River, Comics and Tall Ships

Discover the Charente with the Family

The Charente is one of those destinations that always surprises you a little more than expected. From Roman gladiators to comic book heroes, from royal naval rope-making to the waves of the Atlantic, five days to travel through two thousand years of history without ever getting bored.
Based in Saintes, you can easily explore Angoulême, Rochefort and Royan by train. No constant packing, no road stress. The kind of trip where children return home with stars in their eyes, and parents with the feeling they’ve finally had time to enjoy.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

Travelling easily by train between Saintes, Angoulême and Rochefort

Exploring a life-size Roman amphitheatre

Diving into the world of comic books

Discovering the birthplace of the French Navy

Day 1

Saintes

Two thousand years of history — and yet the city never takes itself too seriously. That’s already a good reason to visit.

at a glance

Gladiators, Romanesque Churches and Riverside Walks

Morning
Walking down from the station towards the Charente River, you’ll come face to face with the Arch of Germanicus — two stone arches standing by the river, a monumental reminder of the Roman entrance to the city. Look up, take in its 15-metre height, and decipher the still-visible Latin inscriptions.

After dropping off your bags at the B&B, head straight to the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in France. Stone seating, grassy arena, remarkable acoustics. Children don’t need much explanation — they quickly imagine what took place here two thousand years ago.

Afternoon & Evening
Next stop: the Abbaye aux Dames. Behind its Romanesque façade and pinecone-shaped bell tower lies a vibrant musical centre — a place for training, creation and concerts where heritage and music constantly interact. You can even explore it with 3D audio headphones — an unexpected and engaging experience for both children and adults.

End the day with a stroll along the Charente riverbanks. Calm waters, open terraces, and no rush. Dinner in the lively town centre — ice cream included for skilled negotiators.

Destination Saintes

©Le carrousel musical de l’Abbaye aux Dames / Marion Bertin

tip

The Carousel

In the abbey courtyard stands a very unusual carousel: the Musical Carousel features giant digital instruments — harp, percussion, keyboards — that you play while it turns. Ten minutes to compose a spontaneous symphony together, no musical skills required.

The Carousel

Day 2

Angoulême

A city where walls tell stories, comic panels appear on a grand scale, and children suddenly become very interested in “culture”.

at a glance

The Capital of Comic Books

Morning
From Saintes, a regional train takes you to Angoulême in about one hour. First stop: the International City of Comics and Image. Original artwork, creative processes, immersive graphic worlds — even adults who “don’t read comics” leave impressed. The scenography is designed for all ages, and the building itself is worth the visit.

Afternoon & Evening
Then head off on a hunt for the city’s famous painted walls, scattered from the centre to the ramparts. More than twenty giant murals pay tribute to iconic comic book characters. As you climb towards the upper town, views over the Charente Valley appear between panels — a striking contrast.
Return by train to Saintes, with your head full of colour.

City of Comics and Image
Destination Angoulême

©Angouleme, Île Marquet / Office de tourisme d’Angoulême

tip

Try the metropolitan walking trail for a mix of city and nature

For those who want a breath of fresh air between comic panels, the Green Loop (Périph’ vert) is a 19-kilometre circuit linking ramparts, woodland, Île Marquet and the Comic Book Museum — all without ever leaving the city. There’s no need to do it all at once: public transport runs along the route, so you can hop on and off wherever you like.

The metropolitan walking trail

Day 3

Around Saintes

After two busy days, everyone needs some space. The Charente has exactly what you need.

at a glance

A Breath of Fresh Air

Morning
A nature day, with no tight schedule. Around Saintes, the Charente Valley stretches through meadows, woodland and quiet villages. Rent bikes and follow riverside paths towards Saint-Savinien or Port-d’Envaux. The terrain is flat, shaded, and the pace naturally adjusts to the slowest member of the group.

Afternoon & Evening
For a touch of adventure, try canoeing. The current is gentle, routes are accessible from age 6, and seeing the landscape from the water offers a completely different perspective. Return to the hotel pleasantly tired, ready to enjoy dinner.

Saint-Savinien
Port d’Envaux

©Lapidiales / Stéphanie NADOUCE / CT / Charentes Tourisme

tip

The Lapidiales

In Port-d’Envaux, a former limestone quarry hides a unique open-air museum. For over 20 years, sculptors from around the world have carved directly into the rock faces. A living, evolving artwork in a setting that feels like an adventure film. Free access.

The Lapidiales

Day 4

Rochefort

A royal naval arsenal, a legendary frigate, and children playing sailors on deck — the perfect day, even for those who thought naval history wasn’t their thing.

at a glance

Tall Ships and Maritime Adventures

Morning
Take the train to Rochefort, a former royal naval base founded under Louis XIV. First stop: the Corderie Royale, a monumental 374-metre-long building where ropes for the entire French navy were once handmade. Clear, engaging exhibitions answer the inevitable question: “How did they do this without machines?”

Afternoon & Evening
Time for action with Accro-Mâts, the highlight of the day. Climb from mast to mast, balance on ropes, and experience life as a sailor 30 metres above the Charente River, with stunning views over the Arsenal des Mers. Younger children have a dedicated course, while older ones can finish with a 25-metre jump.

For more on the Hermione, visit the exhibition at the Arsenal. End with a stroll through the gardens before heading back.

See canoeing providers

©Mosquée / Maison de Pierre Loti

also worth seeing

House of the World

Behind a simple façade on Rue Pierre Loti lies one of the most extraordinary houses in France: a Gothic hall, a Turkish salon, a Japanese pagoda, a mosque… naval officer and writer Pierre Loti transformed his birthplace into a stage for all his travels.
Reopened in 2025 after thirteen years of restoration, the house can only be visited on a guided tour. Advance online booking is recommended.

La Maison de Pierre Loti

Day 5

Royan

That satisfying feeling of ending your trip with your feet in the sand.

at a glance

The Atlantic at Its Best

Morning
Head to Royan, easily reached by train. The Grande Conche beach, a wide crescent of fine sand, is perfect for families: plenty of space, safe swimming areas, and endless opportunities to play, relax or simply enjoy the moment.

Afternoon & Evening
Before leaving, take time to explore Royan’s modernist architecture. Rebuilt in the 1950s after wartime destruction, the city features striking landmarks: the concrete Notre-Dame Church, the shell-shaped market hall, and colourful villas with bold curves.

A final snack by the ocean, then back to Saintes — with great memories and a few seashells in your pocket.

Destination Royan

©Marché central de Royan / OMT Royan/ 4 Vents

did you know?

Royan’s 1950s Modernist Architecture

After World War II, Royan was rebuilt as a bold laboratory of modern architecture. Iconic landmarks such as the striking Notre-Dame Church, the shell-shaped Royan Central Market (Les Halles) and the elegant 1950s seaside villas showcase the creativity and optimism of this reconstruction era. Walking through the city reveals one of France’s most remarkable examples of post-war modernist architecture by the Atlantic coast.

About 1950s Architecture in Royan

right in the centre of Saintes

your accommodation

La Belle Étoile

This charming guesthouse in the historic centre offers a unique atmosphere combining tourism, culture, craftsmanship, creativity and well-being. Everything invites you to slow down: a peaceful garden, a sensory trail, and homemade breakfasts prepared with fresh ingredients.

More about La Belle Étoile

©Saintes, Guesthouse La Belle étoile, Terrasse / Michel Dune

Good to know

Our tips for enjoying your stay

  • Adapt the pace to your children, don’t hesitate to lighten the schedule or take breaks.
  • Plan main visits in the morning, sites are more enjoyable in the morning, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
  • Pack the right outfit for each activity: comfortable shoes for city visits, sportswear for Accro-Mâts, swimwear for Royan.
  • Stay flexible to make the most of the Atlantic coast. If the sun is out, don’t hesitate to extend your time at the beach or adjust your plans accordingly.

Low-Carbon Accessibility

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

This trip works year-round, but spring and early autumn have the edge: fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and terraces already in full swing. In July and August, book the Accro-Mâts and the Cité de la Bande Dessinée in advance, queues can catch you off guard.

The itinerary is designed for children aged 6 and up, the minimum age for the Accro-Mâts ropes course and canoeing on the Charente. Younger children (from age 3) will love the Musical Carousel at the Abbaye aux Dames and the Roman amphitheatre in Saintes, where open space and room to run make all the difference.

Most sites can be visited without prior booking. Two exceptions to plan ahead: the Maison de Pierre Loti in Rochefort, accessible by guided tour only (online booking recommended), and the Accro-Mâts in peak season. For everything else, arriving mid-morning is usually enough to skip the wait.

Saintes is the perfect base: every stop on this itinerary is reachable by TER regional train from the central station. Angoulême (1h), Rochefort (30 min) and Royan (45 min) are all regularly served. No car rental needed — and the kids will probably prefer the train anyway.

Rates

indicative budget

(Based on 4 people)

From €780 to €1130 (2 adults & 2 children)
the price includes
  • 4 nights in Guesthouse
  • Gallo-Roman amphitheatre
  • Abbaye aux Dames
  • City of Comics and Image
  • Canoeing
  • Accro-Mâts in Rochefort
  • Local train travel
The price does not include
  • International transport to/from your destination
  • Travel other than by train
  • Meals
  • Optional guided tours
  • Personal expenses and travel insurance

💡 The total budget may vary depending on the season, accommodation category and availability of guided activities. Travelling outside peak summer periods generally allows for a more comfortable budget and a quieter experience.

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