Crown Blue Line

A peaceful region of crystal - clear waters, splendid chateaux and Cognac! From the base at Jarnac, whether you choose to cruise toward Rochefort exploring the castles at Bourg-Charente and Port d’Envaux and tasting the king’s drink at Cognac, or toward Angoulème, passing through woodlands and green pastures, enjoy the silence and beauty that is the Charente.

Jarnac – Rochefort and return: Charente maritime 186 km; 12 locks; 33 hours cruising

Highlights: 11th century churches at Jarnac and Chaniers; Germanicus Arch in Saintes Jarnac

Angoulème and return: Charente fluviale 88 km; 30 locks; 22 hours cruising

Highlights: Bassac Abbey, Saint Simeon, chocolates of Trois-Palis

Rive de France

The Charente river was described by François I as the most beautiful stream in the kingdom. This land of crystal clear water is an idyllic region for fishermen, keen swimmers and nature lovers alike, and with only 21 locks along it’s entire length, even those in search of a truly relaxing holiday need not be concerned.

Before setting off, be sure to explore Saint Savinien, where children will enjoy the miniature port , the ‘Grenouillette’ and adults the many Romanesque churches.

Saintes, the next major town, merits several hours visit to absorb the architectural features including the crypt and spire of Saint Europe’s church and the fine steeples of St.Peter’s cathedral.

The Charente is of course famous for its Cognac production In the town Cognac you can visit the producers and enjoy a tasting, but also visit the fine glass works , Saint-Gobain, where bottles of all shapes and sizes are made

Do not forget the castle where Fraçois I was born.

If time permits, you can then continue on to Châteauneuf-sur Charente to visit the vineyards and Le Font-qui-Pisse where you can try your hand at rock climbing.

Locaboat

The Charente, described by Francois 1 as "the prettiest brook in my kingdom", is one of France's most beautiful river navigations. At Cognac, where museums, history, gastronomy and industry are all devoted to its eponymous nectar, the renowned Hennessy cellars dominate the two round turrets of the Porte Saint Jacques which leads to the old town and the chateau. The Charente first becomes navigable at Angouleme, where the the historic town, with its cathedral and magnificently restored old houses, stands on a rocky spur high above the valley. The town today is famous for its strip cartoon festival. Jarnac, birthplace of Francois Mitterand, is also famous for its old buildings, and for its distilleries. As you follow the course of the river, past old mills and snipe-filled watermeadows edged with trees, Saintes comes into view, with its gallo-roman arenas and its Abbaye aux Dames, a jewel of romanesque art, while at Rochefort one scents the salt of the ocean in the air. With a length of 170km and just 21 locks, of which 18 are unmanned, the tranquil Charente is a delight to cruise on board your Pénichette.

One week cruises from Cognac
Cognac, Jarnac, St Simeux, Angouleme and RETURN; 116 km; 36 locks; 5hr cruising per day
Cognac, Saintes, St-Savinien and RETURN; 160 km; 6 locks; 3hr30 cruising per day

Ten/eleven day cruises
Cognac, Jarnac, Angouleme, Saintes and RETURN; 186 km; 38 locks; 4hr30 cruising per day
Cognac, St Savinien, Rochefort, Jarnac, St Simeux and RETURN; 240 km; 26 locks; 4hr15 cruising per day

Two week cruises
Cognac, Jarnac, Angouleme, Saintes and RETURN; 286 km; 40 locks; 4 hr cruising per day

Discover France: regions

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