Day 1: Arrival in Cognac
What about a glass of pure old cognac?
Day 2: Cognac > Richemont > Cognac, ~25 km
Known worldwide for its "nectar of the gods", you will discover Cognac and the mysteries of this magical world through its trading houses, museums, and old town. Then the road will lead you to Saint Brice and Abbey Chatre, the dolmen Guard Sword, Bourg Charente where you can refresh or lunch at the "Bistrot" (One “Michelin Star” restaurant) before joining Jarnac, birthplace of Francois Mitterrand where several sites to visit (museums and birthplace) show the roots of the former President. You cycle back to Cognac along the river Charente. You can choose to relax and stay in Cognac to visit a Cognac producer like Bache Gabrielsen (not available on Week-end and need to book) and the “museum of the Cognac art”. Night in your hotel. Dinner by our own.
Day 3: Cognac > Jarnac > Angoulême, ~55 km
Along the valley of the Charente between vineyards and water, you cycle to Cognac, the city that gave birth to François 1er, to join Angouleme, the international city of comics. Throughout this course, you will follow the roads through vineyards and picturesque villages that show rich heritage of the past such as in St. Simon, where the story of the boatmen will be told. Throughout this journey, the river, dotted with bridges and locks, will never be far. After Champmillon, you head in direction of Trois Palis and its chocolate factory, further on to Angoulême, a town of art and history. The heart of this town is built on a promontory overlooking the river and valley. Night in hotel in the old center, facing the “Palais de Justice”. Gourmet dinner in one if the good restaurants of Angoulême center.
Day 4: Angoulême > La Rochefoucauld > Angoulême, ~55 km
Leaving Angouleme, you cycle to the sources of Touvre and then to the forest of Braconne to join La Rochefoucauld and its castle. Nicknamed "the pearl of Angouleme area”, this castle was built from a fortress (1026): this is an anthology of seven centuries of architecture and home of the La Rochefoucauld family for over a thousand years. In return, stop at the caves Queroy to discover the works of nature. Night in your hotel. Dinner as you wish.
Day 5: Angoulême > Roullet Saint-Estèphe, ~35-50 km
Cycle through forests, plains and along rivers, enjoy the south of Angouleme to discover the villages, churches, legendary places. At Mouthiers sur Boëme, take the time to visit the pulpit to Calvin, the Jardin du Logis de Forge, labeled as “Jardin remarquable” and simply enjoy the tranquility of the place. Along the Boëme, enjoy the pleasure of riding along the water ... Night in hotel with swimming pool and large garden. Gourmet dinner.
Day 6: Roullet Saint-Estèphe > Bassac, ~50 km
And you're back in the country of Cognac. Between vineyards and fields, glens and valleys, discover the ruins of the castle Bouteville on the hill and visit the viewpoint located on a promontory. If the weather is fine, you can see to the sea! Make a stop at Domaine Breuil to taste their wines, cognac and Pineau des Charentes from “Green” agriculture… delicious! Night in hotel. Gourmet dinner. Possibility of Cognac tasting here.
Day 7: Bassac > Cognac, ~35-40 km
Once again, cross the Charente to enter the “Must” the cognac vintage: "la Grande Champagne". Downhill, Segonzac is the capital of the 1er Cru Cognac that you can taste at the House of Grande Champagne as well as by growers of cognac. Back on the roads of Cognac vineyards to join Cognac town. Night in your hotel. Dinner as you wish.
Day 8: Departure or extra nights