Distance: 17 km
GO_ITINERANCE
Circuits of France_POI
Outdoor experiences
In the countryside
SNCF station less than 500 m away
Public transport stop within 500 m
Marina within 500 m
At the water's edge
Walking
Why we love
The coulée verte is an old towpath with a remarkable natural and historical heritage along the Charente river for nearly 17 km between Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente and Linars.
Your itinerary
Angoulême
1
From the Petite Prairie to the Grande Prairie lake (1,8 km)
The Charente river was once a communication channel and a major commercial axis (Cognac brandy, salt, wood, etc.). There remains of this rich past a historical and natural heritage to discover along this shady path bordering the Charente from St Yrieix to Linars.
The 17 km can also be covered in several sections if necessary.
Tour of the lake (2,8km).
La Petite Prairie will allow nature lovers to observe flora characteristic of alluvial meadows (orchid, guinea fowl fritillary, etc.). The more athletic can take advantage of the leisure facilities of the lake (swimming, sailing, etc.) and the “Nautilis” skating rink water sports centre.
The 17 km can also be covered in several sections if necessary.
Tour of the lake (2,8km).
La Petite Prairie will allow nature lovers to observe flora characteristic of alluvial meadows (orchid, guinea fowl fritillary, etc.). The more athletic can take advantage of the leisure facilities of the lake (swimming, sailing, etc.) and the “Nautilis” skating rink water sports centre.
2
From the Grande Prairie lake to the Bourgines footbridge (3 km)
Shaded part with fountains with evocative names that you will have to discover near the Chemin de la Coulée Verte. You will also be surprised to discover in the middle of the river, the piles of the old railway bridge of "petit Rouillac".
3
From the Bourgines footbridge to the Thouérat lock (4.5 km)
Port l'Houmeau, founded in the XNUMXth century, allowed the development of a district with beautiful private mansions and more modest workers' buildings. Nearby, the Saint Cybard district was occupied from the XNUMXth century by many industries, including the paper industry, which made Angoulême famous. Their history is traced at the Musée du papier.
Today the Saint-Cybard district is the heart of "Magelis" with:
The Château de Dampierre (international center for the creation of images).
The Musée de la BD in the old cellars.
The Cité Internationale de la BD et de l'Image (CIBDI) located on the left bank connected by a footbridge under the benevolent eye of Corto Maltese.
Today the Saint-Cybard district is the heart of "Magelis" with:
The Château de Dampierre (international center for the creation of images).
The Musée de la BD in the old cellars.
The Cité Internationale de la BD et de l'Image (CIBDI) located on the left bank connected by a footbridge under the benevolent eye of Corto Maltese.
4
From Thouérat lock to Basseau bridge (3.2 km)
Opposite the lock, the old gunpowder factory, created in 1819 by royal decree, extends to the Basseau bridge (not accessible to the public).
You can access the town hall of Fléac (XNUMXth century) through the gardens, which, together with the Logis de Chalonne (XNUMXth century) and the castle of Fléac (XNUMXth century), dominates the tranquil course of the Charente.
Alongside them, the Notre Dame church shows a domed facade and nave influenced by the cathedral of Angoulême, it also presents interesting Gothic paintings.
You can access the town hall of Fléac (XNUMXth century) through the gardens, which, together with the Logis de Chalonne (XNUMXth century) and the castle of Fléac (XNUMXth century), dominates the tranquil course of the Charente.
Alongside them, the Notre Dame church shows a domed facade and nave influenced by the cathedral of Angoulême, it also presents interesting Gothic paintings.
5
From Pont de Basseau to Moulin de Fleurac (2km)
The lock gives access to the islands of Fleurac and via the footbridge to the Moulin and Château de Fleurac (private access).
The Coulée verte continues on the right bank towards Cognac and takes the name “Val de Charente”.
The Coulée verte continues on the right bank towards Cognac and takes the name “Val de Charente”.