Integral Flow Vélo cycling route from Thiviers to Rochefort by Aix Island

Day 1Arrival in Thiviers

Official starting point for the “Flow Velo”, Thiviers is located in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. It is the capital of “foie gras” in the Périgord Vert. You can visit the Maison du foie Gras.

Day 2Thiviers – Nontron | 31 km

This short, hilly first stage quickly leads you to a major stopover: just 1 km from the route, discover Saint Jean de Côle, a medieval town in the hills of Périgord Vert, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. By a beautiful track on the “Voie verte”, you cross wild landscapes to reach Nontron, classified “City and Crafts”. Built on a hillside, do not miss the stroll through the historic center: fountains, gardens, half-timbered houses and a visit to the castle will reward the efforts of the day.

Day 3Nontron – Angoulême | 58 km

The course is always hilly. It crosses the Dordogne and Charente departments in rural landscapes. In the Bandiat Valley, the route follows the “Voie verte”, a secure route for cyclists. After crossing the forest, the landscape changes, the Perigord Vert is behind you. A beautiful downhill and Angoulême is approaching. Before arriving, you cross Ruelle-sur-Touvre. Here is the foundry of Montalembert, where the guns of the royal navy were manufactured.

Day 4Angoulême – Cognac | 62 km

The course is now quieter, the relief softer 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 5Cognac – Saintes | 38 km

By small, 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 Charente-Maritime! 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 6Saintes – Rochefort | 58 km

A final 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 7Excursion to Aix island | 49 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.
Departure at the end of the day.

Possitibily to plan an extra night in Rochefort .