Water sports and leisure activities Charente

On the shores of lake Lavaud, fine white sand warms the small and big foot of families. Bathing is supervised in summer and the neuville offers pedalos, volleyball courts and mini-golf and two options to eat (La Côte de Boeuf) or nibble (snack).

The Grande Prairie waterway is a place to get out into the green and escape into contemplation for a walk. The loop around the water is three kilometres long and is a delight for joggers, cyclists and pedestrians. There is a children's playground, tables for family picnics, toilets, a refreshment bar for hot or cold days. Swimming is supervised on weekends and in the summer, and the sailing school is set up there. A large car park is available for users, as well as a parking area for motorhomes.

The Charente Sailing School gives children and adults alike a taste of the joys of sailing on the Saint-Yrieix lake. You can rent catamarans, windsurfers, canoes and mountain bikes by the hour or half-day. Introductory and advanced courses are available on reservation. Finally, around the base, you can take advantage of the many activities available: jogging and mountain bike tracks, playgrounds, handball, five-a-side soccer... Of course, you can also swim in the lake!

The XXL aquatic center offers all the facilities that budding and experienced swimmers dream of! Surrounded by greenery and bathed in natural light, it invites its visitors to challenge themselves physically in its 50-meter Olympic pool with 8 water lines, to push back the limits of depth in its diving pit, and to perfect their skills in a 25-meter learning pool. Aquagym classes, swimming lessons and other aquatic activities are offered in the latter. Outdoor pools and a balneo area complete the offer.

Close to Angoulême, this marina is the ideal setting for a waterside break, and offers a variety of activities: guinguette, departure point for river excursions, boat hire without a licence, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddles, bicycles.

Take a cruise on La Reine Margot. On the Charente River from Angoulême, La Reine Margot offers summer theme cruises or lunch and dinner cruises. Departing from the port of l'Houmeau, you'll discover a route through the locks at the gateway to the city, with unusual views of the city (including the Nil district and the comic strip museum) and a unique approach to the biodiversity of the wild banks of the Charente. Cruises last from 1h30 to 5h (with meals on board).

Kayak doors are located on an arm of the Charente. To enjoy and rent a boat, call Claude Harter, President of the Youth Circle, Canoe Section. He will be happy to guide you in your water.

Overlooking Lake Lavaud, beach of fine sand whose swimming is monitored in summer.

For paddling enthusiasts, experienced sportsmen and quiet explorers, this is the ideal club. Rentals are available by the hour, by the day or for two- to four-day trips/bivouacs. The usual boating area stretches from the base to the Saint-Yrieix lake, a 4 km stretch of waterways where you can discover the flora and fauna of the Charente and Trouve rivers. Last but not least, you can try your hand at stand-up paddling and discover the banks of the river like a tightrope walker. Initiations are supervised by federal instructors.

Canoe and kayak rental, but also stand up paddles and pedal boats. The club offers walks and circuits from 30 minutes to 3 hours on the water for the more adventurous.