Guinguettes along La Flow Vélo
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!
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
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
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
La Coulée Douce, simply indispensable (Charente)
In Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente, discover a country atmosphere that’ll make you feel truly relaxed, at the location of La Coulée Douce. It lies in a perfect spot, opposite a lock where you can rest your legs and enjoy contemplating the scene. Concerts are regularly organized here, creating delightfully convivial evenings. For indefatigable sporty types, you can hire canoes close by and enjoy a wonderful time crossing the Charente River.
Adress : 4 chemin de l'écluse , Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente
Credits : Valérie Vedrenne
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
La Brasserie de la Rainette, to get away from it all (Charente)
Located 500m from La Flow Vélo, at Chazelles, this establishment is the big new draw for beer fans. For adults, the brewery offers craft beers that you can taste in the unique bucolic setting. The location is worth a visit in itself, the brewery stood beside an historic watermill on the Bandiat River, framed by centuries-old trees. In summer, there’s a whole calendar of themed music nights (e.g. rock or Cuban nights). The place has gained quite a reputation, so why not join the locals who love to attend these events?
- Adress : 2 Rue du Moulin, 16380 Chazelles
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
Credits : Naturellement Périgord