After your visit to Cognac, don’t fail to tour the Charente valley with its verdant nature and charming villages close to the town. Follow the road towards Angoulême. This is an itinerary for all the family to enjoy in the Charente valley: nuggets of history, little bridges, views of the river, a break for swimming …

Steps
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Bourg-Charente, a charming village

Bourg-Charente, a charming village

Start the day with a 6km Terra Aventura walk dedicated to gastronomy. It starts at Place du Port, where the famous Michelin-starred restaurant La Ribaudière sets the tone for the walk. The route alternates between discoveries and tastings. It’s an opportunity to discover the Château de Bourg-Charente, famous for its Grand Marnier, a beverage that dates back nearly two centuries, as well as the region’s fine wine estates, a flour mill and various organic producers.

Vue sur la Charente d'un petit pont à Bourg Charente

Bassac

Stop off at Bassac and discover its abbey, listed church and peaceful lanes so characteristic of the Charente region.

Canoes on the banks of the Charente at Bassac, with a small bridge and Saint Pierre abbey in the background

Saint-Etienne de Bassac Abbey, founded in the 11th century, is one of the most remarkable monastic sites in the Charente.

Historic site and monument

Abbaye de Bassac

Free

The bridges route at Vibrac

Take the road to Saint-Simon, a village on the river Gabarrier, and then Vibrac, with its typical little bridges. An unmissable route and a great spot for a picnic in this unique setting.

The bridges route at vibrac

A little extra: after lunch, hire a kayak, canoe or paddle at the Vibrac base and enjoy the coolness of the river!

The Bain des Dames

End your day with a well-deserved swim in the Charente. Le bain des dames is an ideal family leisure area: accropark, archery, games… activities for all ages.

Enfants, famille, amis sur la plage de sable du Bain des Dames à Châteauneuf-sur-Charente

A little extra …

To extend your day, move on to Mosnac Saint-Simeux where an educational farm and food-truck welcome you on summer evenings. And there’s the Gabarriers pub for concerts by the Charente.

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