Céline & Sarat
Things To Do
Angoulême
Explore Angoulême's rich comic art heritage by following the painted walls and visiting the Comic Strip Museum.
Rocamadour
If you're looking to explore more of France while celebrating our wedding in Angoulême, consider visiting the enchanting village of Rocamadour. Just under a 3-hour drive away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is perched on a dramatic cliffside and offers a blend of medieval charm, breathtaking views, and rich history. Famous for its Black Madonna and delicious goat cheese, it's a perfect day trip to experience one of France's most iconic destinations!
Monkey Forest
Interact with free-roaming Barbary macaques in a natural habitat.
Gouffre de Padirac
If you're looking to experience one of France's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, consider visiting the Gouffre de Padirac, located about 2.5 hours from Angoulême. This incredible underground cave descends over 100 meters into the earth and features a serene subterranean river, which you can explore by boat. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and otherworldly rock formations as you journey through this geological masterpiece. It's a truly unique and unforgettable adventure, perfect for those who love nature and a bit of underground exploration!
Cognac
Just a 40-minute drive away, the historic town of Cognac invites you to tour world-famous distilleries like Hennessy and Rémy Martin, stroll through charming streets, and immerse yourself in the art of cognac-making.
Dordogne
A 2-hour drive from Angoulême, this region is a treasure trove of medieval villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda and Beynac-et-Cazenac, prehistoric caves, and serene boat rides along the Dordogne River. Try the Tarte aux Noix!
Île de Ré
In just about 2 hours, you can reach the picturesque coastal town of La Rochelle, known for its historic harbor and fresh seafood. From there, cross the bridge to Île de Ré, a stunning island with sandy beaches, cycling paths, and quaint villages.
Périgueux
If you’re eager to explore the heart of the Dordogne region, Périgueux is just a 1.5-hour drive from Angoulême. This historic city is renowned for its Roman and medieval heritage. Stroll through the charming old town, marvel at the Byzantine-inspired Cathédrale Saint-Front, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or delve into ancient history at the Vesunna Museum, built around the remains of a Roman villa. With bustling markets offering local delicacies like foie gras and truffles, Périgueux is a delight for history enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Bordeaux
Just 1.5 hours from Angoulême, Bordeaux offers a perfect blend of elegance, culture, and gastronomy. Known as the wine capital of the world, it’s a must-visit for wine enthusiasts, with highlights like the interactive Cité du Vin museum. Wander through the beautiful Place de la Bourse and its reflective Miroir d’Eau, or explore the historic streets filled with shops and cafes along the Garonne River. Bordeaux’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture make it an unforgettable destination. Try the Cannelé!
Carcassonne
A 3.5-hour drive from Angoulême, Carcassonne is a magical medieval fortress town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its crown jewel, La Cité, is a fully preserved walled city with towering ramparts, cobblestone streets, and fairy-tale towers. Stroll through its historic alleys, visit the impressive Basilica of Saint-Nazaire, and enjoy breathtaking views from the city walls. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor cassoulet, the hearty regional dish that is a local specialty. Carcassonne is a journey back in time and a must-visit for history lovers.
Bayonne
Situated in the heart of the Basque Country, Bayonne is a charming town just 3.5 hours south of Angoulême. Known for its vibrant culture and architecture, its Old Town features narrow streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses. The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie and its cloisters are breathtakingly beautiful. Bayonne is also a culinary hotspot—sample the world-famous Bayonne ham and indulge in artisanal chocolate, as the town is credited with introducing chocolate to France. It’s a delightful mix of history, culture, and gastronomy.
Pau
Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, Pau is 3.5 hours from Angoulême and offers a perfect blend of royal history and natural beauty. The Château de Pau, the birthplace of King Henry IV, is a must-see, showcasing stunning interiors and rich history. Take a stroll along the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a scenic promenade offering panoramic views of the mountains. Pau is also the gateway to the Pyrenean countryside, and its surrounding vineyards produce the sweet and aromatic Jurançon wine, perfect for pairing with local dishes.
Dishes (Regional Specialities)
Loire Valley Andouillette: A sausage made with pork intestines, flavored with wine, onions, and seasoning, loved for its bold flavor. Bourgogne Boeuf Bourguignon: A slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, mushrooms, and pearl onions. Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails cooked with garlic, parsley, and butter. Provence Bouillabaisse: A traditional fish stew with a saffron-infused broth. Ratatouille: A vegetable medley of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers. Alsace Choucroute Garnie: A hearty dish of sauerkraut, sausages, pork, and potatoes. Flammekueche: A thin crust topped with cream, onions, and bacon. Southwest France Foie Gras: Duck or goose liver pâté, often served with fig jam or toast. Cassoulet: A slow-cooked stew of white beans, sausages, and duck or pork. Basque Country Piperade: A dish of peppers, tomatoes, and onions, sometimes served with ham. Axoa: A veal or beef stew with Espelette pepper. And many more!
Dishes (Widely Found Across France)
Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in wine with mushrooms and bacon. Quiche Lorraine: A savory tart with cream, eggs, bacon, and cheese. Crêpes: Thin pancakes, available in sweet or savory varieties. Croque-Monsieur: A ham and cheese sandwich, often topped with béchamel sauce. Soupe à l’Oignon (French Onion Soup): A rich soup with caramelized onions, bread, and melted cheese. Steak Frites: A classic dish of steak and fries. Don't forgot to eat all of them with a good Baguette or a Pain de Campagne!
Pastries (Regional Specialties)
Loire Valley: Tarte Tatin: A caramelized upside-down apple tart, best enjoyed warm with cream. Bordeaux: Canelé: Small caramelized cakes with a custard-like center, flavored with rum and vanilla. Basque Country: Gâteau Basque: A dense pastry filled with pastry cream or cherry preserves. Southwest France: Puits d’Amour: Delicate pastries filled with custard or jam and topped with caramelized sugar. And many more!
Pastries (Widely Found Across France)
Paris-Brest: A choux pastry ring filled with praline cream. Mille-Feuille: Layers of puff pastry and pastry cream, topped with icing. Saint-Honoré: Choux pastry topped with caramel and cream. Opéra Cake: A layered dessert with almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and ganache. Religieuse: Stacked choux pastries filled with cream and decorated with fondant. Financier: Moist almond-based cakes, perfect as a snack or with tea. Madeleine: Soft, shell-shaped sponge cakes, often enjoyed with coffee or tea. Chausson aux Pommes: Puff pastry turnovers filled with apple compote. Brioche: A soft, slightly sweet bread, found plain or with raisins, sugar, or chocolate chips. Palmiers: Crisp, caramelized puff pastries shaped like palm leaves. Tarte aux Fruits: A pastry cream-filled tart topped with vibrant fresh fruit like berries or kiwi. Profiteroles: Choux pastries filled with cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Flan Pâtissier: A creamy custard tart with a caramelized top.
