About this trip.
A river that stands apart
The Charente doesn't connect to the rest of France's navigable waterways. That single fact shapes everything about a cruise here: few commercial operators, not many private boats, uncrowded moorings, and locks you rarely queue for. The water runs clear — cleaner than most rivers you'd boat on in mainland France — and the banks alternate between pine woods, vineyards, and open meadows. Wildlife is plentiful. Worth knowing before you set off: not every stop along the route is picturesque. Some are lively market towns; others are functional moorings where you tie up, stretch your legs, and carry on. Past guests have called the less-visited stops empty and utilitarian, which is fair — the appeal is the river itself, not a procession of show-stopping villages.
From Jarnac to Cognac, and upstream to Angoulême
Le Boat operates two bases on the river. Jarnac sits roughly in the middle of the cruising ground and is the easier pick-up for most travellers. From Jarnac, downstream runs towards Cognac — about two and a half hours' cruising — and on to Saintes, with fewer locks and a lighter hand required at the wheel. Cognac itself deserves a day; the brandy houses run tours and tastings, and the riverside is lined with cafés. Upstream is the prettier direction, but the locks are harder work. It's nine hours of cruising from Jarnac to Angoulême, the other base: a proper city with restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and the Comic Museum, home to the International Comics Festival each year. Both Cognac and Saintes have shore-power hook-ups, and several moorings have large supermarkets close by — one with its own mooring stage, which spares you a long walk with carrier bags.
Bookings and who it suits
No licence or prior boating experience is needed. Le Boat walks you through handling at the base before you set off, and gentle currents combined with a modest number of locks downstream make the Charente a sensible choice for first-time boaters. The upper river above Jarnac is the better scenery but asks more at the locks, which is worth weighing if you're new to cruising. Boats are self-drive and fully fitted out — the Horizon 4 has been singled out by past guests as well laid out for a week on the water. What the Charente won't give you is a busy nightlife or a run of famous cities. It's slow, green, and lightly peopled, and that is the point. Best suited to couples, families, or friends who want a week of quiet water, good food, and the kind of pace where tying up at a riverside café for two hours counts as the main event of the afternoon.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for canal holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓The boat itself, booked by the night or week
- ✓Fuel for the engine at typical cruising pace
- ✓Handover briefing at the base — no licence needed
- ✓Mooring ropes, fenders, lifejackets and a basic starter pack
- ✓24/7 technical support line for the duration of the hire
Typically not included
- ×Travel to and from the base (train, flights, transfers)
- ×Travel insurance with cruise cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Bedding, towels, or end-of-hire cleaning on some fleets (a modest supplement if required)
- ×Food, drink, and groceries — stock up at towpath-side villages
- ×Lock and mooring fees on some European waterways
- ×Pet supplement (typically £20-30 per dog per week if allowed)
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
Other canal holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
