Angoulême, an historic, art-rich town lies some 250 miles south west of Paris and 50 miles south east of La Rochelle in the heart of the Charente region. With a population of 46,000 it occupies an important position both as capital of the Charente and geographically as a trade post between the industrial towns of Poitiers to the North and Bordeaux to the south.

Compact and easily accessible on foot, Angoulême rises from the Charente valley emerging as a town with with a gem at its crown. The Old Town is a tangled mass of 17th and 18th Century streets, perched on a rocky promontory and surrounded by city walls that give the racing circuit its name.

The Old Town offers much in the way of culture. In particular the 12th Century Cathedral St Pierre that can be found rising majestically over the remparts represents a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. And in its shadow resides the impressive Hotel de Ville with its original 13th and 15th Century towers.

Staying local to the circuit will also provide you with the classic French café culture as well as a wealth of restaurants and an impressive array of shops (see links on the left). For those wishing to travel a little further, a 1.5 Km kart track to the north of the city may be of interest and some 15 miles to the west lies the picturesque town of Cognac. Here you can take walks or boat trips along the river and of course have the opportunity to see the making of the Brandy for which the town is so famous.

Cathedral St Pierre

Hotel de Ville