Flow Vélo from Angoulême to La Rochelle by île d'Aix

Your cycling trip on the Flow Vélo:

Day 1 : Arrival in Angoulême

Less than 2 hours from Paris by TGV, Angoulême, capital of the Comics is the ideal starting point for Flow Vélo. Take advantage of your visit to discover the heart of the city and the banks of the Charente. Do not miss the walk of painted walls.

Day 2 : Angoulême – Cognac | 62 km

First step along the river, the course alternates between right bank and left bank of the Charente. At Trois Pâlis, a gourmet stop is required at the “Letuffe Chocolaterie”, the most famous Chocolate factory in Charente. After Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and its charming old streets comes Jarnac, the birthplace of François Mitterrand, a French President. It is worth a visit, especially the historic houses and the Orangerie quay. The route then takes you through the Charente vineyards to the historic town of Cognac, known worldwide for its liquors. The old center and the houses are characteristic. Why not a tasting or a visit to the cellars or the distillery?

Day 3 : Cognac – Saintes | 38 km

By small and quiet roads or good paths, the route is always close to the river. The Port du Lys, in Salignac-sur-Charente, is a restful stopover on the banks of the Charente. You are now in Charentes-Maritimes! You continue through the countryside, with small villages and a typical charm. You end your stage in Saintes, a “Art and History Town” located on the road to St Jacques de Compostela. Its architectural heritage is rich, especially the Abbaye aux Dames and the Gallo- Roman remains.

Day 4 : Saintes – Rochefort | 58 km

A stage without relief leads you first to the small village of Port d´Envaux, with its typical charm. An unusual detour? just 1 km from the route is “Les Lapidiales”, a unique open-air art space. Back on the official route, the Château de Panloy built under Louis XV on the banks of the Charente is open to visitors. One last crossing of the Charente and you arrive at Rochefort by the banks of the river to discover the site of the old maritime arsenal.

Day 5 : Excursion to île d’Aix | 50 km

You follow the Charente to its estuary to arrive at Fouras, a small seaside resort that invites you to take a walk. After the south beach, you pass at the foot of Fort Vauban: take the opportunity to go up there and contemplate the view of the ocean and the islands of Madame, Aix and Oléron.

Continue along the beach before reaching Pointe de la Fumée, facing the island of Aix, and embarking on an island adventure! In this small territory, the bicycle is king. The Ile d’Aix, with its typical houses offers breathtaking views of the estuary and Fort Boyard.

Day 6 : Rochefort – La Rochelle | 49 km

After Rochefort, you leave the Charente river to find the Vélodyssée route which runs alongside the ocean. By beautiful cycle paths, you arrive at the charming seaside resort of Châtelaillon-Plage with its Belle-Epoque villas. Casino, beaches, shops, this city is an ideal break. Then the track takes you to La Rochelle and its three majestic towers, vestiges of the old ramparts. Let yourself be seduced by the charms of this old town.

Day 7 : Departure during the day

Take some time to walk under the typical arch streets of the city, or to visit the Towers of the “Vieux Port”, loyal guards of the city since the 13th century!

It is possible to add one more night in La Rochelle, for an additional gateway on Ile de Ré!

All you have to do is cross the bridge of “Ile de Ré” to discover freely this genuine island abounding in bicycle paths, among the oyster beds, salt marshes and wild beaches.