La cité de la bande dessinée à Angoulême - ultimate guide
If you're a comic book 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 world, invites you to immerse yourself in its extraordinary world, entirely dedicated to the world of comics.
While visiting Angoulême, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Comics Museum, the Authors’ House, as well as the city’s movie theater and bookstore. You’ll also have access to a specialized library and a well-stocked resource center, and you can admire the Mœbius ship. A highlight of your stay could be the International Comics Festival, a major event held every January.
This ultimate guide is designed for you Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the City of Comics in Angoulêmein the department ofa Charente, at Poitou Charentes. You’ll discover everything the city has to offer—from its diverse activities to its many visitor services—in the hope of inspiring you to plan your next getaway to this city steeped in 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-standing love affair with the 9th art, which began in the 1970s with the launch of the International Comics Festival. Every year, this major event brings together thousands of fans and professionals from around the world.
Angoulême, a city with a heritage in papermaking and industry, has embraced comics as a form of cultural expression worth promoting. Over time, facilities dedicated to this art form have emerged, such as the Saint-Ogan Gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, which exhibits original artwork, and the Maison des Auteurs, a residency program for artists. In 1984, the creation of the National Center for Comics and Visual Arts (CNBDI) by Minister of Culture Jack Lang marked a key milestone, later evolving into the International City of Comics and Visual Arts (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 of the Charente Valley and is nestled in the heart of a unique ecosystem, where the city is adorned with frescoes and murals celebrating the world of comic books.
The vibrant life of the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée
The museum's flagship exhibitions and must-sees
The Angoulême Comics Festival shines all year round with temporary exhibitions celebrating the diversity and richness of the 9th art. Fans can discover masterpieces by famous artists such as Riad Sattouf, François Bourgeon, and Thierry Smolderen, and explore the fascinating intersection between comics and various fields such as gastronomy, sports, and cinema. There’s something for everyone, regardless of taste or age.
Housed in the former Magelis wine cellars, the permanent museum offers a journey through the history of comics, from their beginnings to the present day, showcasing more than 800 original art pages and 12,000 comic books. Visitors can also admire the highlights of the museum’s collection, which includes more than 13,000 original panels and 200,000 comic books, some of which are one-of-a-kind.
The museum is currently undergoing a renovation project scheduled to last until 2026, with the goal of offering a more interactive and modern experience.
Workshops and training: from vocation to professionalization
The Angoulême Comics Festival is not only a hub for exhibitions but also a center for training and learning. It offers comics workshops and classes for everyone—from beginners to experienced artists, from schoolchildren to adults in the social sector—led by experienced professionals and educators.
These workshops offer an opportunity to learn comic book techniques and conventions, to stimulate creativity and express one’s personality, and to bring one’s own projects to life.
It also houses the Maison des auteurs, an international residency that offers creators in the fields of comics and visual arts a workspace, support, and visibility. Each year, the center welcomes about thirty residents from around the world, working on a variety of projects ranging from comics to animation, 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 by organizing or hosting various events and festivals throughout the year. The International Comics Festival, its flagship event in January that has been held since 1974, attracts more than 200,000 visitors and hundreds of authors and publishers, and presents the Fauves d’Angoulême, among the most prestigious awards in the 9th art.
In addition to this festival, the Angoulême Comics City offers other cultural events such as “Drôles de livres,” a children’s book fair, and the European Night of Museums, which provides a unique nighttime museum experience. Its art-house cinema also enriches the cultural scene with an eclectic lineup that includes classic films, arthouse films, animated films, short films, documentaries, preview screenings, 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 the Angoulême train station, or a 5-minute bus ride on lines 6 or 9 to the «La Cité» stop. Those who prefer the bus can check schedules and fares on the Möbius website.
To make the most of your visit, we invite you to check the opening hours for the Cité’s various spaces on our official website, where you’ll also find ticket prices. These tickets grant you access to the Museum, the Library, the Cité Cinema, and the temporary exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased online or directly on-site. We remind you of the importance of following safety guidelines, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
A typical day at the Cité: recommended itinerary
For those who want to spend the day at the Cité, we recommend starting with the Comic Book Museum. Discover the history of comic books through a permanent exhibition featuring more than 800 original panels and 12,000 comic books. You can also admire the treasures of the Cité’s collections, which include more than 13,000 original panels and 200,000 comic books, some of which are one-of-a-kind. Please note that the museum is undergoing renovations through 2026 to enhance 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 you a complete immersion in the history, diversity, and creativity of comics. Through its many exhibitions, workshops, training programs, events, and festivals, the Cité provides a rich array of activities. In addition, you’ll enjoy a variety of services and amenities, such as a specialty bookstore, a well-stocked library, a movie theater showing films related to the world of comics, a restaurant for your culinary breaks, and green spaces for moments of relaxation. The 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, the true capital of comics, and to explore the Cité, the largest cultural center dedicated to the ninth art in Europe. It’s an experience you’re sure to enjoy!
FAQ
Why is Angoulême considered the city of comics?
Angoulême’s reputation as the capital of comics rests on two key factors. First, two of the co-founders of the International Comics Festival—both natives of Angoulême and comic book enthusiasts—were also local elected officials. Second, the city is the site where a 12,000-year-old stone engraving—recognized as the world’s oldest comic strip—was discovered during construction work in 2018.
Where is the Angoulême International Comics Festival held?
The Angoulême International Comics Festival, the epicenter of the French-language comics world and a world-renowned event, is held annually in Angoulême, France, often in late January. The festival takes place at various locations throughout the city, most of which are accessible to people with limited mobility.
What are the parking options during the Angoulême Festival?
For parking during the Angoulême Festival, visitors have several options: a large free parking lot is located near the Comic Book Museum (2 rue des Abras); free park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts of the city, with buses running to the center; paid parking lots in the city center, which are closed to vehicles on Saturdays due to the pedestrian zone; and finally, the EFFIA parking lots near the train station, offering reservable spaces and a free shuttle to the event.
How can I participate in the Angoulême Festival?
The Angoulême Festival, a renowned international event dedicated to comics, opens its doors every January. Fans of the “ninth art” should purchase a 4-day pass, which provides full access to the festival’s various areas, including exhibitions, screenings, and meet-and-greets with authors.
