From Angoulême to Cognac

Starting in the 17th century, numerous paper mills developed along the Boëme, a small tributary of the Charente. Although this industry has since ceased, many mills,such as the Moulin de Fleurac and Moulin Papart,can still be seen during walks in the area. On your river cruise along the Charente, you can moor your boat and reach the overgrown Fleurac Islands via small footbridges. Along the left bank of the Charente between Nersac and Saint-Michel, you'll spot Château de Fleurac, perched on a rocky outcrop. The village of Fleurac is also home to the Château de la Foucaudie, of medieval origin, which now houses the town hall.

Like neighboring Nersac, Saint‑Michel has a strong papermaking heritage. Visit historic mills, the 16th‑century Logis de Puygrelier built by the Laroche‑Joubert papermaking family, and the 12th‑century Saint‑Michel Church.

Beyond its renowned Comics Festival, Angoulême is home to the International Comics and Image City, a unique mural trail, bubble-shaped street signs honoring famous authors, city ramparts, museums, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Cordeliers Chapel, and Comtal Castle (town hall). Moor at Port-l’Houmeau to begin your visit.

Labelled a “Village of Stones and Vines”, Saint-Simeux overlooks the Charente Valley. A 3 km walking loop offers views of the river, vineyards, traditional fishery huts, washhouses, and nearby villages like Mosnac.

At the tip of the Grande Champagne vineyard and Cognac region, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente is central to Pineau and Cognac terroir. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the “Font qui Pisse” cliff,renowned by climbers,and families can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, supervised beach, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and motocross.

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.

Saint-Simon has always lived in rhythm with the Charente River. Until the late 19th century, the village was a major center for building “gabares,” traditional cargo boats. A walking trail lets you rediscover this past: visit the Gabariers’ House museum, the graffiti-covered Wall of the Gabariers, and La Renaissance, a faithful replica of a 19th-century gabare.

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.”

Located in the heart of Roman Saintonge and on one of the Camino de Santiago routes, Saintes boasts remarkable heritage: the 11th-century Abbaye aux Dames, a Gallo-Roman amphitheater, and the UNESCO-listed Saint-Eutrope Church and Crypt and Arch of Germanicus, now home to the archaeology museum. For families: don't miss the Carrousel Musical, a magical ride featuring giant digital instruments at the Abbaye aux Dames.