Book your spring boating holiday at the best price! Up t 30% off on cruises in April and 25% off on departures in May 2025 (offer valid until 30/04 on a selection of cruises).

THE CHARENTE

Hire self-drive river boats and navigate the Charente

Crisboat - Expert in river boat rental for over 20 years

No licence, no experience, and completely safe
rental houseboat without licence navigation map view Map

River Cruise on the Charente

With a total length of 361 km, the river Charente is navigable from Angoulême to Rochefort. At the gateway to the Atlantic, this destination perfectly showcases its history and its activities. During your boating holidays from Angoulême to Rochefort, passing through Saintes and Cognac, you will have the opportunity to try nautical activities and enjoy a multitude of swimming areas easily accessible. At Crisboat, we offer you 3 possible locations to start your river cruise : Cognac, Jarnac and Sireul. To help you choose, we suggest you discover the 2 navigation areas: the Charente Maritime and the Charente around Angouleme.

 

Lets get on board

Our best river boat rental offers for this destination : Charente
The Charente - towards Angouleme

Cruise on the Charente

Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Charente between Cognac and Angoulême

What if you were to experience river tourism on the Charente around Angoulême (from Cognac to Angoulême)? On the Agenda : Cultural visits in Angoulême, water activities and gourmet breaks in Cognac. This navigation area is ideal for families. You can easily reach river ports and swim in the Charente and make the whole crew happy !


Cruise on the Charente

Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Charente between Cognac and Rochefort

With your licence-free boat, explore the river from Cognac to Rochefort. During your boating holidays, you will discover many exceptional sites such as Saintes, a beautiful city of Art and History and also the Corderie Royale in Rochefort. Take the time to admire them and enjoy the peaceful environment around you. This is an ideal cruise for families and friends to enjoy together. Join forces to pass through the manual locks.

The Charente - towards Rochefort

Best current offers for the destination Charente

Range Comfort 4 2
Elegance
Elegance
-53%

€2,649 €1,249

From €208 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
220 V converter 220 V converter
Air cooler Air cooler
Microwave Microwave
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 0
Estivale Quattro B
-30%

€2,380 €1,666

From €278 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Standard 4 3
Tarpon 37
Tarpon 37
-30%

€2,389 €1,672

From €186 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 9
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Bimini Top Bimini Top
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 2 0
Estivale Duo
-30%

€1,735 €1,215

From €304 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 4
  • Cabins : 1
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 2
Estivale Sixto
-30%

€3,394 €2,376

From €297 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 8 0
Estivale Octo
-30%

€3,424 €2,397

From €240 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 8 0
Estivale Octo Fly C
-30%

€4,627 €3,239

From €324 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Dishwasher Dishwasher
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 4 0
Royal Mystique A
-25%

€4,139 €3,099

From €516 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 8 0
Horizon 4
Horizon 4
-25%

€5,379 €4,029

From €448 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 9
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 4 0
Horizon 2-S
-25%

€3,729 €2,789

From €558 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 5
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 8 0
Salsa A
Salsa A
-25%

€3,479 €2,609

From €261 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 10
  • Cabins : 4
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
220 V converter 220 V converter
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 6 0
Calypso
Calypso
-25%

€2,909 €2,179

From €272 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 8
  • Cabins : 3
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow thruster Bow thruster
220 V converter 220 V converter
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 2 2
Caprice
Caprice
-25%

€2,519 €1,889

From €315 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
220 V converter 220 V converter
Air cooler Air cooler
Microwave Microwave
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Comfort 4 0
Clipper
Clipper
-25%

€2,759 €2,069

From €345 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 6
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions Two steering positions
220 V converter 220 V converter
220V socket 220V socket
Electric toilets Electric toilets
Range Premium 2 2
Horizon
Horizon
-25%

€3,469 €2,599

From €650 / pers

Week of the 5/3/25 to 5/10/25

  • Max. people : 4
  • Cabins : 2
  • Bathroom & Toilet : 1
Two steering positions Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity Continuous 220V electricity
Air cooler Air cooler
Bimini Top Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Microwave Microwave
Electric toilets Electric toilets

Customer testimonials

Average : 4.7 étoiles 4.7/5 (based on 44 opinion)
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 14, 2025, CapriceCruise : Jarnac round trip
"Très satisfait"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 7, 2025, HorizonCruise : Jarnac round trip
"Schickes Boot. abwechselnde Landschaften, Wasser, Natur."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 30, 2024, Penichette 935 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"Very nice, we'll do it again."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 28, 2024, Triton 860 FlyCruise : Cognac round trip
"Good responsiveness and competence."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 5, 2024, Sedan 1160 NCruise : Sireuil round trip
"The manager was very welcoming and available, the contact was great."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 4, 2023, Confort 900 DPCruise : Sireuil round trip
"Great trip, with some wonderful river encounters."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 26, 2023, Salsa ACruise : Jarnac round trip
"Very professional agency."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 27, 2023, MagnifiqueCruise : Jarnac round trip
"Everything went really well."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 17, 2023, Tarpon 42Cruise : Cognac round trip
"Pleasant stay, attentive and responsive staff."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 6, 2021, Confort 1100Cruise : Sireuil round trip
"auto-translation :''Very good''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 11, 2020, Cirrus ACruise : Jarnac round trip
"auto-translation :''Reception, listening, help and advice''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 17, 2019, Triton 1050Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Stay meets our expectations''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 19, 2019, Salsa ACruise : Jarnac round trip
"auto-translation :''Very Good''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 10, 2019, CalypsoCruise : Jarnac round trip
"auto-translation :''Very good organization''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Apr 19, 2019, Tarpon 32Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Meets expectations''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 13, 2019, CalypsoCruise : Jarnac round trip
"auto-translation :''Nature cruise, pleasant and relaxing''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Sep 29, 2018, Triton 1050Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Nothing special, only a propeller would have been welcome, but more expensive''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 14, 2018, EleganceCruise : Jarnac round trip
"Perfect"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jul 26, 2018, Estivale DuoCruise : Sireuil round trip
"auto-translation :''Nice but to do more slowly, on a week to meux visit and enjoy.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 2, 2018, Sedan PrimoCruise : Sireuil round trip
"auto-translation :''A dream stay, beyond all that we had imagined. We will do other stays with CrisBoat.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 7, 2018, Eau-Claire 1130Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Friendly''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on May 14, 2018, Penichette 935 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''To redo''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 14, 2018, CrusaderCruise : Jarnac round trip
"auto-translation :''This is the 4th time I rent and I am always satisfied''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 12, 2017, Tarpon 37Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Very nice. We'll do it again.''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 17, 2017, Penichette 935 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Very professional home''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 3, 2017, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''Meets our expectations given our choice. No bad surprises''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 2, 2017, Eau-Claire 1130Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''GOOD''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Apr 15, 2017, Penichette 935 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation :''18/20 stay without worries and very nice.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 17, 2016, Tarpon 37Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Meets every way''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 22, 2016, Sedan 800Cruise : Sireuil round trip
"auto-translation : ''A real treat in a beautiful setting''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 8, 2016, Tarpon 37Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Perfect''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 16, 2016, Tarpon 37Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''We will return''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 8, 2016, Tarpon 37Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Very good''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jun 27, 2016, Eau-Claire 930 FlyCruise : Cognac round trip
"Very pleasurable."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 13, 2016, Sedan 800Cruise : Sireuil round trip
"auto-translation : ''Good coaching clients. Benefit equal to the proposals.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 1, 2016, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Great river cruise! I wish I could do all the channels of France''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 23, 2016, Penichette 935 W ACruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Met my expectations''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 23, 2016, Tarpon 32Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Pleasant cruise, there was no problem''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Mar 28, 2016, Triton 860 FlyCruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''The interlocutors are very available and very professional with the real worries to satisfy customers''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 8, 2015, Tarpon 42 TPCruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Good''"
 
4
Cruise carried out on Jul 4, 2015, Tarpon 32Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Perfect''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 25, 2015, Eau-Claire 930 FlyCruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''I am satisfied and will appeal to Cris Boat for another cruise''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 15, 2015, Eau-Claire 930 FlyCruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Superb, despite the lack of development on the Charente''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 25, 2015, Tarpon 32Cruise : Cognac round trip
"auto-translation : ''Delighted with this first experience''"


There are not many locks. They are all manual and open on bank holidays.

It is strongly advised to moor only on the pontoons provided, as the level of the Charente is influenced by the tides, and the level may fall or rise by a few centimetres at night.

Mooring is only permitted in designated places and not in the countryside.

Everything you need to know about navigation on a licence-free boat in the Charente

The Charente is a French river in the Aquitaine basin, navigable from Rochefort to Angoulême. Known for its tranquility, the Charente holds treasures from the past: castles, romane churches... The most beautiful part of the Charente to be explored by riverboat is the crossing of the Cognac vineyards. Take advantage of this crossing to taste the famous Cognac !

During your river cruise on the Charente, you will be able to cross several notable towns such as Rochefort, Tonnay-Charente, Saintes, Cognac or Angoulême and also small villages of character such as Saint-Savinien, Port d'Envaux, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente or Nersac. A boating holiday on the Charente river will allow you to discover a rich heritage.

For an unforgettable experience on the Charente, you can embark on a river cruise with a licence-free riverboat from April to October. Be aware that it is more likely to rain in Spring. If you plan your river cruise in July, enjoy the Cognac Blues Passions which takes place every year.

Travelling with CrisBoat

Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.

Who are we?
Customer
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
20 years of experience
Wide choice of boats and destinations
Voyager avec Cris Boat

Cris Boat Blog

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Charente

Cruising on a licence-free boat on the Charente and travel through centuries of know-how

During your river cruise on the Charente, learn more about the Cognac designation. Moor your licence free boat to enjoy a visit. The know-how of the greatest Cognac Houses will no longer hold any secrets for you! Charente wine and Pineau des Charentes may also please you, so don't wait any longer to discover them.

 

The perfect river cruise for groups

This river cruise is ideal for your crew ! There is something for everyone on the Charente! Between historical heritage, nautical activities, swimming and fishing, everyone will be able to enjoy their river cruise as they wish. Don't forget to stop and taste the local specialities of the Charente! The local know-how will delight food lovers.