Angoulême International Comics Festival 2024 © marozzau - Adobe Stock

The Angoulême International Comics Festival 2024 is France's biggest comics event. It takes place from January 25 to 28, 2024. This rich event offers exhibitions, signings, shows and competitions, attracting around 200,000 visitors to Angoulême. The diverse program includes masterpieces by Riad Sattouf, Moto Hagio and others. Discover a celebration of the world of comics! Workshops, conferences and prestigious prizes such as the Grand Prix de la ville d'Angoulême enrich the event.

Why do we celebrate the Angoulême International Comics Festival?

TheAngoulême International Comics Festival, launched in 1974, celebrates the art of comics. It has established itself as Europe's leading event of its kind. This annual festival brings together an international community of artists, publishers and enthusiasts. It offers a unique platform for exploring innovations and new talents in the world of comics. The event highlights the cultural importance of comics. What's more, it underscores its ability to tell complex, captivating stories that cross cultural and linguistic boundaries.

How do I get to the Angoulême International Comics Festival?

To get to the Angoulême International Comics Festival, take the TGV train from Paris, Bordeaux or other major cities. It will take you directly to the Angoulême train station in just a few hours. If you prefer to drive, Angoulême is well connected by theA10 freeway, making it easy to get to from major cities. Once in town, the festival is easily accessible on foot from the train station or via local shuttles. This makes the visit convenient and enjoyable for all festival-goers.

Take a look at the train ticket prices and book now!

What is the program for the Angoulême International Comics Festival 2024?

Festival de la bande dessinée d'Angoulême 2024
Angoulême International Comics Festival 2024 @bdangouleme - insagram.com

The Angoulême Comics Festival offers a rich palette of events for all ages and tastes. Discover exhibitions by big names such as Riad Sattouf and Moto Hagio. Shows such asAlexandre Clérisse's drawing concert, and conferences on artistic creation punctuate the event. The festival promises a complete immersion in the world of comics. Signings, introductory workshops and meetings enrich this not-to-be-missed event for comics fans. It is also complemented by competitions showcasing new talent and significant contributions to the medium. The festival features exhibitions, meetings with authors, workshops, conferences and competitions. Highlights include the presentation of the Comics Awards, including the prestigious Grand Prix d'Angoulême.

Where to stay to enjoy the Festival?

Discover the best accommodation in Angoulême ! Here are three sites with some great surprises in store:

  • APPART'CITY ANGOULÊME CENTER located between the Charente river and the city center, near the Plateau. It offers a wide choice of furnished apartments perfect for families, business trips or a sightseeing weekend. Spacious studios feature functional furnishings and a fully-equipped kitchen with hob, microwave and fridge.
  • MONDO BISARO - Bed & Breakfast : ideally located in a quiet inner courtyard. Featuring a fully-equipped kitchen, terrace with panoramic views and swimming pool, this establishment captivates with its seventiesrock'n'roll decor . Guests can enjoy self-service drinks and a peaceful ambience.
  • LES JARDINS DE LA CATHÉDRALE: a charming old house with an enclosed garden awaits you. Upstairs, two interconnecting bedrooms and a shared bathroom can accommodate up to five people, ideal for families or friends. The generous breakfast includes a fresh fruit salad. It offers a nourishing start to exploring the city of the ninth art. All in a refined setting that celebrates comics.

What are the dates of the Angoulême International Comics Festival?

The festival takes place from January 25 to 28, 2024, for four days of intense celebration of graphic and narrative creativity. It's the perfect opportunity for comics fans of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the world of European comics, manga and graphic novels, in the charming town of Angoulême.

Where to eat during the Festival?

The city of comics has many gourmet restaurants! Among the best restaurants offering local and international specialties, a few caught our eye:

  • QUAI N°8 - French Cuisine : refined, affordable cuisine on the banks of the Charente, near Saint-Cybard. A local favorite for its delicious dishes.
  • LE SAINT-ANDRÉ - Bistrot - Brasserie: enjoy Angoulême's bistronomic cuisine: fresh, seasonal produce. Enjoy on the terrace or indoors, for all tastes, including vegetarian.
  • LES ARTISTES - French cuisine : discover fresh produce in a serene setting in the heart of Angoulême. The restaurant offers a variety of menus and à la carte dishes featuring trout, duck breast and sweetbreads. Enjoy fast service and a warm atmosphere.

Why is the Comics Festival in Angoulême?

Angoulême is nicknamed the capital of comics, a tradition that goes back decades thanks to a rich history of comic production and celebration. The Angoulême International Comics Festival has its roots in local history and passion for the art form. Angoulême became the venue of choice thanks to the initiative of Francis Groux and Jean Mardikian, two Angoulmois and elected municipal officials with a passion for comics, who wanted to energize their city. Inspired by the Lucca Festival in Italy, they created the festival in 1974 to highlight and celebrate the art of comics. In so doing, they established Angoulême in the world's cultural panorama of comics.

How is the Angoulême Festival organized?

The Angoulême International Comics Festival is a major event that transforms the city into a huge space devoted to comics. With nearly 6,000 professionals and thousands of visitors, the festival unfolds in over 20 separate venues across Angoulême. These include museums, the Espace Franquin, and the Alpha media library. Attendees can explore some twenty exhibitions, eight themed areas such as the Espace Jeunesse and Espace Manga. They can also attend comic book shows and take part in masterclasses. Finally, they can discover a Christian comics program in historic sites such as St Peter's Cathedral. The festival also includes an "Off" section for an even richer experience.

Where to park during the Angoulême Festival?

Parking in Angoulême during the Festival de la BD is limited. We advise you to park in the peripheral parking lots. Use the free shuttles provided by the festival to access the center. Then check out the train station, Saint-Martial and Champ de Mars parking lots. Parking is also available around the city center. However, we recommend using public transport or walking to avoid traffic jams.

The Angoulême International Comics Festival 2024 is a unique celebration of creativity and culture. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of comics, meet creators and explore innovative works! To find out more about Angoulême and other not-to-be-missed festivals, check out Festival News. Finally, take a look at our essential checklist before you head out to party!