Cycling on the Flow Velo and Velodyssée

Along the Charente Valley you will discover the perfect combination of river, stone and vine. This cycling holiday is largely based on the “Flow Vélo“, a cycle route linking the Dordogne to the Atlantic ocean. We offer you a nice route on a pleasant white cycle path close to the river Charente, on small roads in the heart of the Cognac vineyards, through the Charente countryside. From Rochefort, the Flow vélo greenway gives way to the Vélodyssée one to reach La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime, the starting point for a trip to the wonderful Ré island. This is a varied trip for an exciting cycling holiday.

Starting from Angoulême, the capital of the comic strip, you will travel gently along the Flow Vélo to discover the Charente vineyards and its bucolic countryside. A journey punctuated by villages, small churches, farms and bridges, all of which add to the charm of the region. Along the way you will reach the land of the “liquor of the Gods”: Cognac. This is an opportunity to visit one of the “Grandes Maisons” of Cognac in Jarnac or Cognac.

Your cycling route will take you further through the Saintonge region with its castles and Romanesque churches. Don’t miss a visit to the Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes, which is truly spectacular. After Saintes, city of Art and History, head for Rochefort, an arsenal city nestled in one of the last loops of the Charente, well known for its “Corderie Royale“.

Change of scenery after Rochefort and ocean atmosphere from now on. You will cycle along the Atlantic coast passing through the seaside resort of Châtelaillon and the typical fishing village of Les Boucholeurs. Long sandy beaches will finally lead you to La Rochelle where you can stroll through the narrow streets lined with arcades in the San-Nicolas or the Clock Tower districts.

Then opt for a last day on the cycle paths of the Ile de Ré, the jewel of the Charente archipelago and the Atlantic coastline. Family beaches, typical white villages and fishing ports of La Flotte-en-Ré or Saint-Martin-de-Ré, salt marshes and wooded areas facing the ocean.

Highlights

• The sweetness of life in the Charente region
• A peaceful greenway close to the river and Cognac vineyard
• The historic city centers of Angouleme, Saintes & Rochefort
• The Micro climate of La Rochelle
• The Beautiful Ré Island