From the Dordogne to the Atlantic over almost 300km, the Flow Vélo itinerary is composed of delightful calm, bucolic stretches that flirt with the river Charente.
Take advantage of a stay in Vals de Saintonge to cycle peacefully the 25km between Saintes and Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente. An excursion along rural lanes from the quayside at Saintes to Saint-Savinien, a superb village nestling in a meander of the Charente.
Ready, steady, on your bikes!
Ride along the Charente from the Arch of Germanicus and wind your way through the elegant neighbourhoods of Saintes before heading for the countryside.
Don’t miss out on visiting Taillebourg, on the right bank of the Charente, dominated by the remains of a medieval fortress. From the terrace of the park, enjoy a stunning view across the peaceful valley of the Charente, towards a tapestry of green fields.
A choice at Port d’Envaux: nature or culture?
Next on the itinerary is Port d’Envaux, formerly a very active port for sailing barges that transported dressed stone, wine, eau de vie and paper. The barge owners lived in the riverside white stone houses. A delightful spot for a picnic by the water’s edge.
Make a detour to the Lapidiales, 800m from the village, a most surprising site set in woodland that is home to monumental sculptures in the former quarries made by different artists in residence over the years. After this unexpected visit, head for the leisure base at Pré Valade for a swim or set off to the Château de Panloy, a vast construction built in the reign of Louis XV and still lived in by descendant of the same family. There are a number of delightful surprises including a grand treasure hunt in the gardens where the animals, including Anatole the donkey, graze freely.
Crazannes, in the footsteps of Puss in Boots or an adventurer!
Head now for Crazannes, with its past marked by its famous white stone used for, amongst others, Fort Boyard, the Arch of Germanicus, the Pont Neuf in Paris, Cologne cathedral … Visit the site of the former quarries hacked from narrow gorges but nowadays invaded by a luxuriant vegetation, a true “Indiana Jones” style adventure!
Crazannes also invites you to a different type of discovery in the form of the Puss in Boots château, unmissable. This château of mixed architectural heritage owes its name to a former owner, the Count of Caravaz who inspired the tale’s creator, Charles Perrault – a short visit to a rich past.
Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, the unmissable picture postcard village
The last stage on this section of Flow Vélo, is to the village of Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, today a peaceful riverside halt but in the past a very active barge port. Identified as a characterful little town and a village of stone and water, this little port is incomparably charming. Stroll, as you wish, along the quayside, discover artists’ galleries and workshops in the lanes of the centre or cross the bridge to the île de la Grenouillette and its miniature port to the village of le Mung. Your children will love being captain for the day on board one of the 18 scale models!