Located in the southwest of France, the Charente is a French river in the Aquitaine basin that stretches for 361 km and crosses the departments of the Charente before flowing intothe Atlantic Ocean. Only 137 km are navigable from Angoulême to the ocean. 21 manual locks punctuate your journey on this river, considered "the most beautiful in my kingdom" by Francis I. River cruises on the Charente are very popular, whether you are with family or friends, enjoy the diversity of the landscapes and the feeling of freedom that this destination gives you.
What is there to visit during your yacht charter in the Charente?
During your cruise on a river boat along the Charente, you will be captivated by the beauty of its natural landscapes and its history. Between manual locks and small, traditional villages, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.
Sireuil
If you are setting off from the Sireuil base, take a stroll around the little village before boarding your river boat. With a rich historical past, Sireuil is full of monuments such asthe 12th-century Saint-Orient church , listed as a historical monument since 1925. Once on board your river boat, you will begin to sail, discovering the town's old tanneries.
Châteauneuf-sur-Charente
Located in the heart of the Charente vineyards, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente is a river port offering both gourmet and sporting activities. For the more athletic, set off to discover the Font-Qui-Pisse cliff, which has become one of the most beautiful free climbing spots in the Charente since the 1980s. You can also simply stroll through this town on foot or by bike before eating in one of the many restaurants in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente.
Jarnac
A neighboring town of Cognac, the history of Jarnac is inextricably linked to that of Cognac. On both sides of the Charente, Jarnac has a rich cultural heritage. Between the Château Courvoisier, the Hine House and the Braastad House, there is plenty to visit! French history enthusiasts will enjoy Jarnac, as it is the birthplace of the former President of the Republic, François Mitterrand.
Cognac
Make way for Cognac! Stop off with your river cruise boat on the outskirts of this town, renowned for the many major spirits companies that have set up there. Hennessy, Martell, Baron Otard: take the time to taste the famous French brandies. The Maison des Arts du Cognac is also a place full of surprises to discover! If you would like to learn more about the history of Cognac, we recommend a visit to the town's Château Royal. Designated a city of art and history, Cognac is also known as the birthplace of François I.
Chaniers
On the outskirts of Chaniers, take the time to discover the superb Moulin royal de la Baine (royal mill) built under Colbert, dating from the 17th century. You will have the chance to catch a glimpse of it from your river boat as it is located on the side of the river Charente. You will be able to have something to eat there as it has now been converted into a restaurant offering a superb panoramic view of the river.
Saintes
The historic capital of Romanesque Saintonge, Saintes is located on one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. This city boasts an exceptional historical heritage that is well worth a visit. During your river boat cruise on the Charente, discover the 11th-century Abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Dames and the Gallo-Roman amphitheater. The Church and Basilica of Saint Eutrope are superb Catholic sanctuaries, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint-Savinien
Described as a "small town of character", the town of Saint-Savinien juggles between its houses known as "feet in the water" and its miniature port. Organized around the village's Romanesque church and perched high up, Saint-Savinien will charm you with its beautiful landscapes. Art lovers will be delighted to stop off and discover its many art galleries and workshops. Take the family to the miniature port onthe island of Grenouillette, your children will love it. This theme park allows your children to steer real boats built to scale. From fishing to commercial vessels, old to contemporary, there is something for everyone.
Philippe shares his experience of yacht charter in the Charente with us
Philippe, a Filovent customer and river cruise enthusiast, spenta week in June on the Charente with his wife and a couple of friends. Starting from Sireuil, the four friends made a beautiful journey on the Charente, "we went as far as Saint-Savinien before turning back, the landscapes were sublime," he tells me. "The period was ideal, I highly recommend it! The weather was mild and there were few people on the river," he said cheerfully. "We had rented a superb river boat for six, even though there were only four of us, so we had more than enough comfortable and spacious space with lovely rooms."
Philippe and his friends particularly enjoyed this river cruise on the side of the boat. "We took advantage of the stops to visit monuments such as François Mitterrand's tomb or the Cognac house. We also went for walks to discover the villages of the Charente. It was also an opportunity to have a bite to eat in the typical restaurants," he tells me nostalgically.
Philippe warns you about the manual locks on the route. Having been on river cruises before, this wasn't a problem for him, but on the Charente the locks are manual, "it takes at least two people to operate them". So you have to get off the river boat, open the lock, wait for the water level to be at the right height, "which can take between 5 and 20 minutes," he tells me . "Then go back down and close it after passing through. It's not a problem, but you need to be aware of it," he emphasizes.
What are the best times for a yacht charter in the Charente?
The Charente benefits from an oceanic climate of the Aquitaine type. In spring and summer, enjoy long sunny days with temperatures around 25°C. In August, the thermometer can reach up to 29°C, enough to fully enjoy this magnificent region. River cruises are therefore highly recommended at this time of year.
What are the embarkation bases for a yacht charter in the Charente?
To board your river cruise, you have the choice of three bases: Sireuil, Jarnac or Cognac. They are only about ten kilometers from each other, so it's up to you to see which one you prefer!
There are several ways to reach the Charente: by car, train or plane. The simplest and most common is by car, taking the A10, which will take you directly to the various bases for boarding. You can also get there by train, thanks to the new Aquitaine high-speed line. There are numerous direct departures from Paris toAngoulême, taking 1 hour 45 minutes, and to La Rochelle, taking 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also get there by plane, landing at La Rochelle airport and then taking a taxi to the various departure bases.
What is the price of a yacht charter in the Charente?
| Type of boat | High season (July and August) | Mid-season (May, June and September) (May, June and September) | Low season (April and October) |
| River boat with 1 cabin | From USD1400 per week | From USD1200 per week | From 1100USD per week |
| River boat with 2 cabins | From USD2000 per week | From USD1800 per week | From USD1700 per week |
| River boat with 3 cabins | From USD2300 per week | From USD2200 per week | From USD2100 per week |
| River boats with 4 cabins | From USD2500 per week | From USD2300 per week | From USD2200 per week |
Information to remember for your yacht charter in the Charente
| Number of boats | 15 |
|---|---|
| Maximum capacity | 12 |
| Average price | 1875 USD per week |
| Minimum price | 1100 USD per week |
| Maximum price | 2500 USD per week |
| Manufacturers | Le Boat, Recla, France Passion Plaisance and others |
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 190 |
|---|---|
| Average price per week | $2,436 |
| Minimum weekly price | $794 |
| Maximum price per week | $4,662 |