LA COULÉE VERTE

A small path that runs along the Charente for more than twenty kilometres, the Coulée verte offers a walk from Nersac to the Saint-Yrieix lake, passing through the centre of Angoulême, on the island of Bourgines. An old towpath, it was used to pull boats from the shore. The Charente was then one of the main axes for the trade of alcohols, raw materials such as stone and spices. Heading towards Saint-Yrieix, one comes across several locks, as vestiges of the prosperous period of river navigation. During the stroll, one can admire large buildings and a luxuriant nature. Running, cycling, walking, the trail is wide enough to accommodate a good number of hikers at all times. However, beware of heavy rains that cause the water to rise and the path to be closed.