Are you planning a cruise on the Charente, but don't know which direction to take? We'll help you, just follow us! Check out our suggested itinerary for 1 week's houseboat cruising on the Charente.
Before we begin, let's clarify a few important points:
Here's an itinerary for a one-week return cruise, departing from Cognac and arriving in Angoulême. This represents 116 km - 34 locks and around 22 hours of navigation. Ready to go? Let's go...
Get your Charente river cruise off to a gentle start by navigating from Cognac to Jarnac. You'll cover 15 kilometres and pass through 3 locks. This first leg, which lasts around 3 hours, will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with your houseboat. While you're in Cognac, you can also explore this charming town on the banks of the Charente. Did you know that cognac is produced in the heart of the town? The alcoholic fumes from this production have left their mark on the walls over the years. Take the time to admire these old buildings. Near the port, you'll find several large wine merchants offering tours and tastings, so you'll be spoilt for choice! Finish your day with a peaceful sail to Jarnac!
We continue our cruise on the Charente towards Châteauneuf-Sur-Charente, a town in the heart of the Charente vineyards! Weather permitting, if you're looking to cool off, don't miss the "Le Bain des Dames" leisure area. This area is ideal for a short family break, offering a real sandy beach, supervised swimming in summer, a play area, a picnic area and outdoor activities such as fishing and volleyball.
Today's rendez-vous is in Angoulême. Angoulême is known as the International Capital of the Comic Strip. We recommend that you leave your houseboat behind to explore the city. You can start by walking the ramparts and painted walls circuit, which offers a magnificent view of the city and features 19 comic strip frescoes. Then visit the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, explore the gardens of the Château d'Angoulême and wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town. If you're a comic book fan, the Musée de la BD is a must-see during your cruise on the Charente.
On this route you can stop off at Nersac, a former centre of the paper industry. The village has preserved a few traces of its past, including the Pont-Huillier mill dating from 1628.
The advantage of a return cruise on the Charente is that you can take your time to visit the different towns and villages. So why not take the opportunity to discover more of Jarnac? Famous for being the birthplace of former French president François Mitterrand. You can visit the Musée Donation François-Mitterrand, housed in a former wine storehouse, which exhibits a collection of gifts given to the president during his terms in office. We also recommend a visit to the Courvoisier museum, dedicated to the history and production of cognac.
This cruise on the Charente is coming to an end and I hope that this itinerary will help you in the preparation of your cruise. It was, of course, just one example of an itinerary among many! That's the advantage of river tourism: you're free to choose your stops and visits.
From €179 / pers
Week of the 5/25/24 to 6/1/24
Electric toilets
220 v socket
From €206 / pers
Week of the 5/25/24 to 6/1/24
Dual cockpit
Electric toilets
220 v socket
From €207 / pers
Week of the 5/25/24 to 6/1/24
Dual cockpit
Bow thruster
Electric toilets
220 v socket
Bimini
From €424 / pers
Week of the 5/25/24 to 6/1/24
Dual cockpit
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Flat Screen TV
Microwave
Air-Conditioning
Electric toilets
Dishwasher
Bimini