📍 France

CHARENTE: COGNAC WINE AND ROMANESQUE HERITAGE CULTURE

Q: What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere. Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season. Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value. Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

Cognac glows fine golden amber, Romanesque arches rise graceful, river valleys wind. Charente is elegance and refinement.

≈ 10

Days

376

Stops

📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Cognac and Jarnac cellars, Angoulême cathedral, La Rochefoucauld and Verteuil castles, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne underground church. Charente, land of cognac and Romanesque art.

Cognac: distillery heritage amber
Angouleme: cathedral majesty stone
La Rochefoucauld: castle glow
Aubeterre: church marvel carving

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Angouleme

cathedral majesty tower stone

5 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Comic Strip Museum.

International City of Comics.

Renaissance Castle.

Romanesque churches.

🎯

Activities

→

Comic Strip Festival (January).

→

Hike along the Tardoire.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 27 km

Travel time: 32min

Day

La Rochefoucauld

castle glow fortress town

2 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Old mill.

Cognac houses (Hennessy).

Rémy Martin.

🎯

Activities

→

International folklore festival (August).

→

Walk along the Vienne.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 49 km

Travel time: 59min

Day

Confolens

riverside charm village flow

5 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Martell).

Old Cognac.

Courvoisier House.

🎯

Activities

→

Walk along the Charente.

→

Cruise on the Charente.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 111 km

Travel time: 2h13

Day

Verteuil Sur Charente

castle village glow stone

5 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Charente Quays.

Romanesque church.

River port.

🎯

Activities

→

Cognac Arts Museum.

→

Mitterrand's birthplace.

Day

Cognac

distillery heritage amber gold

5 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Monolithic church (underground).

Traditional market (Saturday morning).

Martell).

Old Cognac.

🎯

Activities

→

Cognac Route.

→

Canoeing on the Charente.

→

Swimming in the Dronne.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 16 km

Travel time: 19min

Day

Jarnac

river town anchor coast

4 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Courvoisier House.

Church.

Charente Quays.

🎯

Activities

→

Discovery of surrounding villages.

→

Cognac Route.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 17 km

Travel time: 20min

Day

Chateauneuf Sur Charente

medieval village charm spread

8 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Castle.

Romanesque church.

River port.

🎯

Activities

→

Canoeing on the Charente.

→

Fishing.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 52 km

Travel time: 1h03

Day

Aubeterre Sur Dronne

church marvel carving stone

5 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Monolithic church (underground).

Most Beautiful Villages of France.

🎯

Activities

→

Swimming in the Dronne.

→

Crafts.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 31 km

Travel time: 38min

Day

Villebois Lavalette

village charm tradition stone

6 photos

Day 9

🔍

Discover

Castle.

Traditional market (Saturday morning).

🎯

Activities

→

Hiking.

→

Discovery of surrounding villages.

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 73 km

Travel time: 1h28

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.