The Charente: Cognac to Angoulême Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Cognac
You will arrive at your 3-star hotel in the centre of Cognac. The rest of the day is free to explore this world-famous town, visit the old quarter and perhaps tour one of the great Cognac trading houses. Optional dinner.

Day 2: Cognac – Richemont – Cognac (25 km; +250 m)
You will ride out to Cherves-Richemont through the heart of the Borderies, passing the Moulin du Prazier and the Church of Saint-Georges de Richemont. You will relax along the river l'Antenne before returning to Cognac. The afternoon is free to visit a Cognac producer such as Bache Gabrielsen or the Museum of Cognac Art.

Day 3: Cognac – Angoulême (55 km; +300 m)
You will follow the Charente Valley through vineyards and riverside landscapes, passing through Bourg-Charente, Jarnac — birthplace of François Mitterrand — and picturesque villages rich in boatmen's history. After Champmillon you will reach Trois-Palis and its chocolate factory, then climb to Angoulême, the international city of comics, built on a promontory overlooking the valley.

Day 4: Angoulême – La Rochefoucauld – Angoulême (55 km; +450 m)
You will ride to the sources of Touvre and through the Braconne forest to reach La Rochefoucauld and its magnificent castle, nicknamed the Pearl of Angoumois, home to the La Rochefoucauld family for over a thousand years. On the return you will stop at the Caves of Queroy to admire nature's underground artistry.

Day 5: Angoulême – Roullet-Saint-Estèphe (35–50 km; +250 m)
You will ride through forests, plains and along rivers south of Angoulême, discovering villages, ancient washing places and churches. At Mouthiers-sur-Boëme you will visit the Jardin du Logis de Forge, labelled a Remarkable Garden, and enjoy the tranquillity of riding along the Boëme river. Optional dinner.

Day 6: Roullet-Saint-Estèphe – Bassac (50 km; +350 m)
You will return to Cognac country, riding between vineyards and glens. You will discover the ruins of Bouteville castle on its hilltop promontory with sweeping views. A stop at Domaine Breuil offers tastings of their organic wines, Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. Optional dinner.

Day 7: Bassac – Cognac (35–40 km; +150 m)
You will cross the Charente into the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir, the Premier Cru of Cognac. In Segonzac, the capital of Grande Champagne, you will taste Cognac at growers' cellars before riding through vineyards back to the town of Cognac.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you will depart from Cognac.