The Flow Vélo to the rhythm of the Charente River

Do you want to take the time to travel by bike along the banks of the Charente River? The ideal flow bike route is ideal for a family bike trip or a beautiful traveling adventure between countryside, vineyards and the ocean. From Sarlat, in the Dordogne, to the island of Aix, off the coast of Charente-Maritime, this cycle route offers an experience in the heart of the Southwest.

The Flow Vélo, the cycle route from Sarlat to the island of Aix

The 400-km marked Flow Vélo route connects Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the heart of the Périgord region, to the Île d’Aix, a pearl of the Charente estuary. Cycling from the Dordogne to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the route crosses varied landscapes, including valleys, forests, vineyards, and riverbanks.

Starting in Sarlat, famous for its historic center and gourmet markets, the cycle route quickly reaches the peaceful banks of the Charente River. It then crosses the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park before arriving in Angoulême, the capital of comics. Further south, the Flow Vélo Charente route winds through the vineyards, perfect for a Cognac cycling getaway, then reaches Saintes and Rochefort, cities of Art and History. The arrival on the Île d’Aix, accessible only by boat, offers a magical finale overlooking the ocean.

The route is fully signposted in both directions and regularly updated to follow the Charente River as closely as possible. A Flow Vélo map is available to visualize the different stages and plan your trip with complete peace of mind!

Places not to be missed during the Flow Vélo

Throughout the route, the cycle route offers a wonderful diversity of cultural, historical, and natural discoveries. Here are the must-see stops and iconic sites:

• Sarlat-la-Canéda : A medieval gem in the Périgord Noir, it’s the ideal starting point for an adventure on the Sarlat cycle path. Périgord Limousin Regional
• Natural Park : Unspoiled nature nestled among hills, forests, and authentic villages.
• Angoulême : The capital of cinema and a hilltop town overlooking the Charente River. Cognac: A historic town, world-renowned for its cognac houses and old quarters. Perfect for a bike stop in Cognac.
• Saintes : The Gallo-Roman city with its impressive ruins and charming alleyways. Rochefort: The ancient maritime town, famous for the Corderie Royale and the Hermione.
• Île d’Aix : the small, car-free island off the coast of Fouras, a haven of tranquility and nature.

To help you plan your cycling trip along the Flow Vélo route, the Flow Vélo Routard Guide is a valuable resource. It details the entire cycle route, provides useful tips, and provides practical advice for a successful adventure.

Our cycling holiday ideas on La Flow Vélo

For your trip, several options are available to you depending on your level or your desires. La Bicyclette Verte offers several stays organized from A to Z.

• Cognac and its vineyards: 5 days cycling through beautiful vineyards and charming Charente villages.
• Angoulême to La Rochelle: A slow-tourism family cycling trip along the banks of the Charente River, between Angoulême and La Rochelle, passing through the Cognac vineyards.
• Angoulême to Rochefort: Enjoy 6 days of slow-tourism cycling in the Cognac region and along the Charente River.

If you prefer to organize your own arrangements, BicyBAGS provides à la carte services to facilitate logistics. You can, for example, rent a bike one way, request a luggage transfer from one stage to another, or transport people with bikes back to your starting point.

👉 Flow Vélo with BicyBAGS

Bike routes connected to Flow Vélo

The Flow Vélo crosses several major cycle routes, perfect for extending your cycling trip in Nouvelle-Aquitaine or along the Atlantic coast.

• The Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) : the Atlantic cycle route, from Roscoff to Hendaye, with a connection in Rochefort.
• The Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3) : the pilgrims’ route connecting Norway to Spain, accessible from Angoulême.

If you are planning other cycling routes, don’t hesitate to discover our selection of cycling routes on cycling maps and guides in France or Europe.