Charente river with Nicols

From Sireuil

Large and winding, the river Charente quoted by François the 1st as "the most beautiful stream in the Kingdom", runs through the ancient counties of "Langoumois" and "La Saintonge." For 171km, from Angouleme to the Ocean, the Charente is regulated by 21 locks. The ancient vineyard covers the surrounding hills. Many cellars and distilleries will invite you to taste the famous Cognac or delicious Pineau.

Along your cruise, you will find many villages and twos that are testimonies to a rich past such as Angouleme, Fleurac, St Simeux, Chateauneuf, Saint-Simon, Bassac, Jarnac, Saint Brice, Cognac, Saintes, Saint-Savinien and Rochefort. In the Charente area, the gastronomy based on seafood is waiting for you along the river with many of its restaurants preparing local specialities ("mouclade", oysters...) Fishermen will not be forgotten and will find plenty of brown trout, carp, pike, perch and eels...

Short break, return cruise

• Sireuil, Chaniers and return: 132 km, 30 locks, 24 hours cruising 

Weekend break, return cruise

• Sireuil, Jarnac and return: 56 km, 18 locks, 13 hours cruising 

One-week return cruise

• Sireuil, St Savinien and return; 198 km, 30 locks, 32 hours cruising

Two-week return cruise

• Sireuil, Angouleme, Rochefort and return; 252 km, 32 locks, 40 hours cruising

Charente river waterways map

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