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The
Fluviale Cruise
Jarnac - Angouleme
- Jarnac
1 Week -
Return trip
88kms
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30 locks
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22hrs
Explore the
village of Bassac and its remarkable 1,000 year old
abbey. Discover some of the finest Romanesque art in the
region at the church of Saint- Pierre in Châteauneuf-sur
Charente. Cruise on to Mosnac and admire a gleaming
collection of vintage cars.
Pick up some tasty chocolates in Trois-Palis- a
chocoholics heaven and enjoy a tasting at the town’s
chocolate factory. Stop at Saint-Simeux – a former
eelfarming centre in the Middle Ages and visit Saint
Simon, the former heart of the region’s boatbuilding
industry and where the local ‘gabares’– flat-bottomed
sailing barges originally used for shipping barrels of
cognac – are still used today for tourist trips on the
river.
The 12th century Cathédrale St-Pierre dominates the
thriving city of Angoulême; walk the ramparts for
spectacular views over the Charente valley.
France’s only museum dedicated to cartoons - The Centre
National de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image can also be
found here, alongside paper mills that still use 18th
century techniques today. |
The Cognac Cruise
Jarnac - Rochefort
- Jarnac
1 Week -
Return trip
186kms
•
12 locks
•
33hrs
Cruise to Saint
Brice and visit its castle, which has a unique
Renaissance façade. Relax with a picnic in the pretty
park or tee off at the town’s golf course on the banks
of the river. Catch the scent of cognac in the air at
the elegant town of Cognac – the roofs on the houses are
turned ambercoloured by the alcohol vapours in the air.
Join a guided tour of the famous distilleries and enjoy
free tasting sessions to help you decide to buy!
Continue to Saintes and discover amazing archaeological
finds including Roman columns, frescoes and statues.
Visit the excellent maritime museums at Rochefort to
learn about its historic sailing and rope-making past
before dining on excellent seafood platters by the sea.
The River Charente becomes tidal after St.Savinien.
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Discover the true spirit
of France in this region famed for its fine cognac, delicious
cuisine and Romanesque art and architecture. Waterfront towns
and villages boast excellent restaurants and colourful local
markets are a treat to explore. Beautiful country walks through
woodland and sunflower fields, bike rides and an 18-hole golf
course at Cognac all help to create a leisurely and
relaxed holiday both on and off the water.
Known as the ‘Loveliest
River in France’ the Charente meanders from its source in the
Limousin
through the gentle countryside of the Charente region until it
reaches the Atlantic at Rochefort. You can choose to cruise in
either direction from our base at Jarnac. Cruising west towards
the Atlantic at Rochefort, you’ll see the worldrenowned
vineyards of Cognac and a visit to this elegant town and its
famous distilleries such as Hennessy and Remy Martin, is a must.
Rochefort was built to house Louis XIVth’s new Navy and remains
an important and historic naval centre today. Enjoy the sea air
and fabulous seafood restaurants! Cruise east through the
stunning Charente valley to the cathedral city of Angoulême,
once home to the region’s prosperous papermaking industry.
Whichever cruising direction you choose, you’ll enjoy the
unhurried pace of life that
is so evident in the towns and villages that line the riverbanks
and fall in love with the ever-changing scenery that frames this
truly beautiful river
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