Discover the scenic Charente Valley on this 6-day self-guided cycling tour along the Flow Vélo, from Angoulême to the Atlantic coast. Ride through Cognac vineyards, charming villages and rolling countryside, exploring the historic towns of Saintes and Rochefort along the way. End your journey on the idyllic Île d’Aix, where sandy beaches, peaceful marshes and coastal trails offer a relaxing island escape.
Discover the perfect blend of river, stone and vine on this self-guided cycling trip along the Charente Valley. The tour follows a large part of the Flow Vélo, a cycle route linking the Dordogne to the Atlantic. Enjoy a lovely ride along peaceful white cycle paths beside the Charente River, quiet country roads winding through the Cognac vineyards, the rolling Charente countryside, the marshes of Charente-Maritime and the beaches of Île d’Aix. This relaxing cycling tour has plenty of surprises in store.
Departing from Angoulême, the capital of the comic strip world, you’ll follow the Flow Vélo on a gentle ride through the Charente vineyards and bucolic countryside. As you meander along the Charente River, you’ll pass charming villages, churches, farms and bridges, each adding to the region’s appeal. Along the way, you’ll reach the land of the “liqueur of the gods”: Cognac, where you can discover the work of passionate winegrowers and visit the prestigious Grandes Maisons in Jarnac or Cognac itself.
Further on, your cycling route takes you through the Saintonge region, known for its castles and Romanesque churches. Don’t miss a visit to the spectacular Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes. After exploring Saintes, a city of Art and History, continue to Rochefort, a historic naval town nestled in one of the last bends of the Charente River and renowned for its Corderie Royale, the former royal rope-making factory.
Finally, enjoy a memorable island stopover on the small, unspoiled Île d’Aix, nestled between its larger neighbors, Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron. This crescent-shaped island, just 3 kilometres long and 700 metres wide, offers a delightful seaside escape for cyclists. Close to the majestic Fort Boyard, Île d’Aix features beaches and marshlands to the south, while its northern forests and secluded coves evoke the Mediterranean. Take your time exploring every corner of this wonderfully secluded island by bike or on foot!