Flow Vélo cycle route, Cognac and its vineyards

La Flow Vélo, Cognac, the vineyards and its surroundings

A city of art and history, Cognac welcomes you for an authentic cycling holiday in the heart of a beautiful wine region, through villages with authentic Charente charm and discovering know-how that the whole world envies us.

Highlights of the star-shaped cycling holiday:

• Cognac, labeled "City of Art and History"
• Saintes and its Gallo-Roman heritage
• Picturesque Charente villages
• 3 tasting tours included
• The peaceful Charente River

Day 1: Arrival in Cognac

Enjoy this first day to walk around the city center or along the quays. In the afternoon, visit a famous Cognac trading house and taste the famous liqueur in different variations (included).

Overnight in Cognac

Day 2: Bouteville and Bourg-Charente Loop (52 km)

Pedal at your own pace through the vineyards to reach the charming village of Bouteville. At the castle, a magnificent view of the surroundings awaits you. It is also an opportunity to discover an artisan producer of exceptional gourmet vinegars and balsamic condiments (included). Continue to Bourg-Charente where we recommend a bucolic break on the banks of the Charente. Before returning to Cognac, visit the charming church and/or the castle.

Overnight in Cognac.

Day 3: Train to Saintes and bike to Cognac (39 km)

This morning, board the train with your bikes towards Saintes (included). Take the time to admire the remains of the Gallo-Roman era such as the Arch of Germanicus, the amphitheater or visit the archaeological museum. To return to Cognac, the river guides you and makes you discover villages and hamlets, each one prettier than the last. In Merpins, you will find the ruins of an Abbey and a fortified castle that once controlled access to Cognac.

Overnight in Cognac.

Day 4: Excursion to Jarnac (39 km)

This day begins along the peaceful Charente. You will then cycle through magnificent vineyards and typical Charente villages. In Jarnac, the birthplace of François Mitterand, take the time to stroll around town and visit the Frères Moine distillery (included). This family establishment offers an authentic experience with the discovery of the production of Cognac, the presentation of artisanal know-how and, of course, a tasting of exceptional products.

Return and overnight in Cognac.

Day 5: Cognac

End of stay after breakfast. Possibility of additional night(s) in Cognac.

Note: the order of the program is subject to change depending on the opening days of the included visits.

General information:

• 5 days and 4 nights
• Accommodation level:
  • Standard, 3* hotel
  • Comfort, 4* hotel
• Child rates: contact us

Dates 2025:

• Departures every day, from April 15 to October 15.
• High season: July and August

Included:

• 4 nights with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Visit to a Cognac trading house (day 1 or 5)
• Visit to a Vinegar and Gastronomic Condiment Factory in Bouteville (day 2)
• Train ticket to Saintes (with bikes - day 3)
• Visit and tasting at the Frères Moine distillery in Jarnac (day 4)
• Access to our GPS App
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except a flat tire)

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Parking
• Anything not specified in "included"

Options:

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night(s) at the start or end of the tour in Cognac
• Half-board: 4 dinners
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance-multi-risk

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:

• Flat terrain, almost no difference in altitude.
• Route mainly on cycle paths and secondary roads.

Climate:
Mild sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• Biking: from 39 to 52 km per day or 3 to 5 hours of cycling.
• Route partly marked, roadbook and map reading useful.

Bibliography:

• Bike guide on the flow bike

Additional nights:
An additional night is offered at the beginning and end of the tour in Cognac.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet
• Lunches: not included
• Dinners: optional. Dinners in restaurants near your accommodation

The Bike:

• Rental bike: Standard bike or ebike are delivered and collected directly from your accommodation. They are equipped with a front bag, a rear bag, a bottle cage, a lock and a repair kit. Equipment for children (bikes, trailers, seats, follow-me...) is available (on request)
• Personal bike: We do not recommend road bikes with small tires. VTC and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving.

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

Travel book:

You will receive documentation by mail with all the practical information, vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as labels for luggage by mail before your departure. Access to the application will be sent by email.

Transport:

• By train: Cognac train station
• By road: Cognac is located approximately 500 km from Paris
• By plane: La Rochelle and Bordeaux airports are the closest

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 find out more about insurance, click here.