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COGNAC - SAINTES
Departure: Quai de la Salle Verte in Cognac
Arrival: Rue de la Gare in Châteauneuf
Time : 2h31 - Distance: 37.83 km
On the way to the Roman and Romanesque Saintonge
From Cognac, follow first the Charente before you move a little further and reach the town of Merpins, where the remains of an abbey and a castle that controlled the passage to Cognac remain.
Without really realizing it (except with the signage maybe), because the Charente River remains your common thread, you will soon arrive in Charente-Maritime and will not be able to do otherwise than stop at the Port Du Lys in Salignac-sur-Charente to admire the breathtaking view of the Charente and the boats.
Continue the route and cross the countryside with villages and hamlets. A few kilometres after Saint-Sever-de-saintonge, you will find the Charente at your side, difficult to get closer!
Pay attention, before turning 90° to ride back to La Charente, it is possible to borrow a chain ferry (open in season) to cross the Charente and make a stop in the village of Chaniers. The opportunity to see the site of the «Moulin de la Baine» with its restaurant and river cruises.
A quick round trip and it’s back again, towards the finish this time! And here you are: Saintes, a city of human size, rocked by the Charente and where life is good. Proud of its past of more than 2000 years of history, it knows how to value the remains of the Gallo-Roman era: Germanicus arch, amphitheatre, archaeological museum... The Abbaye-aux-Dames promises an unusual moment of discovery around music with the carousel Basilik.
And if you have the chance to go there as soon as the sunny days arrive, you will see that we like to stroll along the banks of the Charente. Sunday walk around the public garden, lunch or dinner aboard the houseboat, the river Charente cradles the daily life of Saintais.
The "Musée des savoir-faire du cognac" tells the story of the Cognac countryside through the ages to lead to the adventure of cognac hilighting a major part of the local history and manifacturing techniques related to this emblematic product.
The musée des savoir-faire du cognac (M'CO) presents both the history and heritage of the region, but also the great human, industrial and commercial adventure of cognac. From the vines to packaging and advertising posters, the M'CO offers a better understanding of the different know-how and trades that make it possible to obtain this internationally renowned eau-de-vie: cognac.
To extend or end this visit, a shop located on the ground floor offers a wide range of regional products.
Immerse yourself in Hennessy's unique history and craftsmanship, and discover how X.O evolved from a Hennessy family secret into an iconic cognac of Maison Hennessy.
A premium experience for cognac lovers, the Hennessy tour is inspired by the subtle, multifaceted blend Maurice Hennessy first created in 1870 to share with his innermost circle.
Start your visit with a brief crossing of the Charente River — which played an essential part in the development of Cognac and of Maison Hennessy.
As of May 2023, our guided tours include a mesmerizing virtual reality experience: MOBILIS, a 19-mn odyssey where heritage and craftsmanship merge seamlessly with cutting-edge technology and poetry. Inspired by sketches doodled by founder Richard Hennessy back in 1765, the brilliant French artists Olivier Kuntzel & Florence Deygas have woven a one-of-a-kind voyage that unveils the history and the DNA of Maison Hennessy.
The creation of this harmonious blend of visuals, sounds, and sensations required 2 years of work and the talent of 50 creative contributors.
As part of your Hennessy X.O tour, you will also delve into the craft of cooperage, the essential role oak casks play in ageing eaux-de-vie, and the phenomenon known as the "angels' share".
You will also have the privilege of visiting the historic "Paradis" cellar — a repository for some of Maison Hennessy's oldest eaux-de-vie.
To conclude your experience, you will be invited to a guided tasting of our iconic Hennessy X.O served neat, on the rocks and in a cocktail, accompanied by X.O chocolates or gourmet petits fours. An epicurean adventure for spirit lovers.
With family or friends, the Cognac canoe club team welcomes you, at the foot of the Château Royal de Cognac, to offer you the widest choice of walks and water rides in the department.
The passionate members of the Cognac Canoe Club welcome you, to offer you walks and hikes on the Charente and the little arms of the Charente. After an explanation of the route, you will embark with a map of the river and recent equipment that complies with safety standards (paddles, life jackets and waterproof canisters are provided).
You will choose your own boat:
Canoes
Kayaks
Stand Up Paddle
Electric boats without a licence
107 spaces + 2 spaces for person with restricted mobility
47 spaces + 2 spaces for person with restricted mobility