Travel Guide Tonnay-Charente

Located on the right bank of the Charente river in the Saintonge region, Tonnay-Charente was a major trading port from the Middle Ages onwards, handling goods such as salt and wine, as well as brandies, cereals, Saintonge stones, wood and paper from Angoulême. All these goods were transported by barge to Tonnay, where they were unloaded directly onto ships at the quayside. Tonnay-Charente was a breakbulk port, marking the point where ocean-going vessels met river boats. Up to 150 "gabares" (barges) a day animated the river! In those days, the town was also home to a number of fountains that supplied water to local residents and passing boats. Some of these fountains, such as the one on Quai des Capucins, are still in good condition today.Today, the city's historic center is full of charm: remnants of the ramparts of the ancient Château Fort, Saint-Etienne church, stone houses adorned with climbing plants, beautiful merchants' homes with colorful shutters, old wine cellars, fountains, washhouse... As for the restored quays, they offer pleasant walks along the river. On the other side of the Charente is the marshland, and even a lake at certain times of year: ephemeral, shifting landscapes. Horses graze here, and birds abound in this rich natural biotope. On the quays of Tonnay-Charente, where the market is held every Sunday morning, pleasure boats call in.