Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

More About the Charente

Our base at Jarnac is perfectly positioned to explore the Charente river in either direction, and with few locks to manage, cruising is as gentle and relaxed as the countryside around you. Upstream is the magnificent cathedral city of Angoulême once home to the region’s paper-making industry but now enjoyed for its

cartoon connections and caféculture lifestyle. Walk the old ramparts of this lovely city and enjoy superb views over the rolling plains of the Charente valley below.

Cruise downstream as far as Rochefort, an important and historic naval centre that dates back to the 17th century. En route you’ll see evidence of Roman times at the pretty town of Saintes, as well as the world-renowned vineyards of Cognac where the famous distilleries are open to the public.

"We cruised the Charente on a Salsa which was a lovely boat and very easy to manage. We stopped at some fabulous restaurants right by the water’s edge ~ I have fond memories of picking our way across the fi elds by the light of the moon at the end of a lovely evening."

From fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants to golf courses, cathedrals and canoeing, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this prosperous, charming and peaceful region of France.

Read what the papers said about their holiday on the Charente

The Bristol Evening Post took a voyage of discovery, cruising the River Charente. Delighted by the Salsa’s luxury accommodation, the crew proved no experience is necessary, making light work of the locks encountered on their tour through this land of cognac distilleries and Michelin-starred restaurants.

For details of their holiday afloat with Le Boat, read on…

Learn more about Charente by buying an EDB French Crusing Guide - they're ideal to take with you - full of maps and boating information to help you really get the most from your vist to France.