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	. Unique villages and cities The region of the Charente owes its name to the river. “The most beautiful river in the area” claimed King François I once in the 16th century. The river has been a very important trade route between the Atlantic coast and the inland for ages for the transport of salt, eau de vive (brandy, which was processed into cognac) and stone. Our region of the Charente is part of the Poitou-Charente, which is divided into for regions viz. the Charente, the maritime Charente, Les Deux-Sévres and the Vienne. Characteristic of the Charente is the sociable and familial atmosphere in a haven of peace, surrounded by a wonderful area. Moreover, the climate in the Charente is very sunny. In total there is more than 2300 hours of sun in our region, compared to 1600 hours in Belgium. On this page, we give you a tour of the richness in the Charente. Below you can find more information about: Angouleme, Cognac, Saintes, Confolens, Aubeterre and Saint Germain de Confolens. Do not hesitate to visit the following websites as well:: www.lacharente.com and www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com. Angouleme Angouleme has a very wealthy history as the capital of the Charente. As a Gallo-Roman city, Angouleme arose in the first century BC. Nowadays, Angouleme is known as the international cartoon capital. Everywhere in the city, you can see wonderful cartoons on the houses and every year there is the comic book festival in the city. (www.bdangouleme.com). Besides its wealthy patrimony, the city bursts of cultural and sports activities such as the annual circuit des remparts, a three-day race festival along the old city walls with wonderful authentic race cars from the days of fore. (www.circuit-des-remparts.com). Music has a lot to offer as well. Both international and Belgian artists such as Arno, Deus have already performed there on different stages and festivals (see section of the festivals). With a mix of different cultures, you can also taste wonderful culinary delights. For more information, contact us or visit the following website: www.angouleme-tourisme.com. (Back) Cognac This wonderful city along the Charente has been known for many years for its wonderful Cognac, created in the 17th century as eau de vive, water of life. The Pinot de Charente has come here into existence as well. It is more than worth it to visit the numerous ateliers, where you can taste both old and young brandies and where you can learn everything about the making process of a good Cognac and Pinot de Charente. To know more about this, visit the following website: www.cognac.fr en www.experience-cognac.fr. To celebrate all the beauty that Cognac has to offer, this region holds an annual three-day ritual, which turns out to be a real popular feast. (www.lafeteducognac.fr). Besides the wonderful drink, Cognac has a very rich culture and a marvellous patrimony as well. The numerous wine-growing areas around Cognac are unique in the surrounding nature. To combine this all, five routes were made, which guide you through the beauty of Cognac. Thus, you won’t miss a thing! le cognac et la vigne (wine-growing areas) le cognac et la fleuve (boat trip onto the Charente) le cognac et la pierre (patrimony) le cognac , la pierre et l’estuaire (the wonderful area around Cognac) le cognac et les traditions (traditions) For more information, visit: www.cognacetapes.com. (Back) Saintes Saintes is a beautiful city, because of its wealthy Gallo-Roman history. Under emperor Claudios, Saintes became one of the most important cities in the Gallo-Roman empire, after Julius Caesar had expanded the Roman empire. Up to today, this gives us a wealthy patrimony and the amphitheatre Les Arènes as the most important showpiece. It was built around 40 AD, where the well-known plays for 15 000 people were held. Many gladiators have battled there with lions, wolves, bears, … It is an unique and impressive experience to stand in the middle of the amphitheatre and to consider yourself a gladiator. A second work of art is Germanicus’ bow, put up in 18-19 AD at the banks of the river Charente. This votive bow serviced as a town gate for the Roman military highway coming from Lyon. The thermal baths and the Saint-Pierre cathedral show the importance of Saintes during the Middle Ages as well. A tourist walk along the wealthy patrimony and astonishing city architecture is a must. In the archaeological museum (one of many), you learn more about Saintes’ rich history. There is also the possibility to enjoy the wonderful landscape and the small Gallo-Roman villages along the river Charente by taking a boat trip. Saintes is also on the route of Saint-Jacques de Compostella. To know more about this, visit the following website: www.ot-saintes.fr. (Back) Confolens In the heart of the zone, where stock breeding was the most important activity, Confolens had great economic activity in processing peltry and tan in tanneries. Those activities were situated in both the city and the neighbours of Saint-Germain and Sainte-Radegonde. They even had their own protector and saint Barthélemy, patron of tanneries. Since the river Vienne is flowing through the centre of Confolens, this was the ideal situation to build water mills. From this perspective, the name Confolens arose. ‘Along the stream of the river Vienne’ is translated in French as ‘au confluent de la Vienne’. They were used for the tanneries and old-fashioned fabric. It also facilitated the access into Confolens and the transport of natural resources such as chalk and skins and it facilitated the distribution of finished products such as tan. Besides that, the mills were also used for the production of flower and oil. The city arose in the 11th century at the right side of the river Vienne, at the foot of a fortress/ castle/ slot. Numerous wooden houses, which date back to the 15th till the 18th century are now still in excellent keep and can be visited. The most impressive buildings are the Maison du Duc d'Epernon in the Rue du Soleil and the Hôtel Dassier des Brosses, just like Sainte Catherine. Those medieval religious work of arts are Chapelle des Hospitaliers du Saint Esprit, de Eglise Saint-Maxime of l'Eglise Saint-Barthélémy. The left side of the city was considered as suburbs in the Middle Ages, where tanneries could be found. The two city halves were connected through the old bridge, which dates back to the 12th century. Nowadays, Confolens is a beautiful picturesque town with 2855 inhabitants in wonderful medieval surroundings. (Back) Aubeterre Auberre is one of the most beautiful villages, south of the Charente. The underground church is unique and impressive. During the 12th century, the church was dug out of the rocks. In the middle of the church, the work of art rises to 12m height and thus becomes the biggest European underground work of art. (Back) Saint Germain de Confolens This is an idyllic village along the river Vienne with the remains of the 12th century castle in the background. (Back)