefs will surely pique the kid’s interest. Above the window above the highest centre area, you will see an interesting representation of Christ’s Ascension, with Jesus emerging in the middle of the clouds.
The cathedral is located at 1 Place Saint-Pierre, 16000 Angouleme. It is high on a terrace where you can see the wide open vistas across the Anguienne Valley. The cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Go tree climbing
Accro Parc De Soyaux has various tree climbing routes depending on age and ability. We visited, and they measured the children to decide which course they could use based on height rather than age. They were also allowed to go around the course as often as they liked. At the climbing area, there was also a bouncy castle the children could use included in the price and a cafe serving drinks and ice creams. They also have a mini-golf course, a play park and a laser game area.
Prices start at € 5 and opens at 1 pm. The park is at Accroparc de Soyaux, 292 Av. du Général de Gaulle, 16800 Soyaux. It’s across the road from the Megarama Cinema.
Get rid of some energy at soft play
Toboggan et Cie in Angouleme is an indoor soft play area for children 1 to 12. There is a section for children 1 to 3 and another for children 3 to 12. There are tubular structures, trampolines, slides, and monkey bridges. Also, ball pools and giant Lego, a disco room and a toboggan run. There is an open outside area for the children to play with water and drive cars around.
It is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays outside the school holidays. During the holidays, it is open every day 10 am – 7 pm. It is located at ZA des Avenauds 16160 Gond Pontouvre. It costs € 7.50 for under 3’s and € 9.90 for ages 3-12.