The ramparts of Angoulême
The ring of ramparts encircling the Angoulême plateau offers a 2.5 km walk, entirely free and permanently open, with breathtaking panoramas over the Charente valley, the Anguienne river and the surrounding hillsides.
A naturally fortified plateau
The Angoulême site is above all a Cretaceous limestone promontory dominating the confluence of the Charente and the Anguienne by about a hundred metres. This exceptional strategic position led its inhabitants to fortify it from Antiquity: the Romans, then the Merovingian bishops, then the counts of Angoulême successively maintained enclosures here. The current ramparts largely date from the 12th and 13th centuries, when the counts of Angoulême — including the Lusignan family — considerably strengthened the defences. Some sections were heightened or rebuilt in the late Middle Ages and during the Wars of Religion.
In the 19th century, when the ramparts lost all military function, the city of Angoulême wisely kept them and turned them into a promenade boulevard. Haussmann had carved his grand boulevards through Paris by demolishing old walls; Angoulême instead chose to transform its fortifications into a tree-lined rampart walk with benches, offering its residents an airy promenade at the edge of the plateau. This urban planning choice, rare in France, is now recognised as one of the city's great heritage assets.
Rempart Beaulieu: belvedere over the Charente
The most celebrated section is the Rempart Beaulieu, on the south-western flank of the plateau. From here the view encompasses the Charente valley and, in the foreground, the meanders of the Anguienne, the river that joins the Charente at Saint-Cybard. In clear weather, the eye reaches the wooded hillsides of the right bank and beyond. Benches are placed along this entire rampart, and it is a favourite promenade for Angoumoisins at all hours. In the evening, when the hillsides turn to gold, the spectacle is particularly striking.
The Circuit des Remparts: motor racing on the plateau
The ramparts give their name to one of the most singular events in Angoulême's calendar: the Circuit des Remparts. Since 1939, and almost continuously, vintage and racing cars have competed each autumn (usually in September) on a circuit laid out in the plateau streets — along the ramparts, past the cathedral, in front of the town hall. The event draws tens of thousands of spectators who come to admire Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Delages and other pre-war racing cars in an incomparable architectural setting. The combination of a medieval rampart, legendary cars and Charentais charm makes the Circuit des Remparts a unique event in Europe.
The full circuit: section by section
Starting from place Beaulieu on the south-west, the rampart walk first runs along Rempart Beaulieu with its Charente panoramas. One passes the former bishop's palace garden (entrance to the municipal museum) and reaches place Saint-Pierre, at the foot of the cathedral, whose bell-tower dominates the plateau. The eastern section then leads toward the Rempart des Jacobins and the Rempart de Bourgogne, less dramatic but dotted with several painted walls and neighbourhood gardens. The northern section, the Rempart de l'Est, offers views towards the station and the Périgord hills. The return is via the Rempart du Midi and the Beaulieu promenade, closing the loop around the Hôtel de Ville.
Accessibility and practical tips
On foot
The walk is entirely flat at plateau level and suits everyone, including pushchairs and wheelchairs. Height change only occurs at the junction with the lower town, accessible by panoramic lift at place du Bouteiller.
By bike
The rampart path is largely cyclable. The STGA bike-share network lets you reach the plateau from the station and complete the circuit. See the cycling & walking page for details.
With family
Rempart Beaulieu has play areas and lawns. September's Circuit des Remparts is an ideal family event. For additional activity ideas, see the family & kids page.
Viewpoints along the ramparts
The three landmark points of the rampart walk: the Beaulieu belvedere, the Rempart du Midi and the cathedral viewpoint.