Chaniers combines the river landscape of the Charente with remarkable buildings, the traditional angling and fishing techniques presented at the Musée de la pêche aux lignes et aux engins, and paths for various forms of recreation. Between the village, river port and banks, the town’s very different facets lie close together.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Chaniers can add the town to their travel plans as a destination.
History and Culture
The Église Saint-Pierre de Chaniers was built in the 11th and 12th centuries. It has a covered battlement walk with five crenellations and loopholes on the sides, and has been listed as a Monument historique since 1912.
The Moulin royal de la Baine is a mill built under Colbert in the 17th century, with seven water passages. The Musée de la pêche aux lignes et aux engins offers another historical perspective. It presents a traditional angling and fishing technique based on time-honoured practices, in which fish are caught using passive devices placed in the water. Also on display are eel traps, trammel nets, carrelets, fish scales, as well as old fishing rods and reels, together with their historical development.
By the River
The Charente is navigable from Angoulême to Rochefort. Passing boats can use Chaniers’ 54-metre-long pontoon free of charge for a stopover. The Bac de Chaniers ferry provides the crossing, allowing people to cross the Charente free of charge on foot, by bicycle or in a motor vehicle as far as Courcoury.
A path connects the Communal at the ferry landing with the La Baine site and leads to the lock; it is ideal for an idyllic walk. The Communal offers children’s play equipment and a shady green area for picnics and relaxation.
Getting Around
From Chaniers, you can reach the Flow Vélo in Courcoury by crossing the Charente by ferry; this is possible from April to October. The Flow Vélo is a 350-kilometre cycle route connecting Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare in the Dordogne with Île d’Aix in the Charente-Maritime département.
Several walking, mountain-biking and horse-riding routes are available in Chaniers, including a special family route.
Landscape and Nature
Between Chaniers village and the river port lies a large meadow with poplar trees that can be flooded in winter and is used for relaxing and walking in summer. The Charente valley around Chaniers and its banks are part of the Natura 2000 network; they are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
