During this week-long cruise you will first visit Angoulême before turning back to head along the Charente to reach Saintes. You’ll discover the rich heritage of both these cities andmany towns and villages in between. Enjoy the relaxing sailing as you cruise through the heart of the cognac with vineyards and and unspoilt nature all along the banks of the river, itself a playground for herons and kingfishers.
Sireuil, where you will board your canal boat at the Nicols base is a perfect location to start your discovery of the beautiful, calm and winding Charente river.
Sireuil: Distillerie des Moisans
Trois-Palis: ‘Chocolaterie Letuffe’ – tours, tastings snd workshops at this artisan chocolate makers
Angoulême: ‘Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée’ – museum of comic books, ‘Musée du papier’ – museum of paper, ‘Musée d’Angoulême’ – museum with art and archeaology collections, tours of the city’s frescos and painted walls, city hall built by Paul Abadie, Old town with remparts, Cathédrale Saint Pierre.
Saint-Simeux: Picturesque village
Châteauneuf sur Charente: The heart of the Pineau des Charentes and Cognac region, many family activities including outdoor swimming pool, beach, water skiing, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking and motocross.
Graves Saint Amant: The famous Maison Brillet – cognac distillery, historical listed church
Vibrac: Small beach, 12th and 18th century bridges, 16th, 17th and 18th century houses, mill
Bassac: Saint-Etienne church, 11th century Abbey surrounded by monastic buildings, mill and 16th century bridge
Jarnac: The Cognac houses of Courvoisier and Hine, birthplace of François Mitterand with museum
Cognac: The Cognac houses of Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, Baron Otard and Meukow. Museum of Cognac Arts, old town with mansions, half-timbered houses, Saint Léger church
Chaniers: Nearby ‘Moulin royal de la Baine’ 17th century mill, with restaurant and beautiful river views.
Saintes: Archaeological museum, l’Abbaye aux Dames - 11th century abbey with unique musical carousel ride, Roman amphitheatre.
When you have explored Saintes it is time to make the return leg of your journey, perhaps revisiting some of your favourite places as you cruise back to the Nicols base at Sireuil where you will return your boat.
Great holiday, we’ll be back!
Fantastic! The boat was clean, well maintained and very well equipped. The welcome at the Nicols base was warm and the staff were friendly and attentive. They gave us many tips for taking control of the boat, reading the river map and handling the locks. We had a great time and would love to repeat it!
Filiputti, Rives