Between Angoulême and the Atlantic Ocean, the Charente, 171km long, is a large, sinuous river. All along its course, the Charente is edged with villages and towns rich in the vestiges of the past such as Saintes, Saint-Vivien and Rochefort.
Trade route
A large number of vine fields, cognac storehouses and distilleries also line the river. The Charente actively participated in the boom of local winemaking. The wines of the Saintonge destined for export travelled this river thanks to the barges that made their way up and down the Charente.
Excellent produce
The Charente also has a number of species of fish. Trout, carp, pike and other perch and eels satisfy fishers and local chefs; chefs who know perfectly how to marry these local fish with other regional produce to create tasty specialities.
Trade route
