Destinations

History, Comics and Distilleries in Charente

Boat rental on the Charente with all the attractions of a cruise: comics festival, Cognac houses and cellars, a visit to Angoulême

Departure :

Sireuil

Via :

Cognac

Arrival :

Sireuil

From

356€

from 23/10/27 to 28/10/27 on Cruiser Classic 2/3 Pers.

The must-sees
Our tips for your cruise

Explore Angoulême, capital of comics

Explore Angoulême and discover a city full of charm, comic book murals, and cultural richness.

Explore the Charentais vineyards in Graves-Saint-Amant

Cruising to Graves-Saint-Amant lets you experience the authentic Charentais terroir. In this village in the heart of Cognac country, family estates like Maison Brillet offer tastings of traditional liqueurs — a delicious riverside pause.

Learn about the history of cognac in Jarnac

In Jarnac, every street corner evokes the history of Cognac. This is where renowned houses like Courvoisier and Hine are based. The local history is closely tied to François Mitterrand, whose childhood home is a must-see for those interested in heritage and fine spirits.

The itinerary
The steps of your cruise

Sireuil

Trois-Palis

Angoulême

Graves‑Saint‑Amant

Jarnac

Cognac

Sireuil

Before setting off on your river cruise along the Charente, take time to explore the village of Sireuil, steeped in history. Highlights include the 12th-century Saint-Orient Church, listed as a historic monument since 1925, and the town hall, housed in a beautiful 18th-century manor. As you leave Sireuil aboard your rental boat, you’ll also spot the former tanneries, now home to a small hydroelectric power station.

Trois-Palis

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.

Angoulême

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.

Graves‑Saint‑Amant

Inspired to continue from Angoulême upstream? Visit this village in the Cognac appellation region, home to the independent Brillet family distillery. Try their pear-based spirit “Belle de Brillet” on the Charente banks.

Jarnac

Steeped in Cognac-making history, Jarnac is split by the river: on the right bank stand the elegant Hine and Courvoisier estates (the latter being a supplier to the British Crown); on the left, the white-stone Braastad house reflects in the Charente. Also visit the childhood home of former French President François Mitterrand.

Cognac

Dock your boat in Cognac to visit the major distilleries (Hennessy, Martell, Baron Otard, Meukow) and the Cognac Arts House. Explore the Royal Château of Cognac,the birthplace of François I and home to Baron Otard cognacs. Cognac is a designated City of Art and History, with half-timbered houses and wine cellars darkened by evaporating spirits.