Jarnac, town and river
From the very beginning Jarnac has been inseparable from the river. The proximity of the Charente was the reason why the Gallo-Roman potters came here. It was again the river that contributed to the rapid expansion of the town through the trade in salt, wine and brandy which were transported by sailing barge (the Charentaise "gabarre"). Today pleasure boats and water sports have taken over. Whether you stroll along the Chaussée des Moulins, towards the lock, in the Jardin Public or on the quayside, whether you take a boat trip or go canoeing or fishing or just watch the kingfishers and grey herons, that same close relationship between town and river persists to this day.

The Park
You can stroll peacefully in the park, which is crisscrossed by the Charente.

Walks by the river
The surroundings of the Charente, as well as of its tributaries, the Soloire and the Guirlande, provide a chance to observe a wide variety of aquatic flora and fauna. Towpaths lead you past water mills and locks on colourful walks with a unique charm.

Discover the riverside at Jarnac
Guided visit lasting 1 hour ; leaflet available for unaccompagned visits. Information and bookings at the Tourist Office.
Barges and Bargemen : A tour of discovery and a journey back in time. Cognac and Saint Simon (a village where barges were constructed - +33 (0) 5 45 97 33 40) - take you along "in the wake of the barges".

Boat mooring
phone : +33 (0) 5 45 36 59 98
fax : +33 (0) 5 45 36 20 69
Stopping point reserved for boats...Fresh water, reprovisioning, diesel, hot showers, lifting equipment, repair shop and tri-lingual reception.
Bassac, Bourg-Charente, Gondeville : boat mooring and picnic spots

River trips "Le Chabot"
phone : +33 (0) 5 45 82 09 35
Aboard "Chabot" discover the story of the salt and cognac route.
Hour and 20 minute excursion with commentary.
Departure point under the bridge at Jarnac.
Ticket sales on board.
River trips on the Charente river

Canoes-Kayaks-Canoe-bus
19 quai de l'Ile Madame - Jarnac
phone : +33 (0) 5 45 81 32 01
Boat hire (by the hour, half day and by the day), lessons and trips...
Discover the Charente by canoe... at night: Friday evenings in July and August, a night-time trip followed by a barbecue (booking in advance).).


Canoes-kayaks
Gondeville +33 (0) 5 45 81 20 79.

Fishing
Along the length of the Charente and on the bends of its tributaries and streams, are places reserved for fishing.
List of permit stockists : Tourist Office

Boat Hire - Crown Blue Line
Rue du Port Gros Jean
phone : +33 (0) 5 45 36 59 98
fax : +33 (0) 5 45 6 20 69
Email : jarnac@crownblueline.com
Internet : http://www.crownblueline.com Crown Blue Line proposes a broad choice of boats: more than 40 different types for 2 to 12 people. Our boats do not require any licence and are all very easy to operate. Cruising with the chart, with no imposed routes, you can stop when you want. Leave with complete freedom and from day to day decide stages of your cruising.
Do not hesitate to ask for one of our detailed booklets with our tariffs.