From Cognac to the Port of Rochefort

This riverside stop is sure to delight food lovers. The Letuffe chocolate factory, known for its handcrafted Charentais specialties, offers guided tours of its artisanal production workshop (about 1 hour) and discovery workshops for all ages,where chocolate lovers can leave with their own sweet creations.

Not just during its famous International Comics Festival! Angoulême is home to the Cité internationale de la BD, a unique trail of painted murals, and streets named after famous authors (their signs are speech-bubble shaped). From Port‑l’Houmeau on the Charente, walk into the old town to see Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Cordeliers Chapel, the Hôtel de Ville (former Count’s castle), and more.

From Angoulême, head upriver past Sireuil to Saint-Simeux, a classified "Stone & Vine Village." A scenic 3 km walk reveals the Charente valley, river islets, washhouses, vineyards, and panoramic views over Malvy islets and Mosnac.

Located on the edge of the prestigious Grande Champagne vineyards, this lively town is in the heart of the Cognac and Pineau des Charentes region. The “Font qui Pisse” cliff, west of town, is a favorite among climbing enthusiasts. For families: swimming pool, beach (in summer), water skiing, canoeing, hiking, biking, motocross...

In the heart of the Cognac appellation on the Charente River, Graves‑Saint‑Amant is famous for Maison Brillet,one of the few remaining family-owned, independent cognac houses. While aboard your boat, you can taste their signature drink, the Belle de Brillet, a pear Williams liqueur infused with Brillet cognac.

Charming village on the Charente River A modest beach, two picturesque bridges (from the 12th and 18th centuries), a large lock, wild islets, mills, and attractive 16th–18th-century houses give Vibrac a quintessential riverside charm.

Explore the historical heritage of Bassac with a walk through the village: the Saint-Etienne Church, the 11th-century abbey and its monastic buildings, the old mill and 16th-century bridge, and the remains of the Saint-Nicolas Church and ancient cemetery.

Dock your boat in Cognac, where the great cognac houses (Hennessy, Martell, Baron Otard, Meukow) are headquartered. Learn more at the Maison des Arts du Cognac. For a blend of history and cognac, visit the Château Royal de Cognac,birthplace of King François I and home to Baron Otard cognacs. Designated a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, Cognac preserves its architectural heritage with grand townhouses, timber-framed homes, and blackened cellars stained by the “angels’ share.”

A royal city and former major naval arsenal, once France’s largest war port, Rochefort invites you to dive into its maritime history at the Corderie Royale, the National Naval Museum, and the Naval Medical School. Don't miss the majestic frigate L’Hermione,the largest historical ship replica ever built in France. Before you leave, visit Place Colbert, famous as a filming location for the musical The Young Girls of Rochefort.