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Origin and history

The Town Hall of Angoulême was built between 1858 and 1869 by architect Paul Abadie, on the site of the former Comtal Castle. The latter, of which there remains only the dungeon of the Lusignans (XIIIth century) and the tower of the Valois (XVth century), was the seat of the Comtal power before becoming a residence of the governors. Paul Abadie's controversial project resulted in the destruction of most medieval buildings, keeping only the two towers under pressure from local archaeologists. The cost of the construction site, initially estimated at 150,000 francs, finally exceeded one million, causing intense controversy.

From the 10th to the 13th century, the Counts of Angoulême, especially the Taillefer and the Lusignan, strengthened the city's defences. In the 15th century, Jean d'Orléans, grandfather of Francis I, enlarged the castle after his captivity in England. The site lost its political role after the 17th century, becoming a mere place of residence for governors. In 1838, Mayor Paul Joseph Normand of La Tranchade obtained the transfer of the castle to the city to become the city hall, provided that it preserved its monumental character. Despite this clause, Paul Abadie destroyed the 15th century house in 1859, keeping only the towers.

The architecture of the city hall combines medieval, renaissant and classic references, with a dominant belfry added in the 19th century. The preserved remains, the dungeon and the Valois tower, were listed as historical monuments in 1929, while the entire city hall was classified in 2013. The interior decorations, made by artists such as Hugot (paintings of the grand salon) or Edward May (cabinet of the mayor), as well as the contributions of sculptor Léon Baleyre and Locksmith Everaert, complete to make this place a symbol of the Angoumois heritage.

The Comtal Castle, prior to its transformation, included defensive elements from the 12th–13th centuries and a 15th century pavilion with a polygonal turret. Star fortifications added under the Duke of Epernon (XVI century) have almost completely disappeared, with the exception of a few scallops. The site, now surrounded by café terraces and French gardens, links New York Square to the Desaix rampart promenade, illustrating its integration into the contemporary urban landscape.

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