# Angoulême

> commune in Charente, France

**Wikidata**: [Q134346](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134346)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angoulême)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/angoul-me

## Summary
Angoulême is a commune in the Charente department of France, known for its rich cultural heritage and as the host of the internationally renowned Angoulême International Comics Festival. It serves as an administrative and cultural hub in the New Aquitaine region.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Charente department, New Aquitaine region, France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 45.649444, Longitude 0.159444.
- **Population**: Ranges from approximately 41,000 to 48,000 (various records between 41,086 and 47,822).
- **Website**: [http://www.angouleme.fr](http://www.angouleme.fr).
- **Historical Region**: Formerly part of the province of Angoumois (established in 866 AD).
- **Arrondissement**: Angoulême is the seat of the Arrondissement of Angoulême.
- **Cantons**: Includes cantons such as Angoulême-Est, Angoulême-Nord, Angoulême-Ouest (until 2015), and reorganized cantons Angoulême-1, Angoulême-2, and Angoulême-3 (established in 2015).
- **Notable Festival**: Hosts the Angoulême International Comics Festival, founded in 1974.
- **Cultural Institutions**:
  - Musée d'Angoulême (established in 1920).
  - Angoulême Cathedral (construction began around 1100).
  - Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).
- **Transportation Hub**: Gare d'Angoulême (railway station established in 1852).
- **Religious Entity**: Roman Catholic Diocese of Angoulême.
- **Sports Teams**:
  - Angoulême Charente FC (founded 1920).
  - Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente (rugby team, established 2010).
- **Corporate Presence**: Leroy-Somer, a motor manufacturing company established in 1919, headquartered in Angoulême.
- **Educational Presence**: 42, a self-study higher education institution established in 2013.
- **Creative Cities Network**: UNESCO Creative Cities Network member since 2004.
- **Aliases**: Angouleme, Montagne-Charente.

## FAQs

**What is Angoulême known for?**  
Angoulême is best known for hosting the Angoulême International Comics Festival, which began in 1974 and is one of the most prestigious comic conventions in the world. It also has a rich historical and cultural presence, including landmarks like Angoulême Cathedral and Musée d'Angoulême.

**Where is Angoulême located?**  
Angoulême is located in the Charente department within the New Aquitaine region of France. It lies at approximately 45.6494° N latitude and 0.1594° E longitude.

**What are the major institutions and landmarks in Angoulême?**  
Key institutions and landmarks include the Angoulême Cathedral (dating to around 1100), Musée d'Angoulême (founded in 1920), Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), and Gare d'Angoulême (railway station established in 1852). The city also hosts the CNBDI (Centre National de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image), established in 2008.

**What sports teams are based in Angoulême?**  
Angoulême is home to Angoulême Charente FC, a football club founded in 1920, and Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente, a rugby team established in 2010.

**What is the role of Angoulême in the Creative Cities Network?**  
Angoulême is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, recognized since 2004 for its contributions to cultural and creative industries, particularly through its association with the global comics community.

**What companies or organizations are headquartered in Angoulême?**  
Leroy-Somer, a French electric motor manufacturer established in 1919, is headquartered in Angoulême. The city also hosts 42, a self-study higher education institution established in 2013.

## Why It Matters
Angoulême holds significant cultural and historical importance in France, particularly as a center for the arts and education. It is globally recognized for the Angoulême International Comics Festival, which has elevated the city's profile in the international creative community. The city also contributes to France's cultural heritage through its medieval architecture, religious institutions, and participation in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. Its role in education and industry, through institutions like 42 and Leroy-Somer, underscores its modern relevance.

## Notable For
- **Angoulême International Comics Festival**: Founded in 1974, it is one of the world's leading comic conventions.
- **UNESCO Creative City**: Recognized since 2004 for its cultural contributions.
- **Historical Architecture**: Home to Angoulême Cathedral, dating to the 12th century.
- **Cultural Institutions**: Hosts Musée d'Angoulême (since 1920) and CNBDI (since 2008).
- **Educational Hub**: Home to 42, a globally recognized self-study higher education institution established in 2013.
- **Industrial Presence**: Headquarters of Leroy-Somer, a major electric motor manufacturer since 1919.
- **Sports Legacy**: Home to Angoulême Charente FC (since 1920) and Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente (since 2010).

## Body

### Geography and Location
Angoulême is situated in the Charente department of the New Aquitaine region in southwestern France. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 45.6494° N latitude and 0.1594° E longitude. The city lies at the heart of the historical province of Angoumois, which was established in 866 AD.

### History and Administrative Structure
Angoulême is the central commune of the Arrondissement of Angoulême, which is part of the Charente department. The department itself was created on March 4, 1790. The city is divided into several cantons, including:
- Angoulême-Est
- Angoulême-Nord
- Angoulême-Ouest (dissolved after March 2015)
- Angoulême-1, Angoulême-2, and Angoulême-3 (established March 22, 2015)

### Cultural and Artistic Significance
Angoulême is globally renowned for the Angoulême International Comics Festival, established in 1974. This event has made the city a central hub for comic artists, publishers, and enthusiasts worldwide. The city also houses the Musée d'Angoulême, founded in 1920, and the historic Angoulême Cathedral, which dates back to around 1100.

### Religious and Educational Institutions
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Angoulême oversees religious activities in the city. Additionally, Angoulême hosts 42, a self-study higher education institution established in 2013, known for its innovative approach to computer science education.

### Transportation
The Gare d'Angoulême, established in 1852, serves as a key railway station connecting the city to regional and national networks.

### Sports Teams
Angoulême is home to:
- **Angoulême Charente FC**, a football club founded in 1920.
- **Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente**, a rugby team established on July 24, 2010.

### Industry and Economy
Leroy-Somer, a major French electric motor manufacturer, is headquartered in Angoulême. Founded in 1919, the company employs approximately 8,000 people and operates in the electric motor industry.

### UNESCO and Global Recognition
Angoulême has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network since 2004, recognized for its cultural contributions, particularly in the field of comics and graphic storytelling.

### Notable Events and Festivals
The **Angoulême International Comics Festival** is a flagship event that draws international attention to the city annually. Established in 1974, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious comic conventions in the world.

### Related Entities and Organizations
- **CNBDI** (Centre National de la Bande Dessinée et de l'Image), established in 2008.
- **Comme une orange**, a local organization established in 2009, based in Angoulême.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Angoulême has varied over time, with records showing figures ranging from 41,086 to 47,822. This reflects the city's dynamic demographic trends and urban development.

### Official Website and Digital Presence
The official website of Angoulême is [http://www.angouleme.fr](http://www.angouleme.fr), providing information on municipal services, cultural events, and local governance.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/R---0000)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. [Source](https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/events/unesco-designates-66-new-creative-cities)
7. répertoire géographique des communes
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Czech National Authority Database
10. Annuaire de service-public.fr
11. MusicBrainz
12. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
13. Populations légales 2016
14. Populations légales 2017
15. Populations légales 2018
16. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
17. Populations légales 2019
18. Populations légales 2020
19. Populations légales 2021
20. Populations de référence 2022
21. Populations de référence 2023
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
24. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=853)
25. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
26. GeoNames
27. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
28. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
29. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
30. museum-digital