Valley of the Charente
The Charente is a peaceful river. It moves with hesitation, branches to either side, then narrows into sweeping loops. Golden iris, bulrush and alder thrive.
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Official Charente Tourist BoardAlong the streams and rivers, explore the valleys
» What to See » Sites of natural beauty » Along the streams and rivers, explore the valleys
Valley of the Vienne
In the Charente Limousine, the Vienne in turn rushes past and flows sedately on a bed of granite. The banks are lined with forests of oak and chestnut.
Valley of the Issoire
The mountains of the Charente are in the valley of the Issoire. In this area close to the Limousin, the relief is granitic with steep rocky slopes and the plants are mountain varieties.
Valley of the Tardoire
This is a fast-running river which comes from the Dordogne. It flows through deep gorges, crossing the oak groves and hedged meadows. The Tardoire vanished into the forest at La Braconne
Valley of the Dronne
The Dronne comes from the Dordogne, makes a foray into the Charente and returns to the Dordogne. Its valley is lined with tall white cliffs.
Valley of the Eaux Claires
The river of the Eaux Claires flows through a cliff-lined valley. Box, juniper and leafy paths rise up the limestone walls. The white cliffs are dotted with caves.
Sources and the valley of the Touvre
The Touvre flows from legendary sources [the Bouillant, the Dormant, the Lèche, the Front Lussac]. They are resurgences of the Bandiat and the Tardoire which have chosen to plunge below the karst before springing once again to the surface. The water in the Touvre is always cool.
