The community of Angouleme is located in France around 106 km northeast of Bordeaux. The town itself rests on an elevated promontory, flanked by the Charente River to the north. Where ancient fortifications once stood, Angouleme today is surrounded by a number of boulevards above the old city walls, known as Remparts. Here, breathtaking views abound in all directions, making this a great place to take a mid-day drive.

Also, when driving around town, be sure to check out the street art in the form of various painted walls, a tribute to the town’s association with the comic book. Since 1974, Angouleme has hosted the annual International Comic Strip Festival, the largest event of its kind in Europe. A museum dedicated to the art of comic strips is also located in town and is worth a look even if comic books aren’t your thing.

This traditional walled city is also home to a breathtaking Romanesque cathedral, and the town hall was built from the ruins of a medieval castle. In addition, be sure to check out the popular covered market, Les Halles, which rests on the site of the old jail and was restored and refurbished in 2004, quickly becoming an integral part of city life.