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Described by King Francois I as the loveliest river in his kingdom, the Charente snakes through a region famed for its fine brandy.
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The golden circle of cognac production encompasses the towns of Cognac and Jarnac where our boating holiday base is situated.
View the stunning valley from the old city of Angouleme or cruise to the opposite end of the river and enjoy the refreshing sea air at Rochefort. Enjoy cycle rides through the peaceful wooded countryside or stroll beside sunflower filled fields.
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Regional Highlights |
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• The Moulin de Fleurac at
Nersac - traditional 18th
century papermill
• The ramparts of Angoulême for
stunning views
• Guided tours and tastings at
Cognac’s famous distilleries
• Saintes for Gallo-Roman ruins,
amphitheatre and frescoes
• Great seafood restaurants |
Known as the ‘Loveliest River in
France’ the Charente meanders
from its source in the Limousin
through the gentle countryside
of the Charente region until it
reaches the Atlantic at Rochefort.
You can choose to cruise in either
direction from our base at Jarnac.
Cruising west towards the Atlantic
at Rochefort, you’ll see the worldrenowned
vineyards of Cognac
and a visit to this elegant town
and its famous distilleries such
as Hennessy and Remy Martin, is a must. Rochefort was built to
house Louis XIVth’s new Navy
and remains an important and
historic naval centre today. Enjoy
the sea air and fabulous seafood
restaurants!
Cruise east through the stunning
Charente valley to the cathedral
city of Angoulême, once home to
the region’s prosperous papermaking
industry.
Whichever cruising direction you
choose, you’ll enjoy the unhurried pace of life that is so evident in
the towns and villages that line
the riverbanks and fall in love with
the ever-changing scenery that
frames this truly beautiful river. |
Crown Blue Charente Fleet
Click vessel below for more details |
| Sleeping 8+ Passengers |
| Grand Classique |
Nautilia |
Salsa |
| Sleeping 6+ Passengers |
| Ariane |
| Calypso |
| Crusader |
| Jamaica |
| Orion |
| Sleeping 4+ Passengers |
| Clipper |
| Tamaris |
| Viscount |
| Sleeping 2+ Passengers |
| Capri |
| Cirrus |
| Sheba |
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Suggested Cruises
Please see map above - routes shown by colour
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The Fluviale Cruise
Jarnac - Angoulême - Jarnac |
| Explore the village of Bassac and its
remarkable 1,000 year old abbey.
Discover some of the finest Romanesque
art in the region at the church of Saint-
Pierre in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente.
Cruise on to Mosnac and admire a
gleaming collection of vintage cars. Pick
up some tasty chocolates in Trois-Palis
- a chocoholics heaven and enjoy a
tasting at the town’s chocolate factory. |
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1 Week
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Return Trip
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88 kms
- 30 Locks
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22 hours
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| Stop at Saint-Simeux – a former eelfarming centre in the Middle Ages and visit Saint Simon, the former heart of the region’s boatbuilding industry and where the local ‘gabares’– flat-bottomed sailing barges originally used for shipping barrels of cognac – are still used today for tourist trips on the river. The 12th century Cathédrale St-Pierre dominates the thriving city of Angoulême; walk the ramparts for
spectacular views over the Charente valley. France’s only museum dedicated to cartoons - The Centre National de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image can also be found here, alongside paper mills that still use 18th century techniques today. |
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The Cognac Cruise
Jarnac - Rochefort - Jarnac |
| Cruise to Saint Brice and visit its castle,
which has a unique Renaissance façade.
Relax with a picnic in the pretty park or
tee off at the town’s golf course on the
banks of the river.
Catch the scent of cognac in the air
at the elegant town of Cognac – the
roofs on the houses are turned ambercoloured
by the alcohol vapours in the
air. |
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1 Week
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Return Trip
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186 kms
- 12 Locks
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33 hours
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| Join a guided tour of the famous distilleries and enjoy free tasting sessions to help you decide to buy! Continue to Saintes and discover amazing archaeological finds including Roman columns, frescoes and statues. Visit the excellent maritime museums at Rochefort to learn about its historic sailing and rope-making past before dining on excellent seafood platters by the sea. The River Charente becomes tidal after St.Savinien. |
