Linars Market
Don't miss the Sunday market in Linars! Three local producers offer their fresh products every Sunday morning in a friendly atmosphere.
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Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente
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ℹ️Practical info — Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Plan d'eau de la Grande Prairie is the focal point for leisure; visit early on summer weekends to secure a good spot on the beach.
- The Coulée Verte is a beautiful path along the Charente river, good for a flat, scenic bike ride to Angoulême.
- Bring mosquito repellent if you plan to walk near the riverbanks or lake at dusk.
- Parking near the lake is free, but can fill up quickly during local sailing events or sunny holidays.
🍽 Food
🍽
Pineau des Charentes
A local aperitif made from grape juice and cognac; order it chilled at riverside cafes.
🍽
Charentais Melon
Sweet local melon; pick one up at grocery stores or markets in the summer.
🍽
Fresh Seafood
Thanks to its proximity to the coast, look for fresh oysters or mussels at traditional bistros.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Cognac and Pineau
Visit nearby specialized wine merchants to discover regional spirits.
🛍
Central Bakeries
Excellent for grabbing a fresh baguette or pastries before heading to the lake for a picnic.
🧘
Coulée Verte
A shaded, tranquil pathway following the old towpaths of the river Charente.
🧘
Lake Shores
The quieter northern edge of the Plan d'eau, away from the main aquatic base, is excellent for a peaceful rest.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Bourgoin Cognac - Vineyard Safari
Discover the history and secrets of the Bourgoin family during an exclusive tour aboard a vintage D4B vehicle from the 1960s.
The Knitting Corner - La Tricothèque
A friendly moment of sharing and knitting for both beginners and experienced crafters.
Marsac Market
Visit the village of Marsac every month to discover local producers and enjoy a friendly community moment.
Fête de la Musique in Saint-Yrieix sur Charente
Get ready to vibrate to the rhythm of the Music Festival with concerts, a festive atmosphere, and shared joy!
Polynesian Triangle Festival
The festival returns for its fifth year to introduce you to Polynesian culture through dances, workshops, and artisan stalls.
Musée d'Angoulême Activities at the Polynesian Festival
The museum is pleased to participate once again in the Polynesian Triangle Festival supported by A HI’O MAI.
Read Me a Story
Librarian Florence invites children aged 4 and up to a magical session of stories, rhymes, and imagination.
Hiersac Farmers Market
Meet Charente farmers and enjoy local products on-site. Please remember to bring your own cutlery, bags, and containers.
July 14th Flea Market
Celebrate the 20th edition of the popular Hiersac flea market on the French national holiday!
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente is a bustling commune in the Charente department, functioning as a vital residential and recreational hub for the Greater Angoulême area. Its landscape is dominated by the Charente river and the impressive 26-hectare 'Plan d'Eau' lake, which transformed the local topography into a premier leisure destination. This area provides residents and tourists with extensive facilities for swimming, sailing, and jogging, hosting numerous regional sporting events throughout the year. Historically, the commune has evolved from a quiet riverside village into a contemporary suburban center, characterized by high-quality public infrastructure and green initiatives. The architectural style blends the traditional white limestone typical of the region with modern sustainable housing. Saint-Yrieix also plays a significant role in the local economy through its commercial zones and tourism-related services. Its community spirit is fostered through various annual festivals and its strategic link to the famous Angoulême International Comics Festival, making it a culturally enriched place to live.
- Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
- Top sights: Plan d'eau de la Grande Prairie · Saint-Yrieix Church · Charente River
- Nearby: L'Isle-d'Espagnac (6 km)
- Population: ~7.556
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 78 | 55 | 65 | 63 | 74 | 62 | 48 | 51 | 47 | 70 | 78 | 78 |
Geography
Facts
- The recreational lake spans over 26 hectares.
- Total land area of the commune is 14.65 square kilometers.
- The official postal code is 16710.
- Elevation varies between 27 and 103 meters.
- The population density is approximately 516 people per km².
- Home to the Nautilis aquatic complex, one of the largest in the region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente (5)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente?
The Plan d'Eau de la Grande Prairie is a massive leisure center featuring a lake, swimming beaches, and sailing facilities.
How far is it from Angoulême?
The town is located just north of Angoulême, only about 5 km from the city center and easily accessible by bus.
Is swimming allowed in the Saint-Yrieix lake?
Yes, during summer there are supervised swimming areas with sandy beaches, well-suited for families.
Is there parking available at the leisure center?
There are several large free parking lots available around the Plan d'Eau de la Grande Prairie.
Which sports are offered?
Besides swimming, you can enjoy sailing, canoeing, tennis, and jogging on the paths surrounding the lake.
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente: where is it located?
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente: what is there to see?
Highlights include Plan d'eau de la Grande Prairie, Saint-Yrieix Church, Charente River.
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente: why is it worth visiting?
Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente is a bustling commune in the Charente department, functioning as a vital residential and recreational hub for the Greater Angoulême area.
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