Walk along the South Quay in Angoulême

A walk along both banks of the Charente, in an urban setting, past green spaces and disused buildings, with some very picturesque views. It ends with a lovely 1km stretch along the south quay.

Details

424560
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.97 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 13 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 13 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 115 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 92 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking along the quay, Boulevard Besson Bey, next to the Bourgines footbridge (pedestrians and cyclists).

(S/E) Cross the footbridge. Once you’ve crossed it, continue straight on for 100m to the other side of the island. Turn right and follow the island’s edge, keeping to the left along the paths for 300m. You’ll reach the underside of the Saint-Antoine bridge at the steps.

(1) Under the bridge, turn right and continue under the bridge deck for 100m, until you rejoin the path running alongside the Charente. Turn right to follow the Charente (river on your left) for 500m. Go under the Bourgines footbridge to reach the Angoulême rowing club car park. Turn right onto the tarmac road and cross the small road bridge to leave the island.

(2) Turn left as you leave the bridge and follow the path along the arm of the Charente (river on your left). Follow the path for 600m to the esplanade of the Comic Strip Museum.

(3) Take the large steps to reach the footbridge (on the left) and continue straight on to cross the branches of the Charente. At the end of the footbridge, facing the International Centre for Comics and Images, turn left onto Rue de Bordeaux and walk for about 100 metres. Then turn left onto Boulevard Besson Bey, which leads down to the southern quays.

(4) Keep to the left to follow the Charente as closely as possible until you reach the starting car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 105 ft - Car park next to the Bourgines footbridge - Charente (fleuve)
  2. 1 : mi 0.3 - alt. 102 ft - Saint-Antoine Bridge, on the right
  3. 2 : mi 0.69 - alt. 102 ft - Leaving the island, turn left
  4. 3 : mi 1.11 - alt. 102 ft - Esplanade of the Comic Strip Museum
  5. 4 : mi 1.75 - alt. 105 ft - Keep to the left along the Charente
  6. S/E : mi 1.97 - alt. 105 ft - Car park next to the Bourgines footbridge

Worth a visit

On Île Bourgines, enjoy the rather unique blend of urban wasteland and green space.
You don’t have to go under the Saint-Antoine Bridge (1) if you find it a bit unsettling. Simply shorten the walk by taking the slightly more visible paths on the island. I’ve never had any unpleasant encounters and there are plenty of people (city dwellers, walkers, families...) heading towards the Saint-Yrieix lake. But the view from under the bridge, looking towards the Charente, is well worth a detour.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
User 20426517

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant and easy walk with no particular highlights. It can be easily combined with a visit to the city.

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Bertrand 16
Bertrand 16

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk along the banks of the Charente, with beautiful scenery between town and countryside.
Pleasant, with few people out on a fairly early Sunday morning.
A bit short, but one I’d happily do again.

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yannick16170
yannick16170

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

a really good hike

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hagalazz
hagalazz

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 29, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

There are plenty of sports enthusiasts (runners, kayakers, mountain bikers, etc.). The Charente is stunning; the parks are beautiful, especially in autumn, and the architecture is superb. The museums and the Campus de l'Image are beautiful and blend in perfectly with the natural surroundings.

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loulou16
loulou16

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 23, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

a nice little walk

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