Flow vélo, from Angoulême to La Rochelle

From the Cognac region to the sea by bike on the Flow Vélo

This cycle route has become a must-see for cyclists due to its landscapes, its bucolic charm, and its historical and cultural heritage. This trip invites you to follow the Charente River from Angoulême to the seaside at La Rochelle. Along the water, you'll visit cities of art and history like Cognac, Saintes, and Rochefort, and cross the Cognac vineyards. The route follows the Flow Vélo and the Vélodyssée from Rochefort.

Highlights of the stay :

• La Rochelle, Rochefort and Angoulême
• The beach
• the transporter bridge
• Saintes and its Gallo-Roman remains
• the Cognac vineyard

Day 1: Arrival in Angoulême

Arrival in Angoulême and check into your hotel. The city, perched on its promontory, captivates visitors with its ramparts, lively old town, and facades adorned with frescoes dedicated to comics. The international capital of the 9th art, it is home to the famous Comics Festival and dedicated museum, as well as a rich Romanesque heritage, including the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Overnight in Angoulême. 

Day 2: From Angoulême to Vibrac (33 km)

From Angoulême, take the Flow Velo to Fléac and then to the village of Trois-Palis, where you can visit the Letuffe chocolate factory. This traditional chocolate factory is the most famous in the Charente! The Charente is a winding river with changing landscapes, a great antidote to monotony. Take in the sights, vineyards and mansions as you pass through the villages along the river. Continue on to the village of Mosnac with its 19th century farms and 16th century houses. Just 2 km from the centre of Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, you can enjoy the Bain des Dames leisure centre, opposite the Ile Mattard and close to the cycle path. In Châteauneuf, discover the neoclassical architecture and the old streets with their mansions and old shop windows.

Overnight in Vibrac.

Day 3: Vibrac to Cognac (33 km)

You will pass through the heart of the Cognac vineyards, where a few short ups and downs through the vines will ease your day before arriving in Cognac. The highlight of this stage is the town of Jarnac, where you can take time to stroll along the Quai de l'Orangerie. Continue along the river to Cognac.

As you approach Cognac, you'll discover its merchant houses and picturesque streets before reaching the historic centre, famous for its Cognac distilleries. You can also explore the old quarter around the Château des Valois : the 15th century Maison de la Lieutenance, the Hôtel de Rabayne and the 16th century Hôtel de Javrezac.

Overnight in Cognac

Day 4: From Cognac to Saintes (39 km)

Departing from Cognac, explore the town and its famous distilleries before taking the road through the countryside. On the way you will pass through Merpins, where you can admire the remains of the abbey and the fortified castle. Then you cycle through picturesque villages and hamlets, stopping at Chaniers. The route takes you to Saintes, where you can discover Gallo-Roman remains such as the Arch of Germanicus, the amphitheatre and the archaeological museum.

Overnight in Saintes.

   
Day 5: From Saintes to Rochefort (60 km)

Leaving from Saintes, you will discover the capital of Santon before heading to Port-d'Envaux, an open-air art village. Then on to Crazannes, where you can discover the Château and Pierre de Crazannes, surrounded by its quarries and lush vegetation. The route continues to Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente and then to Tonnay-Charente, where you can admire the 19th century suspension bridge. The route ends in Rochefort, where you can visit the Royal Corderie.

Overnight in Rochefort. 

Day 6: From Rochefort to La Rochelle (50 km)

Today's stage follows the coast along the Vélodyssée, through Fouras and Châtelaillon, before crossing the Baie d'Yves nature reserve. Then on to La Rochelle, a historic port city famous for its old harbour, medieval towers and rich maritime heritage.

Overnight in La Rochelle.

Day 7: End of the tour

The tour ends after breakfast. We offer the following options:

• Return by train or private shuttle to Angoulême
• Additional night in La Rochelle with (or without) a loop on the Île de Ré

General information :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version : 2* or 3* hotels
• Comfort version : 3* or 4* hotels
• Child rates: contact us

2026 Dates:

• Departures daily from April 15 to October 15
• High season: July and August

Included :

• 6 nights with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Luggage transfer
• Access to our GPS App
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire)

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night(s) at the start or end of the tour in Angoulême or La Rochelle (on request)
• Return transfer to the starting point by train or private van with own bikes and luggage
• Half board (4 dinners except in Angoulême and Saintes)
• Visit and tasting of a Cognac estate
• Entrance to the Corderie Royale de Rochefort on day 6
• Additional day with loop on the Isle of Ré (on request)
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat terrain.

Weather :

Soft sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality :

Cycling: 33 to 60 km per day or 3 to 6 hours of cycling.
Partly marked itinerary, useful roadbook and map reading.

Bibliography :

Bike guide on the flow vélo

Additional nights :

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour in Angoulême or La Rochelle.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: buffet
• Lunch: not included
• Dinner: half-board optional, dinners in restaurants near the accommodation except in Saintes and Angoulême.

The bike :

• Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception. We will take care of his return. We offer specific equipment for children, seats, small hitched bikes and trailers.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance :

Assistance in the event of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene)
 

Return :

• By train: We can book your return by train. In this case, your ticket is in the file given to you upon arrival. You come back with your luggage. If you are traveling with your own bicycle, this train accepts bicycles.
• By private van : We will give you the timetables. We bring you back with your luggage and your own bikes (on request, other prines on Sundays and bank holidays).

Luggage :
They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage by person (max. 20 kg).

Roadbook :

We will provide you with a travel booklet by e-mail and post before your departure, as well as access to our GPS application. We will also provide you with hotel and restaurant vouchers and luggage tags. 

Transport :

• By train: SNCF TGV to La Rochelle in around 3 hours from Montparnasse station. For more information on timetables, contact SNCF.
• By road: A10 motorway exit 32 or 33. Paris is 460 km from La Rochelle
• By plane: Airports in Poitiers and La Rochelle and international, Nantes or Bordeaux.

Cancellation insurance :
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.