Angoulême, discovering the Comic Strip Murals

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of comics in the heart of Angoulême! Let yourself be surprised by this unique art as you explore the historic streets and grand boulevards of the city. Formerly relegated to the rank of illustrated books for young people, comic strips are now establishing themselves as the 9th art, celebrated throughout the world. A walk through the streets of Angoulême reveals the full extent of this cultural phenomenon: more than thirty giant frescoes painted on the walls offer visitors a unique opportunity to admire the styles, techniques, and graphic or narrative inventiveness of the creators. As you stroll around, you are surrounded by emblematic characters like Titeuf, Kirikou, Gaston Lagaffe, Boule et Bill or Lucky Luke, who seem to appear on every street corner.

A fun exploration of Angoulême

For comic book enthusiasts, art lovers, or the simply curious, the city center of Angoulême is a real open-air comic strip. One of the most surprising activities for discovering the city is undoubtedly the famous comic strip trail with its murals scattered between the picturesque streets of the center and in the more outlying neighborhoods. A tourist circuit is proposed to see these frescoes for yourself: it is the second longest route in the world after that of Brussels! A detailed plan, available for download or at the Angoulême Tourist Office, an application for independent discovery and a geocaching route guides you so you don't miss any of these works. Guided tours are also offered by the Tourist Office if you wish to be accompanied by a local expert.

Comic book frescoes integrated into the urban landscape of Angoulême

Like an artistic treasure hunt , this captivating stroll through the streets of Angoulême combines the discovery of the city's heritage with the magic of the 9th art. Open your eyes wide and look everywhere!

These murals created by the greatest French authors (Berberian, François Boucq, Yslaire, François Schuiten, Franquin, Franck Margerin, Nicolas de Crécy, TURF, ZEP, Florence Cestac, or CATEL) are distinguished not only by their size but also by their harmonious integration into the urban landscape. Trompe l'oeil, such as “Square Saint-André, Mémoires du XX^e ciel” by Yslaire or “Fille des Remparts” by Max Cabannes, amaze with their realism. The most imposing work, a fascinating historical nod, “New York on Charente”, painted in 2001 by Nicolas de Crécy, covers a 260 m² wall. A dreamlike fresco which reminds us that the first name of New York was Nouvelle-Angoulême. The meticulous details, the play of light and shadow, and the hidden references to classic or contemporary works enrich this visual experience.

Angoulême, Capital of the 9th Art

The first painted walls dedicated to comics appeared at the end of the 1970s , marking the start of an ambitious initiative which intensified from the 1990s. Since 1998, this approach has accelerated with a clear objective: to of Angoulême, the world capital of the 9th art. Over the years, these frescoes have become an essential component of Angoulême's DNA, just like its world-renowned festival. Every year, the city hosts the International Comic Strip Festival on the last weekend of January.

In Angoulême, comic strips imbue the city with a thousand little details: street names are displayed in bubbles, recycling bins are artistically painted, and even buses display colorful drawings, transforming every street corner into a real life-size comic book page.

Angoulême's murals breathe color and vitality into the city, transforming every walk into an artistic adventure . Angoulême proudly expresses its title as the French Comics Capital and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the 9th art.

Whether you are a fervent comic book lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for an original stroll, the murals of Angoulême will charm you with their beauty and originality.

Article and photos by Lesley Williamson

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