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Our base at Jarnac is perfectly positioned to explore the river in either direction, and with few locks to manage, cruising is as gentle and relaxed as the countryside around you. Upstream is the magnificent cathedral city of Angoulême once home to the region’s paper-making industry but now enjoyed for its
Cruise downstream as far as Rochefort, an important and historic naval centre that dates back to the 17th century. En route you’ll see evidence of Roman times at the pretty town of Saintes, as well as the world-renowned vineyards of Cognac where the famous distilleries are open to the public.From fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants to golf courses, cathedrals and canoeing, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this prosperous, charming and peaceful region of France.
Regional Highlights
The ramparts of Angoulême for stunning views and its 12th century Cathedral of St. Pierre
The elegant town of Cognac for guided tours and tastings at the Hennessey, Martell and Remy Martin distilleries
The riverside town of Jarnac – birthplace of Francois Mitterand and home to Courvoisier and Louis Royer cognac houses
The magnificent château at St Brice and the famous La Ribaudière Michelin restaurant at Bourg-Charente
Chocolate tastings at Trois Pallis
Saintes for its Roman arch, amphitheatre and frescoes
17th century naval dockyard, ship-building and the Corderie- Royale maritime centre at Rochefort
Excellent children’s park at St.Savinien with a swimming pool and crazy golf – perfect for picnics!
The Charente is one of France’s most beautiful rivers. Its crystal clear waters are perfect for fishing and swimming and its pretty river banks are home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Meadows of grazing cattle and fields of vibrant sunflowers typify this peaceful land famed for its magnificent cognac distilleries, ancient Roman sites and beautiful Renaissance châteaux.
WEEK BREAKS - Suggested Cruises in Charente
The Fluviale Cruise
Jarnac - Angouleme - 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.
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. View Cruise Map
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. 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.
Duration: One week Cruise Type: Return Trip Distance: 186 km Locks: 12 Cruise Time: 33 hrs
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. View Cruise Map
