France Poitou-Charentes Angouleme

Angouleme is a commune in southwestern France. Based on a plateau overlooking a meander of the Charente River, the city is nicknamed the "balcony of the southwest". Nowadays Angouleme is at the center of an agglomeration which is one of the most industrialized regions between Loire and Garonne (the paper industry was established in the 16th century, a foundry and electromechanical engineering developed more recently). It is also a commercial and administrative city with its own university of technology and a vibrant cultural life. This life is dominated by the famous Angouleme International Comics Festival that contributes substantially to the international renown of the city.