The Charente is a small coastal river 361km long, which runs through the local town of St Jean d'Angély. St Jean d'Angély canoe club rents canoes and kayaks and can provide instruction. Alternatively, passenger boat trips are available in Saintes and Cognac.

The Charente also has an abundant fish population, home to roach, bream, pike, perch, tench and carp. Fishing tackle and bait are widely available in supermarkets as well as specialist shops.

Islands particularly worth a visit are Ile de Re, Ile d'Oleron and Ile d'Aix. For the more adventurous, bike hire is widely available on all of these islands. Ile de Re is accessible by a 3km bridge. Ile de Re is a popular tourist destination with a Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, salt marshes and vineyards.

For nature lovers, there is the L'Arche de Noe, a zoo, botanical gardens and oceanographic museum and the bird sanctuary, home to 300 species of birds. St Martin de Re, the main town, is abundant with shops and restaurants. Ile d'Oleron and Ile d'Aix can be reached by ferry.

Marais Poitevin (The "Venise Vert") is an area of marshland rich in tradition and a haven for bird and wildlife. It is an area that has inspired poets and artists throughout the ages.

With canals, dams and dykes, water meadows and marshland; it is an area to be explored by foot, bicycle, horseback, punts, canoes or motorboats. It has many riverside restaurants offering a good selection of meals for midday or evening.