H2olidays

Le Boat

Charente

Discover the true spirit of France in this region famed for its fine cognac, delicious cuisine and Romanesque art and architecture. Boasting waterfront towns and villages and an 18-hole golf course at Cognac, this will be a boating holiday with something for everyone.

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.

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Short Breaks

The Charente Short Break Cruise
Enjoy swimming, fishing and historic sightseeing with cognac tastings on this perfect 3-day break. En-route visit Bourg Charente - famous for its Michelin starred restaurant, Saint Brice with its Renaisance Castle, golf course and Abbey used by Pilgrims following the St Jean de Compostella route and Cognac - home town of King Francois I and many world-famous cognac distilleries. Chaniers ...
Duration: 3 Nights
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 90 km
Locks: 10
Cruise Time: 16 hrs

Week Breaks

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 ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 88 km
Locks: 30
Cruise Time: 22 hrs

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 ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 186 km
Locks: 12
Cruise Time: 33 hrs