Riverboat and Boating Holidays in Charente

Boating Holidays on Charente

Highlights along Charente

The moats around Angouleme with stunning views and the city's cathedral St. Pierre, from the 12th century
The elegant town of Cognac with a guided tour and tasting of Hennesey, Martell and Remy Martin distilleries
The town of Jarnac, located on the river - the birthplace of Francois Mitterand and the home of Courvoisier and Louis Royer Cognac´s houses
Chocolate Tasting at Trois Pallis
The unique castle at St Brice
The town of Saintes with its Roman arch, amphitheatre and frescoes
Nice golfing right on the riverbanks
The shipyard at Saint Simon, where the special Gabares (flat-bottomed river barges) was built to transport barrels of cognac.
The maritime museum at Rochefort and the city’s high-class restaurants for fish and shellfish.
The amazing children's park at St Savinien with swimming pool and "crazy-golf", a perfect place for a picnic

About Charente

About Charente
Attractions
Departure Ports
Climate
Waterway Guide

Holidays on Charente

The Charente River in western France is also called the loveliest river in France. Discover the charms of this region, which is especially famous for its fine cognac, excellent cuisine and Roman art and architecture. The sailing route west to Rochefort near the Atlantic Ocean brings you to the famous vineyards around Cognac - a visit to this elegant city with a tour of distilleries such as Hennessy and Remy Martin is a certain highlight.

The eastern sailing route goes through the river-valley and past the old chocolate factory Trois-Palis and to Angoulême with the proud cathedral from the 12th century. The region was also formerly home to lucrative paper production.

The Charente River flows softly and is easy to navigate on. There are no lock operators, so the locks are operated by the skippers themselves. After St. Savinien and towards Rochefort, the river is however under the tidal influence of the sea, and this last stretch is recommended only for people with previous experience. Rochefort was founded under Louis XIV to accommodate his contemporary fleet and is still today an important historical centre for maritime traditions. Enjoy the fresh ocean air and glorious seafood restaurants.