Green countryside and beautiful waterways. Stop as and when you please, take time to visit the cellars and distilleries of Cognac and taste the Pineau des Charentes!
Large and winding, the river
Charente quoted by François the
1st as « the most beautiful stream in the Kingdom », runs
through the ancient counties of “Langoumois” and “La
Saintonge”.
For 171 km, from Angoulême to the Ocean, the Charente is regulated
by 21 locks.
The ancient vineyards cover the surrounding hills. Many cellars and distilleries
will invite you to taste the famous Cognac or delicious Pineau.
Along your cruise, you will find many villages and towns that are testimonies
to a rich past such as Angoulême, Fleurac, St Simeux, Châteauneuf,
Saint-Simon, Bassac, Jarnac, Saint-Brice, Cognac, Saintes, Saint-Savinien,
and Rochefort.
In the Charente area, the gastronomy based on seafood is waiting for
you along the river with many of its restaurants preparing local specialities
(“mouclade”, oysters …).
Fishermen will not be forgotten and will find plenty of brown trout,
carp, pike, perche, and eels …
The attractions :
Locks operated by yourself, so no restrictions on timings.
Pineau & Cognac,
Romanesque art,
Fauna and flora, peace and quiet,
Jarnac
-
Canal Du Midi (Le Somail, Port Lauragais)
-
Charente (Sireuil)
-
Franche Comte / Saone (Dole, Port Sur Saone)
-
Loire Valley / Nivernais (Plagny, Rogny)
-
Lot (Cahors)