What if we went to meet the river Charente?

WHAT IS THE RIVER CHARENTE?

361 km is the length of the river Charente. It is navigable from Angoulême to Rochefort (170 km). It rises in the Limousin, at Chéronnac, and then crosses the different departments of the Vienne and Charente-Maritime. It passes through a multitude of small picturesque villages with a particularly rich heritage. At the end of its long journey, the Charente finally flows into the Atlantic Ocean, between Port des Barques and Fouras, between Ile Madame and Ile d'Aix, just opposite Fort Boyard.

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ITS HISTORY

In the Middle Ages, the Charente was used as a communication route. The oldest ports date back to Gallo-Roman times. The Charente was the main trade route between the Atlantic coast and the hinterland. The heavy barges are flat-bottomed boats specially built to transport goods. These goods included stones from Crazannes, cannons from Ruelle and brandy from Cognac. They were transported to the sea from where they returned loaded with, for example, salt from the Ile de Ré!

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WATER ACTIVITIES ON THE RIVER

River cruise on board the Bernard Palissy III First of all, we offer you an unforgettable river cruise on an ELECTRO-SOLAR boat, unique in Europe, silent and without CO2 emissions. Admit it, it makes you want to! This 100% electric boat will make you discover a peaceful river and its heritage with a gourmet stopover in a 17th century mill in Chaniers. You will love this town full of art and history. On the programme of the visit: castles, mills, dwellings, villages of stone and water, cognac trade. Discover all this live on a river with an exceptional natural environment. The afternoon walk lasts 2h30, so take the opportunity to relax.

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The canoeists at Saint Savinien sur Charente

Here is an outing that should delight the whole family. This nautical base offers you to rent boats without a licence for 4 to 10 people, for an hour or a whole day. You can enjoy the electric boats, but also canoeing, kayaking and even paddling. Catering is available at all times on the waterfront. The Saint Savinien sur Charente nautical base offers refreshments, smoothies, home-made ice creams, oysters, salads, planchas and even picnic baskets.

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Planet Ski water activity in St Même Les Carrières

Discover the different activities offered by Planet Ski: water skiing, wake board, water ski lift, baby ski. Yes, yes, baby ski, for a few years now, the nautical site has been offering schoolchildren a Saturday initiation to water skiing. Last year, the ski lift was inaugurated and this year, to renew the discovery offer, the youngest have discovered the joys of gliding with the Baby Ski. The water sports base welcomes beginners, experienced skiers, groups and company committees.

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River cruise in a gabarre on "La Renaissance

Want to mix past and present? Come aboard the "La Renaissance" barges built according to 18th century techniques. Let yourself be carried away on a one and a half hour trip on the Charente, in a preserved natural and rural setting, with the crossing of locks. The gabarre is equipped with toilets and a thau to protect from the sun or rain. So don't worry about the weather and go for a ride!

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Water sports Jarnac Sports canoe kayak

Do you want to sail in the natural environment? With family or friends, five fun routes invite you to discover the natural environment in an original way by taking unsuspected paths. One by one, the architectural treasures that make up the richness of the local heritage are revealed along the water. Hire your own boat, there is a wide range on offer: canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle, canobus. Various routes are available. You can hire by the hour or by the day; the activities are supervised for groups or individuals. You will also have access to initiation sessions. Finally, you can even do a night run on Friday evenings in season. There are 5 different courses: discovery, escape, sensation, adventure and exploration.

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IN CHÂTEAUNEUF SUR CHARENTE, WE BATHE IN THE RIVER

Discover the swimming pool in the Charente, supervised in July and August (from 2pm to 6pm). Enjoy the playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing, bowling, volleyball, and fitness trail. Free access. No pets allowed on the beach in July and August. An excellent spot, doc, to relax with family or friends and enjoy the water in summer.

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DISCOVER THE ANDRÉ MERMET LEISURE CENTRE

The André Mermet open-air base is located in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Charente. Eight shaded hectares with picnic areas, games and sports and relaxation facilities for young and old. Free games for children are available all year round: slides, swings, turnstiles, skatepark, volleyball, football and rugby fields, rope pyramid, supervised paddling pool in July and August. Children, adults, with family or friends, also enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course! You can also enjoy a snack bar open in the afternoon, for those who are hungry or thirsty! On the menu: drinks, ice creams, croque-monsieur, pancakes or pizzas, don't hesitate to stop by during your afternoon of leisure. The leisure centre is open from 2pm to 5.30pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, bank holidays and every day during the school holidays. Go on, enjoy yourself!

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HIKING ON THE CHEMIN DE LA PIERRE LEVÉE IN CHÂTEAUNEUF-SUR-CHARENTE

All along this route, a variety of landscapes await you. Along the river Charente, you will cross vineyards and forests. On your own or with a group of walkers, walk this magnificent route. The sun will accompany you on the banks of the river Charente. If you are a hike lover and have not yet done so, go ahead, you will not regret it. During this beautiful hike, you will cross two villages, we let you discover which ones!

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We invite you to discover the magnificent Charente River, less than an hour from Eden Ouest: come and see our charming guest rooms.