La Flow Vélo from Angoulême, Rochefort and Ile d’Aix

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival in Angoulême

   Arrive at your accommodation in Angoulême, where you’ll be welcomed at a hotel in the heart of the historic old town.
   
   You’ll receive your tour documentation, including a road book with detailed route information to guide you along your cycling journey.
   
   Known as the capital of comics and a City of Art and History, Angoulême will charm you with its southern atmosphere, cobbled streets and white-stone houses. Perched on a rocky promontory and surrounded by ancient ramparts, the city overlooks the Charente River. Comics are part of everyday life here, adorning walls and appearing on street corners throughout the city.
   
   Overnight stay in a hotel with breakfast included.

   • Accommodation in Angoulême
2. Day 2From Angoulême to Cognac

   You’ll begin the day riding as close as possible to the Charente River, following a scenic loop through Fléac before continuing to Trois-Palis, home to its famous chocolate factory.
   
   At Saint-Simeux, cross the bridge to admire the church overlooking the valley, along with the traditional eel fisheries and old water mill. Continue along the Charente through the picturesque villages of Vibrac and Jarnac, before reaching Cognac, a historic town renowned worldwide for its exceptional spirits.
   
   Awarded the prestigious Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History) label, [Cognac](https://www.tourism-cognac.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) is a charming town with a rich architectural heritage, reflecting the golden age of the cognac trade. A visit to one of its famous cognac houses is a must to discover the history and craftsmanship behind this celebrated spirit.
   
   Overnight stay in a hotel with breakfast included.

   • 37.3 miles
   • 557.7 ft
     557.7 ft
   • Accommodation in Cognac
   • Breakfast
3. Day 3Cognac to Saintes

   You’ll leave Cognac and enter the Charente-Maritime department, cycling through peaceful countryside and charming villages along the Charente River. Stop in Salignac-en-Charente to admire the breathtaking views over the river before continuing through picturesque villages and hamlets to Saintes,in the historic Saintonge region.
   
   Founded by the Romans as Mediolanum Santonum, Saintes was the capital of Aquitaine in the first century. Its rich Roman heritage lives on in the Germanicus Arch, a magnificent amphitheatre, the remains of thermal baths and an ancient aqueduct. Awarded the Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Town of Art and History) label, Saintes also boasts the Abbaye-aux-Dames, a prestigious monastic complex and one of the finest examples of Saintonge Romanesque art.
   
   Overnight stay with breakfast at a hotel.
   
   
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • 131.2 ft
     131.2 ft
   • Accommodation in Saintes
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Visit Historic Saintes

     Soak up the rich Roman heritage at Germanicus Arch, a magnificent amphitheatre in the region

4. Day 4Saintes to Rochefort

   This stage of the Flow Vélo takes you through slightly hillier terrain, revealing authentic and varied landscapes along the way. Take time to explore Port d’Envaux, the Louis XV-style Château de Panloy, and the Château de Crazannes, known for its limestone quarries. You’ll also pass through the picturesque village of Saint-Savinien, a Petite Cité de Caractère, and the charming Villages de Pierres et d’Eau, known for their stone architecture and connection to the water.
   
   Your journey ends in Rochefort, a vibrant town on the Charente estuary with a rich maritime heritage. Chosen by Colbert to become the kingdom’s largest military arsenal, Rochefort is home to the famous frigate Hermione and the Corderie Royale, once one of Europe’s largest rope-making manufactories and now one of the town’s most impressive historic landmarks. You’ll also discover the remarkable transporter bridge, one of the last surviving examples of its kind in France.
   
   Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3-star hotel.

   • 35.4 miles
   • 459.3 ft
     459.3 ft
   • Accommodation in Rochefort
   • Breakfast
5. Day 5Aix Island Getaway

   Enjoy a change of scenery on the final day of your loop as you cycle through the marshlands along the right bank of the Charente estuary towards Fouras, a charming seaside resort and ferry departure point. From here, embark on a 30-minute crossing, with views of Fort Enet and the famous Fort Boyard, before arriving on Île d’Aix, the most secluded of the Charente islands.
   
   Accessible only by boat, this remarkable natural site is best explored on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage. With 15 km of pedestrian and cycling paths winding across the island, you’ll discover a peaceful haven where unspoilt nature, coastal scenery and a relaxed island atmosphere take centre stage.
   
   Overnight stay with breakfast at the same hotel as the previous night.
   
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • 98.4 ft
     98.4 ft
   • Accommodation in Rochefort
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Exploring Île d’Aix

     Discover this peaceful island on two wheels, following quiet paths past sandy beaches, salt marshes and secluded coves.

6. Day 6Departure

   Departure from Rochefort after breakfast

   • Breakfast