The Charente at your pace
Take your time with days of cruising, lock passages and waterside breaks.
Lot and Charente • Licence-free boating
Boat hire in Cognac
From Cognac, follow the Charente through heritage towns and green riverside scenery. Towards Jarnac, Saintes or further afield, combine time afloat with discoveries ashore.
No licence requiredIntroduction before departure
At your own paceTime afloat and time ashore
Short break or longer escapeSubject to boat and availability
Your starting point
Why start in Cognac ?
Explore Cognac before boarding
Leave time to explore the town and prepare for a relaxed departure.
Two directions to explore
Choose Jarnac or Saintes for a first escape, then match the distance to your holiday length.
Enjoy the journey
Ideas for your cruise
Saintes
Cognac → Saintes → Cognac
69 km · 4 locks · ≈ 10 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Châteauneuf-sur-Charente
Cognac → Châteauneuf-sur-Charente → Cognac
66 km · 16 locks · ≈ 14 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Angoulême
Cognac → Angoulême → Cognac
118 km · 36 locks · ≈ 28 h
Return route. Approximate cruising time.
Plan this route →Before you board
Make the holiday your own
Choose your pace
Distance is only part of the journey: locks and stops take time too. Leave room to enjoy each place and adapt your route to navigation conditions.
Find your boat
Consider cabin numbers, your crew and preferred comfort level to choose a boat that suits your holiday.
Prepare for arrival
Your holiday documents confirm the meeting point and arrival times. Before departure, the team introduces the boat, handling and navigation instructions.
Find your bearings
Your cruise on the map
Your questions
Planning your cruise
Do I need a boating licence?
No, the boats offered can be hired without a boating licence. An introduction helps you get familiar with the boat before starting your cruise.
How long should I go for?
A short break offers a first taste of the area around your base. A week leaves more time for stops. Duration and route depend on availability and your preferred pace.
Are the suggested routes guaranteed?
Routes are suggestions. Waterway conditions and operating hours may require changes; the team can help you plan before departure.
Looking for another starting point?
