Our waterway cruises Charente

A Cognac waterway cruise invites you to a voyage of discovery

In the pleasant climate of this region of Charente, we’ll train you to steer your licence-free rental boat. We invite you to discover the charm of a waterway cruise from Cognac, a historic town better known for its cellars. Here, you can shake off the stress as you unwind and enjoy a soothing and relaxing holiday for all members of your crew.

After visiting the town of Cognac and taking in its wealth of attractions, you can finally board your licence-free boat and navigate the “most beautiful river in the Kingdom”, if we’re to believe the words of François I. Here, you’ll uncover all the treasures of waterway tourism. The pleasure of navigating at a slow, soothing pace, the possibility of mooring wherever you want for a walk or bike ride… You can make your choice as to whether you head towards the shores of the Atlantic Ocean or inland.

A discovery trip or sporting holiday – waterway tourism for all tastes

When it comes to indulging their passion, fishing enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in Charente. The rest of the crew will be able to take a cool break, swimming in one of the many beaches on the shores of the region’s lakes. Why not navigate as far as Angoulême, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the magical world of comics. History buffs might prefer to stop off in Saintes to explore the Roman ruins, as well as the imposing Gothic cathedral of Saint Pierre.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy getting your whole crew together to navigate the locks or chat with other boaters. There’ll also be opportunities to meet some great people during a waterway cruise, so make the most of them ! Finally, between the Loire and the Garonne, the Charente will also lead you towards some of the region’s most famous vineyards. So, leave your houseboat and get lost in the cellars of the largest Cognac and Pineau estates.

When are you leaving?

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Your crew

One-way only Suitable for people with reduced mobility

the essentials for a successful trip!

1 / 3 Saintes During the Gallic period, Saintes was a territory on which a Gallic people called the Santons lived and Mediolanum developed. The city erected on the banks of the Charente, at the end of Via Agrippa, which connected Lyon to Aquitania, became an important administrative centre. Back then, the ancient Mediolanum was endowed with a series of monuments worthy of a great capital, testifying to the Roman’s desire to mark their hold on the city. The developing city also bore witness to the exchange of ways of life between the Gauls and the Romans. Mediolanum was the first historic capital of Aquitaine Gaul, one of the three major regions of Gaul conquered by Caesar. Some of the edifices that have been preserved – in particular the Amphitheatre and arch of Germanicus – are among the principal witnesses of Gallo-Roman antiquity in western France.

2 / 3 Angoulême, the comic book capital Angoulême is the international capital of Comic Books and Images, and indeed deserves to have a comic strip image printed of the town itself, something reflected in the mural paintings that visitors stumble upon in all four corners. These walls are the subject of a tourist itinerary currently made up of around twenty murals painted by the ‘Cité de la Création’, an association of ‘muralists’.

3 / 3 Cognac and Pineau Cellars Between the Loire and the Garonne, the Charente promises you a waterway cruise meandering through this verdant countryside. You’ll also be able to take in the vineyards of Cognac and Pineau, the two brandies that have secured the region’s reputation. The Museum of Cognac in the eponymous town will tell you the story of these precious beverages. You can also moor up and stroll through these vineyards, meeting the winemakers, as well as leaving your houseboat for a foray underground into the cellars where the distillation and ageing take place. Uncover the mysteries of the Cognac wineries and enjoy every minute of your cruise as you embrace the region’s enchanting climate.