Flow vélo, from Angoulême to Rochefort

The Flow Vélo, from Angoulême to Rochefort via the cities of Art and History

The Flow vélo has become an unmissable route for cyclists who appreciate its landscapes, bucolic charm and historical and cultural heritage. This route takes you along the Charente from Angoulême to the sea at Rochefort. Along the way, you'll discover towns steeped in art and history, such as Cognac and Saintes, surrounded by vineyards and river banks.

Highlights of the stay:

• Angoulême, cultural capital
• Rochefort, former naval arsenal of Louis XIV
• The bucolic banks of the Charente
• Saintes and its Gallo-Roman ruins
• The Cognac vineyards and its prestigious houses
• Villages with Charente charm

Day 1: Angoulême

Arrival in Angoulême, explore the city and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Angoulême.

Day 2: From Angoulême to Vibrac (33 km)

Leaving Angoulême, follow the Flow Vélo route to Fléac, then the village of Trois-Palis, where you can visit the Letuffe chocolate factory, the most famous artisan chocolate factory in the Charente! The Charente River winds its way through changing landscapes and breaks the monotony. Enjoy the local curiosities, the vineyards and the beautiful manor houses as you pass through the villages along the river. Very close from the centre of Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, you can relax on the beach of Bain des Dames, opposite the island of Mattard. In Châteauneuf, discover the neoclassical architecture and stroll through the old streets lined with private mansions and historic façades. End the day in Vibrac, a charming village where you can visit the ruins of a castle on an island in the Charente.

Overnight in Vibrac.

Day 3: From Vibrac to Cognac (33 km)

You're now in the heart of the Cognac vineyards. A few gentle hills will add some variety to your ride as you approach Cognac. A must on the day is the discovery of Jarnac. Stroll along the Quai de l'Orangerie and explore the town. Then continue along the river to Cognac. The town is world famous for its exceptional spirit. Take time to visit the old quarter around the Château des Valois: the 15th century Maison de la Lieutenance, the 16th century Hôtel de Rabayne and the Hôtel de Javrezac.

Overnight in Cognac. 

Day 4: From Cognac to Saintes (40 km)

Leaving Cognac, follow the Charente River before turning off to Merpins, where you can still see the remains of an abbey and a medieval castle that once controlled access to Cognac. The river takes you into the Charente-Maritime, through countryside dotted with villages and hamlets. Stop at Chaniers before arriving in Saintes. In Saintes, explore the Gallo-Roman ruins of the town, including the Germanic Arch, the amphitheatre and the archaeological museum.

Overnight in Saintes.

Day 5: From Saintes to Rochefort (67 km)

Leaving the capital of Santons, the Flow Vélo route crosses a hilly landscape and passes through the village of Port d'Envaux, famous for its open-air art space. Here, sculptors from all over the world continue the work of their predecessors. A unique and fascinating place to explore. Next stop is Crazannes and its "Puss in Boots" castle. Before reaching Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, the Crazannes Stone and its quarries offer a refreshing change of scenery amidst lush greenery. Stop off in Saint-Savinien, a small town full of character. The route follows little-used local roads through fields, villages and hamlets to Tonnay-Charente, with its remarkable 19th-century suspension bridge. Arrive in Rochefort, where you can admire the majestic Royal Ropeworks and the famous frigate l'Hermione.

Overnight in Rochefort.

Day 6: Rochefort

End of the trip after breakfast. Spend the day leisurely strolling along the banks of the Charente one last time.

General informations :

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Accommodation comfort level:
  • Standard version: 2* and 3*
  • Comfort version: 3 and 4*
• Child rates: contact us

2026 Dates:

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

Included :

• 5 nights in accomodations with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Luggages transfert
• Access to an app with points of interest
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture)

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
• Half-board (4 dinners, except in Angoulême)
• Additional night(s) at the start or end of the tour in Angoulême or Rochefort (on request)
• Return transfer to the starting point by train (with bikes and luggage)
• Return transfer to the starting point by private shuttle with luggage and personal bikes (on request)
• Visit and tasting in a Cognac Estate on day 4
• Entrance to the Corderie Royale in Rochefort on day 6
• 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 bike
 

Additional nights :
An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour in Angoulême or Rochefort.

Meals :

• Breakfasts: buffet
• Lunch: not included
• Dinner: half-board option, dinners in restaurants near the accommodation except in 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)
 

Returns :

• 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, your luggage and your bikes. (on request and with extra cost 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 :

You'll receive travel documents with practical information before your departure by post, as well as access to our hiking application by e-mail. The documents include hotel and restaurant vouchers and luggage tags.

Transport :

• By train: SNCF TGV to Angoulême in around 2 hours from Montparnasse station. For more information on timetables, contact SNCF.
• By road from Paris : A10 motorway to Poitiers and then the N10 to Angoulême.
• 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.