Are you looking for a destination that gives you the opportunity to get away from everyday stress for your next holiday? There is nothing better than hiring a riverboat in Charente, an ideal destination to reconnect with nature. Charente, with its 381 kilometres of course, is a fabulous river that embodies the charm of authentic France and is an ideal destination for a relaxing riverside holiday. In fact, the Charente is a perfect destination for nature lovers: you can meet many species of birds such as herons, kingfishers and swans. It is an ideal destination for its history and cultural heritage: the remains of Saintes, the city of Cognac or Angouleme and, of course, the Charente is a perfect destination for wine tasting! Don't wait any longer an get ready for a cruise on the Charente, the "most beautiful river in the kingdom", according to Francis I.
The different stages of a cruise on the Charente
During your cruise on the Charente, you will discover preserved natural landscapes and small typical villages where life flows quietly. Here is our selection of the best stops during your holiday on riverboat:
Angoulême: after leaving your riverboat in Port-l'Houmeau, a pretty little harbour near the Angoulême ramparts, start your visit to the comic book capital! In fact, the city of Angoulême is known for its International Comics Festival and during your visit you will discover 25 unique painted walls. The comics museum is definitely worth a visit when you're in Angouleme: you'll find a unique collection in Europe and you can take a trip into the history of French-speaking and American comics. Don't forget to stroll through the old Angoulême with its pretty stone houses and taste local specialities such as Charentais crickets or La Taupinette cheese.
Cognac: welcome to the land of cognac, pineau des Charentes and Charente wines! In this city of art and history, don't miss out on strolling along the cobbled streets that run alongside the town houses and half-timbered houses. Don't miss a visit to the Royal Castle of Cognac, a historical monument, the birthplace of Francis I and home to Baron Otard. When hiring a riverboat in Cognac, you can end your day with a cognac cocktail at Place François 1er in Cognac.
Saintes: the largest city of Charente-Maritime after La Rochelle, the city of Saintes is a key stop for a cruise on the river Charente. City of art and history, Saintes offers an exceptional historical heritage: you can discover the arenas of Saintes, a place rich in history where time seems to have stopped. You can also discover the Abbey of Ladies, the Arch of Germanicus or the Carrousel Musical, installed on the site of the Abbey of Ladies, an extraordinary mechanism with giant digital instruments that is unique in the world!
Jarnac: located east of Cognac and west of Angoûleme, with houseboat hire in Jarnac you can visit this town, an essential stop during a river cruise on the Charente. The town is better known as the birthplace of François Mitterrand and it is also possible to visit his birthplace. Don't miss out the Château Courvoisier or the elegant Maison Hine, the only supplier of cognac to the Crown of England! For fishing enthusiasts, Jarnac offers a miraculous fishing experience, especially for roach.
Saint-Savinien: located on the banks of the river Charente, Saint-Savinien is a fascinating city! The town is also called "village of stone and water" an "flower village". You will be fascinated by the "pieds dans l'eau" houses, old houses of sailors and merchants from the era of river trade, which give this picturesque town its unique character. During your stay, you can visit the flower pier, the island "de la grenouillette" or stroll along the quays.
During your next river holiday, let yourself be tempted by a cruise on the Charente! Whatever itinerary you choose, you will discover the joys of river navigation, especially with the passage of manual locks. Your holidays will be an opportunity to share moments with family or friends, but also an opportunity for exchange with other yachtsmen! Sail on a boat without a boat license and get ready for a unique experience.