a town of south-western France, capital of an arrondissement in the department of Charente, 44 m. N.E. of Angouleme by rail. Pop. (1906) 2546. Confolens is situated on the banks of the Vienne at its confluence with the Goire. It is an ancient town, with steep narrow streets bordered by old houses. It possesses two bridges of the 15th century, remains of a castle of the 12th century, and two churches, one of the i ith, another of the 14th and 15th centuries. The subprefecture, a tribunal of first instance, and a communal college are among the public institutions. Flour, leather, laces and paper are its industrial products, and there is trade in timber and cattle.