La cité de la bande dessinée à Angoulême - ultimate guide
If you're a comics enthusiast looking for a cultural destination to explore, the Cité de la bande dessinée in Angoulême is the perfect place for you. Angoulême, recognized as the capital of the comic strip worldinvites you to plunge into its exceptional world, entirely devoted to the world of comics.
When you visit Angoulême, you'll have the opportunity to explore the comics museum, the authors' house, as well as the city's cinema and bookshop. You'll also have access to a specialized library, a rich documentation center, and admire the Mœbius ship. A highlight of your stay could be the International Comics Festival, a flagship event held every January.
This ultimate guide is designed for you immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Angoulême's "cité de la bande dessinéein the department ofa Charente, at Poitou Charentes. You'll discover everything the city has to offer, from its diverse activities to its many services for visitors, in the hope of inspiring you to plan your next getaway to this city richly imbued with art and history.
Diving into the heart of the Cité de la bande dessinée
A historical panorama: the genesis of a monument to 9th art
The Cité de la bande dessinée in Angoulême celebrates a long love affair with the 9th art, beginning in the 1970s with the launch of the International Comics Festival. Every year, this major event brings together thousands of enthusiasts and professionals from around the globe.
Angoulême, a city with a paper and industrial heritage, has embraced comics as a means of cultural expression to be promoted. Over time, infrastructures dedicated to this art developed, such as the Saint-Ogan gallery at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, exhibiting original plates, and the Maison des Authors for artists in residence. In 1984, the creation of the Centre national de la bande dessinée et de l'image (CNBDI) by Culture Minister Jack Lang marked a key step, later evolving into the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l'image (CIBDI).
Architecture and location: between heritage and modernity
Located on the banks of the Charente River, Angoulême's Cité de la bande dessinée is a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Buildings such as the former Magelis winery, now a comic strip museum, and the futuristic Mœbius ship, which houses the Cité cinema, embody the diversity and creativity of the 9th art.
Strategically located near the historic center, the Cité offers a magnificent view over the Charente valley, and is at the heart of a unique ecosystem, where the city is adorned with frescoes and murals celebrating the world of comics.
The vibrant life of the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée
The museum's flagship exhibitions and must-sees
The Cité de la bande dessinée in Angouleme lights up the year with temporary exhibitions celebrating the diversity and richness of the 9th art. Fans can discover the masterpieces of famous authors such as Riad Sattouf, François Bourgeon and Thierry Smolderen, and explore the captivating intersection between comics and various fields such as gastronomy, sport and cinema. There are discoveries to be made for all tastes and ages.
Housed in the former Magelis winery, the permanent museum takes visitors on a journey through the history of comics, from their beginnings to the present day, exhibiting over 800 original plates and 12,000 albums. Visitors can also admire the jewels in the museum's collection, which includes over 13,000 plates and 200,000 albums, some of them unique in the world.
The museum is currently undergoing a metamorphosis as part of a renovation project scheduled to run until 2026, aimed at providing a more interactive and modern experience.
Workshops and training: from vocation to professionalization
la cité de la bande dessinée in Angouleme is not only the heart of the exhibitions, but also a training and learning center. It offers comic strip workshops and courses for everyone, from amateurs to experienced artists, schoolchildren to adults in the social field, guided by experienced professionals and teachers.
These workshops are an opportunity to learn the techniques and codes of comics, stimulate creativity and express your personality, and bring your own projects to life.
It is also home to the Maison des auteurs, an international residence offering comic strip and image creators a working space, support and visibility. Each year, the house welcomes some thirty residents from all over the world, working on projects ranging from comics and animation to video games and documentaries.
The Maison des auteurs frequently organizes meetings, conferences and exhibitions to present the work of its residents to the public.
Events and festivals: at the heart of Angoulême's cultural dynamism
The Cité plays a key role in Angoulême's cultural life, organizing and hosting various events and festivals throughout the year. The International Comics Festival, its flagship January event since 1974, attracts over 200,000 visitors, hundreds of authors and publishers, and awards the Fauves d'Angoulême, one of the most prestigious prizes in the 9th art.
In addition to this festival, the cité de la bande dessinée in Angouleme offers other cultural events such as Drôles de livres, a children's book fair, or the Nuit européenne des musées, offering a unique nocturnal museum experience. Its art-house cinema also enriches the cultural offering with an eclectic program including heritage films, auteur films, animated films, shorts, documentaries, previews and meetings with directors.
Services and facilities for visitors
Getting to the Cité: access and practical tips
Easily accessible, the Cité de la bande dessinée in Angouleme awaits you whether you come by car, train or bus. For motorists, free parking is available at the Musée de la bande dessinée, located at 2 rue des Abras.
Travelers arriving by train will find La Cité just a 15-minute walk from Angoulême station, or a 5-minute bus ride via lines 6 or 9 to the "La Cité" stop. Those who prefer the bus can check timetables and fares on the Möbius website.
For the best possible visit, we invite you to consult the opening times for the various Cité areas on our official website, where you'll also find ticket prices. These will give you access to the Museum, Library, Cité Cinema and temporary exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased online or on site. We remind you of the importance of following safety instructions, including wearing a mask and respecting barrier gestures.
A typical day at the Cité: recommended itinerary
For those wishing to spend the day at the Cité, we recommend starting at the Musée de la bande dessinée. Discover the history of comics through a permanent exhibition featuring over 800 original plates and 12,000 albums. You can also admire the treasures of the Cité's collections, comprising over 13,000 original plates and 200,000 albums, some of them unique in the world. Please note that the Museum is currently being transformed until 2026 to enrich your experience.
Then visit the Vaisseau Mœbius for the Cinéma de la Cité, the Librairie de la bande dessinée and the restaurant La Table à dessin. Check out the Cinéma's varied programming on our website, and take a gourmet break at La Table à dessin, offering comic-book-inspired cuisine.
Finish off with a visit to the Librairie de la bande dessinée, where a vast selection of comics, manga and more awaits you.
The bookshop and relaxation areas: extending the experience beyond the walls
The Cité de la bande dessinée in Angoulême encourages you to explore its reading and relaxation areas. With over 100,000 references, the Librairie de la bande dessinée is a paradise for fans of the ninth art, offering new releases, best sellers and more. Take advantage of our expert booksellers' advice to discover nuggets.
The Bibliothèque de la bande dessinée lets you consult or borrow from over 40,000 documents, including comics, manga and much more. The Documentation Center, accessible by appointment, offers access to a specialized collection of over 20,000 books and other documentary resources.
Last but not least, the Cité invites you to relax in its green spaces offering a magnificent view of the Charente River, perfect for enjoying the natural calm. Admire the frescoes and murals celebrating the world of comics, making the Cité a vibrant place of culture and life dedicated to this art form.
Conclusion
There's no denying that the Cité de la bande dessinée in Angouleme is a must-see destination for fans of the ninth art. Whether your interests lie in comics, cinema, literature, the arts or culture in general, this place promises to satisfy all your expectations.
This sanctuary of the 9th art offers a complete immersion in the history, diversity and creativity of comics. With its many exhibitions, workshops, training courses, events and festivals, the Cité offers a rich palette of activities. What's more, you'll benefit from a host of services and facilities, including a specialized bookshop, a well-stocked library, a cinema showing films related to the world of comics, a restaurant for gourmet breaks, and green spaces for relaxing moments. La Cité promises an immersive and enriching experience at the heart of the fascinating world of comics.
So don't wait any longer to plan your trip to Angoulême!and discover the Cité, Europe's largest cultural center dedicated to the ninth art. It's an experience you won't regret!
FAQ
Why is Angoulême considered the city of comics?
Angoulême's reputation as the capital of comics is based on two key factors. Firstly, two of the co-founders of the International Comics Festival, both Angoulême natives and comics enthusiasts, were also local councillors. Secondly, the city is the site of the discovery of a 12,000-year-old stone engraving, recognized as the world's oldest comic book, unearthed during work in 2018.
Where does the Angoulême Comics Festival take place?
The Angoulême Comics Festival, the epicenter of French-language comics and a world-renowned event, is held annually in Angoulême, France, often at the end of January. The festival is held in various locations across the city, most of them accessible to people with reduced mobility.
What parking options are available during the Angoulême Festival?
For parking during the Festival d'Angoulême, visitors have several choices: a large free parking lot is located near the Musée de la bande dessinée (2 rue des Abras); free park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts of the city, with buses to the center; the paid parking lots in the city center, closed to vehicles on Saturdays due to pedestrianization; finally, the EFFIA parking lots near the train station, offering reservable spaces and a free shuttle bus to the event.
How can I take part in the Angoulême Festival?
The Festival d'Angoulême, the world's leading comic book festival, opens its doors every January. Fans of the 9th art must purchase a 4-day pass, which offers full access to the different areas of the festival, including exhibitions, screenings and meetings with authors.
