Try out some of our guinguettes, simple riverside restaurants generally only open in the warmer season, with traditional music and dancing often on offer in the evening. Do sample some of these toe-tapping venues along La Flow Vélo, on warm summer evenings maybe letting yourself be carried away by the music to dance the night away!
La Guinguette à Roulette, for the simple pleasures (Dordogne)
This guinguette is set up through the summer on the banks of the Loue River at Excideuil. The cooking is simple, local and organic. The same goes for the beers and craft ice creams. Concerts and open mic nights bring atmosphere to summer evenings here, from Monday to Thursday.
- Adress : Moulin de la Baysse, 24160 Excideuil
👉 Discover it on the Le Lardin / Excideuil cycle route
La Guinguette de Fléac, a festive restaurant (Charente)
La Guinguette de Fléac offers a wide selection of Basque, Landes, and Béarn specialties, salads, grilled meats served with homemade fries, pizzas, cheeses, farm-made ice cream, and homemade desserts on its riverside terrace, shaded by a magnificent weeping willow.
In the true tradition of guinguettes, we offer you the only place in Charente where you can relax directly overlooking the river.
- Address: Rue du Tranchard, 16730 Fléac
- 📅Opening: May 15 to September 30
👉 Discover it on the Angoulême / Châteauneuf-sur-Charente cycle route
Pub Gabariers, a Charentais institution (Charente)
At Saint-Simeux, this spot is certainly a draw for nocturnal locals! Every weekend, musicians set up on the stage beside the river. This guinguette is made for having fun, over a few glasses of wine, or over a good dish, as you drink in the lively rustic scene. Once you’ve got into the atmosphere, it proves hard to leave!
- Adress : Rue des gabariers, 16120 Mosnac-Saint-Simeux
👉 Discover it on the Angoulême / Châteauneuf-sur-Charente cycle route
La Géoferme, a startling rural stop (Charente)
Opened in 2022 at Mosnac-Saint-Simeux (Charente), this educational farm covers two hectares and encourages visitors to try out fine local produce. Tibère welcomes foodie enthusiasts at his food truck in its tranquil, green setting. Cherry on the cake, comedians come to perform on certain summer evening. So, visitors can enjoy a fun, magical break here that’s well worth trying out.
- Adress : Le port des loges 1620 Mosnac-Saint-Simeux
👉 Discover it on the Angoulême / Châteauneuf-sur-Charente cycle route
La Base, your summer break in the heart of Cognac
Located in the heart of François I Park, right in the center of Cognac, La Base welcomes you to the friendly and warm atmosphere of a true summer open-air café. Nestled in a verdant setting between the river and the park, it's the ideal place to take a break, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Located directly on the La Flow Vélo cycling route, La Base is a must-see stop for cyclists, families, and all nature lovers, with no detours required.
Cognac's outdoor recreation center offers numerous activities for all ages: a playground, pedal boat rentals, inflatable structures, a paddling pool, and mini-golf. A perfect place to share a moment with family, cool off, and enjoy a rejuvenating break. For those with a sweet tooth, the open-air café showcases local flavors with a selection of artisanal drinks and regional products. For a light snack, enjoy our selection of light meals, as well as a wide variety of ice cream, crepes, and waffles, available throughout the day.
La Base embodies the spirit of summer in Cognac: relaxation, nature, and delicious treats by the water.
- Open: May 1st to September 30th
- Address: Base plein air André Mermet, 800 Allée basse du parc, 16100 Cognac
Follow us on social media for all the latest news: @labase.cognac
👉 Discover it on the Angoulême / Châteauneuf-sur-Charente cycle route
La Guinguette du Port du Lys, the refreshing stopover of the Flow Vélo (Charente-Maritime)
In Salignac-sur-Charente, near COGNAC, La Guinguette du Port du Lys is the ideal place for a well-deserved break. On the banks of the Charente River, almost right on the water, this family-friendly and festive spot harmoniously combines nature, gourmet delicacies, and relaxation.
On the menu: a cozy fire pit, aperitif platters, snacks throughout the day, and wellness brunches on Sunday mornings. A great program of concerts and workshops livens up the season, in a setting that's perfect for slowing down. Hammocks for naps, a games area, a shared library, a pétanque court, a bivouac area with access to showers, toilets, and a free fresh water fountain, as well as bike repair equipment: everything is designed for the comfort of travelers.
- Address: Le Port du Lys, 17800 Salignac-sur-Charente
👉 Discover it on the Cognac / Saintes cycle route
Le Pont des Rives, the charmer on the banks of the Charente (Charente-Maritime)
Located between Saintes and Cognac, a new address is opening this year on the banks of the Charente: Le Pont des Rives.
This pop-up open-air café is opening in Brives-sur-Charente. On site, you'll find a bar and restaurant area with an emphasis on local produce. The menu includes croque-monsieur, salads, vegetarian dishes, and a meat of the day depending on availability! Between courses, treat yourself to a gourmet snack: artisanal ice creams and crêpes will delight young and old alike. For this first year, Le Pont des Rives will also offer a great program of events: concerts, a flea market, a farmers' market, craft workshops, and more. Join us on Friday, May 9, 2025, starting at 6:30 p.m. for the opening night!
- Address: Avenue de l’Europe, under the bridge, 17800 Brives-sur-Charente
- The “Le Pont des Rives” open-air café is open from May 9, 2025, to September 26, 2025
👉 Discover it on the Cognac / Saintes cycle route
La Guinguette de Chaniers, always in fashion (Charente-Maritime)
Close to Saintes, this guinguette proposes hearty French classic dishes, a big attraction for cyclists hungry for a good meal. It also features regional dishes that are a pleasure to sample. As to Chaniers, it’s typical of the villages that developed beside the Charente, now offering a gentle way of life so characteristic of the valley. As you enjoy your food, gentle music add to the atmosphere. So, make the most of this very French stop. But remember, the place is only open May to September.
- Address: 65 Rue Aliénor d'Aquitaine, 17610 Chaniers
- Further info: open summer months, Thursday to Saturday, 4pm to 9pm
👉 Discover it on the Cognac / Saintes cycle route
Le Rade de la Méduse, simply unmissable (Charente-Maritime)
In the heart of Rochefort’s Arsenal des Mers, Le Rade de la Méduse welcomes tourists and locals alike throughout the day. Dishes served go from mussels and burgers to salads. At teatime, you might be tempted by a naughty ice cream, while others might be drawn to a cheeky glass of wine… all of course to help you gather energy to continue on your cycling adventure. Or then one of the evening events held here might appeal; from April to September, many events, including concerts and dances, are put on here in a warm atmosphere.
- Adress : 13 Pl. Amiral Dupont, 17300 Rochefort
👉 Discover it on the Saint-Savinien / Rochefort cycle route
La Guinguette de Chaniers, always in fashion (Charente-Maritime)
Close to Saintes, this guinguette proposes hearty French classic dishes, a big attraction for cyclists hungry for a good meal. It also features regional dishes that are a pleasure to sample. As to Chaniers, it’s typical of the villages that developed beside the Charente, now offering a gentle way of life so characteristic of the valley. As you enjoy your food, gentle music add to the atmosphere. So, make the most of this very French stop. But remember, the place is only open May to September.
- Address: 65 Rue Aliénor d'Aquitaine, 17610 Chaniers
- Further info: open summer months, Thursday to Saturday, 4pm to 9pm