The Charente

Charente, a pleasant cultural and gourmet destination all year round

Welcome to Charente, a rich and varied region made up of vineyards, forests, plateaus, plains, picturesque villages and many paths that border this river that gives its name to the region, the Charente. With family, friends or lovers, it can be discovered in several ways and according to your interests, whether you are attracted by gastronomy, lifestyle, cultural or historical heritage. In the heart of the southwest of France, the Charente unfolds its charms like so many pages of a storybook, inviting travelers to dive into a universe where past and present intertwine harmoniously. On foot, by bike or in a converted van, crisscrossing the Charente is a real pleasure for the eyes and the taste buds, at any time of the year.

MAP

The Charente is a river that rises in Chéronnac in Haute-Vienne, and crosses several regions between Charente, Vienne and Charente-Maritime, before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Renowned for its Romanesque architectural treasures and its unique ancient archaeological sites, it has a rich and generous nature thanks to a mild climate since Charente is the ^3rd sunniest department in France. Integrated into the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it is well surrounded with:

• Deux-Sèvres and Vienne to the north
• Haute-Vienne to the east
• The Dordogne to the south-east
• Gironde to the southwest
• Charente-Maritime to the west

The Charente is a river with many possibilities that allow you to discover the region in complete peace, whether on board a barge or along the hiking trails. Along the water or inland, the paths are accessible on foot or by bike, sometimes leading to natural gems such as the blue lakes of Touvérac, or the blue lake of Guizengeard. On an economic level, it is without a doubt the gastronomy and in particular the cognac that energize the region, without forgetting Angoulême and the international comic strip festival organized. Less touristy than its neighbor Charente-Maritime, Charente nevertheless remains a destination appreciated for its historical side and its gastronomy. Far from the sea and the beaches, Charente has pleasant swimming spots where you can cool off in summer. Visit, discovery, gastronomy or walk, there is something for everyone in Charente.

In Charente, two cities stand out for their dynamism and attractiveness: Cognac and Angoulême. The first for its famous amber drink, and the ^second for its open-air comic strip museum, scattered throughout the city's streets. The large cognac houses contribute to the region's economy through guided cellar tours and tastings, while Angoulême attracts tourists to its many museums, whether comic strip or paper. A 5% increase in tourism in Charente was recorded in 2023, demonstrating the attractiveness potential of this rich and varied region.

If cognac and comics are significant attractions of Charente, they are not the only ones since the region also attracts for its museums , its ancient sites and the Romanesque architecture present in many villages. Château de La Rochefoucauld, Château de Chalais, Château de Rochebrune or Château de Villebois-Lavalette to name a few, these historical heritages tell the story of the region's past, and sometimes offer unusual visits to tourists. Gastronomy is not left out in Charente! Who does not know cagouilles, pineau des Charentes, Barbezieux hen or even cornuelle de Villebois-Lavalette, essential specialties when visiting the region. Crisscross Charente between Angoumois and Cognacais, Ruffecois or Confolentais, the South of Charente and the Pays d'Horte and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the landscapes that pass by as you travel.

the history of charente

Charente, whose history was long confused with that of the Aquitaine region, has been populated since the Paleolithic, as evidenced by the numerous remains found on sites discovered over the years. Grotte du Placard, Montgardier or the Chaise de Vouthon are examples also exhibited in the archaeological museum of Angoulême, and the museum of La Rochefoucauld. This population continued during the Neolithic and until the Bronze Age, then the Iron Age.

Remains of the Gallo-Roman era have also been found and are still present in Charente, demonstrating a flourishing period. This Roman influence can be seen in the ruins of the Gallo-Roman theatre of Bouchauds, or the thermal baths of Chassenon. During this same period, the Christian religion began to spread. We then observe the construction of many Romanesque churches during the Late Middle Ages in each Charente village, buildings sometimes still standing that you can admire during your stay in Charente.

The Renaissance period was flourishing with the development of Romanesque art. There were 154 constructions of buildings, including the Cathedral of Saint Pierre of Angoulême or the abbey church of Saint Amant of Boixe which are magnificent examples. Unfortunately, the Hundred War wreaked havoc, since the Charente served as a border between France and England, which managed to occupy Angoumois and Angoulême in 1345, then in 1361.

On March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, the department of Charente was created, formed around the former capital of Angoumois, Angoulême. Today, the region is still developing after having survived the two world wars without too many after-effects, repaired the ravages of Phylloxera in the vineyards and adapted its economy with the arrival of the railway network. Focused on industry and tourism, it develops at its own pace, and attracts gourmets every year who enjoy Charente gastronomy.

Visit Charente

Charente has a particular geography and division, which is sometimes complicated to understand. To help you find your way around, we have divided the territory into 6 entities, which you can find on the map of Charente. An important city, historical heritage and unmissable visit, here is a complete and easy-to-use travel guide to help you organize your stay in this magnificent region.

• The south of Charente includes important towns such as Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire known for its black-feathered hen, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of the most beautiful villages in France with its underground church or Villebois-Lavalette and its cornuelle biscuit. Historical heritage, gastronomy or picturesque walks, the south of Charente has everything to please.
• The Pays d'Horte et Tardoire features the unmissable Rochefoucauld castle, as well as numerous valleys and forests crossed by rivers where fishermen feast on trout, perch or pike. Rich in Paleolithic sites, crisscrossed by hiking trails and lively all year round, it is an area not to be missed.
• Confolentais and Charente-Limousine, here is a favorite destination between its hilly landscapes and its small typical villages, pleasant to visit. The rich nature allows the production of Limousin farm veal and Poitou-Charentes lamb, a real treat for the taste buds. Don't forget to discover Confolens, a pretty little town of character.
• The Ruffecois and the Charente Valley have a Gallo-Roman villa, many gardens and markets to discover, around the capital of the territory which is Ruffec . Charming villages surround it like Tusson, Verteuil-sur-Charente or Nanteuil-en-Vallée.
• Cognac is unsurprisingly the land of cognac, bringing together many houses where you can discover and taste this famous brandy. Take the time to visit the town and admire the vineyards.
• Angoumois and its surroundings in the heart of Charente, a true cultural destination with Angoulême, its comic strip frescoes and its many museums. Let yourself be carried away by the tranquility of the river, and stroll at your own pace.

what to do in charente

There are many possibilities in Charente, depending on your desires, your energy and your budget. The river and its banks offer beautiful bucolic walks to do on foot or by bike, while trips in a gabarre take you on the water. Canoeing is also an activity appreciated by sportsmen, who can then rest on the many swimming areas in Charente. Cultural visits to castles , museums , Romanesque churches, Paleolithic or Gallo-Roman sites, there is no shortage of destinations to discover the heritage and history of the region. Lovers of fishing and nature, grab your rods to titillate the fish swimming in the waterways, crossing the forests and valleys. After the effort, the comfort, make a gourmet stop in the villages of Charente to taste the famous scagouilles, Barbezieux chicken or Limousine meat, before sipping a glass of cognac.

Have a nice stay in Charente!

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Photos taken by Lesley Williamson for the Charente Guide.