Tour Overview
Between Angoulême and the Atlantic Ocean, the River Charente slowly and nonchalantly flows through the old provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge. This is delightful countryside, popular for its tranquillity and the quality of its light, where life is lived at a gentle pace. There are mills set in the depths of valleys, villages in the shade of a Romanesque church in the midst of vines, small humpbacked bridges linking tiny islands covered in meadows, and the amber yellow hillsides carpeted with the vines of Cognac. The river was an essential communication route. Today, it is less busy and it leaves plenty of time for a spot of quiet sightseeing that includes the castles, churches and small towns along its banks. Two wheelers are in their element here in the Charente region of western France. There's nothing complicated about it. Just take gently rolling countryside, plenty of different scenery as well as excellent food and drink, the region has something for everybody!
Itinerary:Day 1 Join Saintes.
2 Cycle to Abbey of Fontdouce for optional visit; return to Saintes via St Cesaire.
3 Cycle via Port d'Envaux and Chateau of La Roche Courbon to Saujon.
4 Free in Saujon; optional cycle rides to Royan or Mornac.
5 Cycle to Pons.
6 Continue to Cognac cycling through vineyards.
7 Optional ride to Jarnac.
8 End Cognac.
(Reference ID: EXCCG)
Prices
Date: Base Price06/13/2009: $1,290
07/11/2009: $1,290
07/18/2009: $1,290
08/08/2009: $1,290
06/12/2010: $1,350
07/10/2010: $1,350
07/17/2010: $1,350
08/07/2010: $1,350
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Accomodations and comfort level:
7 nights hotels staying at standard accommodation throughout.
Are meals included?
7 breakfasts included.
Notes :
Graded A, easy - approx. 177km/4 days (average of 45km/cycling day), with a further 70km being optional rides on free days. This tour is suited to those new to the concept of cycling holidays, but who enjoy occasional rides at home. The terrain is either flat or gently undulating. Entrance fees to sites are not included allowing you to decide what to visit and for how long and thus ride independently or with several fellow cyclists.
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