Charente. Seatravel, Mejlgade 46 B, 8000 Århus C, ,

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1 Charente The Charente River in western France is also called the loveliest river in France - Discover the charms of this region, which is especially famous for its fine cognac, excellent cuisine and Roman art and architecture. The sailing route west to Rochefort near the Atlantic Ocean brings you to the famous vineyards around Cognac - a visit to this elegant city with a tour of distilleries such as Hennessy and Remy Martin is a certain highlight. The eastern sailing route goes through the river-valley and past the old chocolate factory Trois-Palis and to Angoulême with the proud cathedral from the 12th century.. The region was also formerly home to a lucrative paper production. The Charente River flows softly and is easy to navigate on. There is no lock operators - so the locks are operated by the sailors themselves. After St. Savinien and towards Rochefort, the river is however under tidal influence of the sea, and this last stretch is recommended only for people with sailing experience. Rochefort was founded under Louis XIV to accommodate his contemporary fleet, and is still today an important historical center for maritime traditions. Enjoy the freah ocean air and glorious seafood restaurants.

2 Local Attractions Fine Romanesque artworks, including church in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente. In Mosnac - a fine collection of antique cars can be inspected. In Saintes, see the Roman triumphal arch and amphitheater. Visit Saint Simon, where boatyards once built the special Gabares - flat-bottomed sailing barges, built to transport barrels of cognac. Highlights of a cruise in the Charente Charente is one of the most beautiful rivers in France. Its crystal clear waters are perfect for fishing and swimming and the beautiful river banks ar home to variety of flora and fauna. Meadows with grazing cattle and fields of sunflowers are typical of this peaceful region famous for the unique cognac distilleries, ancient Roman sites and beautiful Renaissance castles. The moats around Angouleme with stunning views and the city's cathedral St. Pierre, from the 12th century The elegant town of Cognac with a guided tour and tasting of Hennesey, Martell and Remy Martin distilleries The town of Jarnac, located on the river - the birthplace of Francois Mitterand and the home of Courvoisier and Louis Royer Cognac s houses The unique castle at St Brice and the famous Michelin restaurant La Ribaudiere at Bourg-Charente Chocolate Tasting at Trois Pallis The town of Saintes with its Roman arch, amphitheater and frescoes The maritime yard from the 17th century, Shipbuilding and Corderie- Royale maritime center at Rochefort The amazing children's park at St Savinien with swimming pool and "crazy-golf" - a perfect place for a picnic

3 Inspiration for the Charente Charente River is one of France's most beautiful rivers and it's crystal clear waters are perfect for fishing and swimming and its spread, has abundance of flora and fauna, fields of sunflowers and grazing cattle, famous cognacdestilleries, ancient Roman ruins and beautiful Renaissance castles. Sail downstream to Rochefort - an important historic naval center dating back to the 17th century. You sail past the worldfamous cognac houses that are open to the public - here you find everything from famous Michelin-starred restaurants to golf courses and cathedrals. Sail from Jarnac to St. Brice and with the Renaissance castle with its unique facade, enjoy a picnic on the river bank or enjoy a round of golf. In the town of Cognac -enjoy a genuine cognac tasting on a tour in one of the cognac houses and also marvel at the elegant city skyline, while savouring the always present vapors from the cognac-houses. In the town of Saintes is amazing archeological finds from the roman period, a triumphal arch and frescoes and statues. Visit the Maritime Museum in Rochefort before a seafood platter can be enjoyed near the sea. Waterway Guide - The Charente River Waterway Guide Number 6: Remember to order a guide along with your holiday

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9 About River Holidays Boating Holidays and Canal trips in France - Tips Wonderful scenery, charming small towns, tempting markets and local specialties. Enjoy a delicious dinner on board - or visit the city's best restaurant. Stop where it suits you - amidst nature or by an idyllic village. Distances The rivers are the distances marked with PK (points km)- ie that is 1 mile between each PK. The channels are marked distances along the canal in the number m between two points (eg. 3,300 = 3 km and 300 m) Locks There are several different types of locks in France. On the Lot and Charente you ll fnd manual locks that are unmanned, so the crew must themselves operate the locks by hand. In other areas are also unmanned but electronic, which lock the doors either activated from the boat with a 'remote-control' - or by pulling down on a 'rope' which is hanging by a wire across the canal - or at a control console on the banks of the lock. Finally, there locks operated by a lock master. Sluice Taxes are included in the rental price. Some choose to give a little tip - others buy a bit of lock master's home-grown products such as vegetables, eggs, honey or wine. Be aware that it is the lock master's responsibility to operate the locks - NOT to assist you with boat and ropes! The gates are normally closed between 12:00 to 13:00. In addition, the locks will be closed on fixed holidays such as Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday and the 1st May and the French National Day 14 July. See also special section on the opening hours of the channel map book - and ask at the base. "Barages" (= dams) Along the way, the river card could see the so-called "barages" damming (the French word), and in English "weirs". This is an artificial small waterfall or further damming of the river on one side - often associated with a lock. They are marked on the map with a heavy black line, designed either partially into the river / canal, or

10 where the river / canal running along with a side river. Keep clear of these, since the water flow here may be somewhat stronger - follow the fairway. Keep some speed on the boat so it does not drift with the current. Should the engine put out so quickly throw an anchor out.

11 accommodation Many small towns have a small jetty with room for a few boats. Here is one good and free. If you want to stay in an actual port or marina, paid approximately per. night - depending on boat size. On the rivers may require a little more patience to find a good place - as there may be too shallow or vegetated along the banks. Think about when the boat is moored in the open, the rope is not tied to a tree or otherwise going to bother cyclists and walkers on the paths along the canals. There must be a clear path for everyone - including the service and emergency assistance can arrive. Shopping BOULANGERIE (baker) BOUCHERIE (butcher) and Epicerie (grocery store) or SUPERMARCHE In addition, several cities have the "Le Cave or" Caveaux ", which is a small wine shop where you can buy wine from the barrel. Our bottles can be filled up with a "vin d'table" (mainly one surprised good 'common drink') - and always at a very reasonable price!! Shops are often open on Saturdays days to and on Sundays at Many have closed Mondays. Generally, there is dinner closure between the hours. 12 to Ask a precaution at the base upon arrival. Most cities - even small ones - has a weekly market, which can be a veritable wonderland for the ship's cook! Fresh vegetables, delicious cheeses, fish, meat and wine can be purchased from local producers. Toilet River water is used to pump the toilet. The system and the environment is sensitive and it is recommended to have a plastic bag for paper and other waste standing at the toilet to avoid clogging.