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| BOOKING FORM | SPECIAL OFFERS | CHECK AVAILABILITY |
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Discover
the true spirit of France in this region famed for its fine cognac,
delicious cuisine and Romanesque art and architecture. Waterfront towns and villages boast excellent restaurants and colourful local markets are a treat to explore. Beautiful country walks through woodland and sunflower fields, bike rides and an 18-hole golf course at Cognac all help to create a leisurely and relaxed holiday both on and off the water. Known as the ‘Loveliest River in France’ the Charente meanders from its source in the Limousin through the gentle countryside of the Charente region until it reaches the Atlantic at Rochefort. You can choose to cruise in either direction from our base at Jarnac. |
| Cruising west towards the Atlantic at Rochefort, you’ll see the
worldrenowned vineyards of Cognac and a visit to this elegant town and
its famous distilleries such as Hennessy and Remy Martin, is a must.
Rochefort was built to house Louis XIVth’s new Navy and remains an important and historic naval centre today. Enjoy the sea air and fabulous seafood restaurants! |
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Cruise east through the stunning Charente valley to the cathedral city
of Angoulême, once home to the region’s prosperous papermaking
industry. Whichever cruising direction you choose, you’ll enjoy the unhurried pace of life that is so evident in the towns and villages that line the riverbanks and fall in love with the ever-changing scenery that frames this truly beautiful river. |
| The Fluviale Cruise Jarnac to Angoulème One week out and back |
The Cognac Cruise Jarnac to Rochefort One week out and back |
| 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. Distance: 88 km Cruising Time: 22 hrs Locks: 30 Return Trip |
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. 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. Distance: 186 km Cruising Time: 33 hrs Locks: 12 Return Trip |
| ALSACE Saarbruecken, Hesse, Boofzheim |
AQUITAINE Le Mas d'Agenais, Montech, Condom |
BRITTANY Dinan, Messac, Nort sur Erdre |
BURGUNDY Fontenoy le Chateau, Branges, Saint Jean de Losne, Gray |
CAMARGUE Port Cassafières, Homps, Saint Gilles, Beaucaire |
| CHARENTE Jarnac |
LOIRE Chatillon sur Loire, Migennes, Decize |
LOT Douelle |
MIDI Castelnaudary, Trèbes, Homps, Narbonne, Port Cassafières |
NIVERNAIS Migennes, Chatel Censoir, Tannay, Decize |
H2OLIDAYS,
Port de Plaisance, 21170, Saint Jean de Losne, France
Tel: International + 33 380 291 381 Fax:
International
+ 33 380 392 149
H2OLIDAYS S.A.R.L capital 10000 euros. RCS 438 811 325
Travel agency licence:
LI.021.01.0004