Events
These are some of the major local events which take place each year.
Click on the images to go to the relevant web site (where available).
Blues Passions - Cognac
6 days and 6 nights of concerts featuring international artists. 2008 included Status Quo and Joan Baez, while the headliners for 2011 were Texas & Coldplay.
Held every July
European Hot-Air Balloon Championship - Mainfonds (Nr Angouleme)
4 days, 60 balloons, 35,000 spectators, La Patrouille de France (France's "Red Arrows") all amongst the vines of the Charente countryside.
European Cup is held here in odd years (2011; 2013 etc).
World Music and Dance - Confolens
The largest annual festival of traditional dance and music from around the world. Troupes in recent years have come from many different countries:- Brazil, Niger, South Africa, Tahiti, USA, Scotland, Ecuador, Columbia, Mexico, Cuba, Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, Several Russian provinces, China and France
Held in second week of August
Coupe de Chauffe - Cognac
Free 2 day festival of street entertainment - International artists from the circus, theatre, dance, music ...
Held in September
Le Circuit des Remparts - Angoulême
Vintage cars racing around the historic city ramparts. A full weekend of parades, Concours d'Elegance, a rally through the Charente countyside and numerous races on the unique street circuit.
Usually the 2nd or 3rd weekend in September
Le Festival International de la Bande Dessinée
Angoulême hosts the annual international Comic Strip Festival , which takes place in venues throughout the city centre.
January
Medieval Festival - Chateau de St Germain de Confolens
Displays and activities including medieval crafts, sword fighting, bowmanship and other long lost skills, in the setting of the castle ruins. You can even try out the armour for size!
Every May Day Holiday
