The cathedral, which has been renovated several times, is now a mixture of Romanesque and Byzantine styles. The 12th-century western facade is famous for its many inset sculptures and the statues inside its Roman arches. The interior of the nave is topped with three pendentive domes, while a fourth, higher dome with an octagonal base is found at the crossing of the transept. Byzantine inspiration can be seen in the Sainte Vierge chapel.

Address: 18 rue Fénelon, 16000 Angoulême

More information: http://www.lacharente.com/Decouvrir/Cites-villages-de-caractere/Angouleme-ville-d-art-et-d-histoire/La-cathedrale-Saint-Pierre

This Town Hall used to be the home of the Taillefer family, then of the Lusignan family, and finally the Valois (the family of King Francis I). The only remnants of that time are the Lusignan dungeon and the Valois Tower.

Address: Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 16000 Angoulême

Located at the heart of the Magelis image centre, the museum has been created in the buildings of the former Joseph-Bardou paper factory. The Rez-de-Charente rooms are set aside for turning river water into the mechanical energy needed for paper-making (water wheel, valves, runners). Presentations and exhibitions dedicated to the history of paper and industrial paper-making are spread out over two levels.

Address: 134 rue de Bordeaux, 16000 Angoulême

More information: http://www.angouleme.fr/museep/

The museum has three major exhibitions: archaeology of the Charente region, African and Oceanic art, and fine art, with a special section for local artists. Don’t miss the enormous painting “The Consternation of the Family of Priam” by the artist Garnier, which stands at 4.13m tall and 5.76m wide.

Address: 1 rue de Friedland, 16000 Angoulême

More information: http://www.angouleme.fr/museeba/

The Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image (CIBDI) is a comic-book haven. You’ll find a comic-book library and a shop devoted to comic books and imagery, with over 40,000 items and around 4,000 new titles. There are also 2 cinema screens, Nemo and Laloux, which are officially recognised as “Art & Essai” (Arthouse) cinemas under the “Research” category. And, since June 2009, the Cité has also been home to the brand new Comic Book Museum, whose sober and elegant displays give prominence to original works.

Address: 121 rue de Bordeaux, 16023 Angoulême

More information: http://www.citebd.org