Things to Do in Angouleme

12th-century Romanesque cathedral with a striking facade of biblical scenes. The interior is plain but the crypt and cloister are worth a peek.

🕐 Daily 09:00-18:00; closed during services

💡 Go at 5pm on a sunny day to catch the late light on the tympanum. The crypt is often unlocked; ask the volunteer at the entrance.

Formal gardens around the town hall with flower beds, a small pond, and benches. Quiet spot for reading or picnicking. Free public toilets nearby.

🕐 Daily 08:00-20:00 (closes dusk in winter)

💡 Pack a baguette and cheese from the covered market (Les Halles, 5 min walk). The gravel paths are fine for prams or wheelchairs.

Covered food market built 1930s. Free to wander, but local produce stalls offer cheap eats: oysters €8/dozen, fresh bread from €1. Works as both sight and budget lunch stop.

🕐 Tue-Sun 07:00-13:00; closed Mon

💡 Come between 09:00-11:30 for the best selection. The fishmonger at stall 24 does excellent local oysters; ask for a squeeze of lemon and plastic fork — free.

Fine arts and archaeology museum inside the former bishop's palace. Free to all, not just EU residents. Look for the permanent collection of African and Oceanic art.

🕐 Mon-Sat 10:00-12:30, 14:00-18:00; Sun 14:00-18:00; closed Tues

💡 The terrace café has a decent espresso for €1.50 and views over the Charente river valley. Go mid-week to avoid school groups.

Comics museum and research centre. The permanent exhibition on the history of the 9th art is free; temporary shows cost €7-9. Housed in a former brewery.

🕐 Wed-Sat 10:00-18:30, Sun 14:00-18:30; closed Mon-Tue

💡 Skip the €11 combo ticket for the temporary exhibition unless you're a die-hard fan. The free section includes original Hergé boards and a decent reading room.