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

This new cycle route has become a must for cyclists because of its landscapes, its bucolic charm and its historical and cultural heritage. This route invites you to follow the Charente from Angoulême to the sea at La Rochelle. Along the water's edge you will pass through cities of art and history such as Cognac and Rochefort, surrounded by vineyards.
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
Arrive in Angoulême and check into your hotel.
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 - Vibr 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. Take advantage of the day to stroll through the streets of La Rochelle one last time.