An exceptional panorama table
Explore terraces with view in Charentes. Enjoy drinks with friends or a romantic dinner facing the sea, or on the roof-tops. What could be better than to catch the first rays of the sun as you laze on a café terrace? In Charentes there are terraces with stunning views aplenty! Whether it’s overlooking the sea, by the edge of the River Charente, perched on the roof-tops or at a lakeside location… We have a wide range of scenic café and restaurant terraces ideal for drinks with friends or a romantic dinner.
Where are the best places in Charentes to have a drink overlooking the ocean?
La Rochelle
Have you come across the new terrace that’s been set up at the Chain Tower in La Rochelle? Le Prao has set up home here over the summertime. On offer: an impressive drinks menu, nibbles and even Ernest ice-cream! From La Terrasse de la Chaîne, you can enjoy the superb spectacle of yachts sailing up and down the main shipping channel of the port of La Rochelle.
Châtelaillon-Plage
In Châtelaillon-Plage, the Gaya restaurant boasts a spacious terrace looking out onto the ocean. The views of the île d’Aix and the ‘mer des Pertuis’ are absolutely heavenly. All this in the wonderfully relaxing setting of the Grande Terrasse seawater spa.
Ile d’Oléron
And what about enjoying a drink with views of the pertuis de Maumusson strait? On the île d’Oléron, the wooden-decked terrace of the Novotel’s bar blends into the scenery overlooking the beach without dominating it. From here you can drink in the views of the ocean, the pointe de Gatseau and the forêt de la Coubre forest on the other side of the strait.
Saint-Palais-sur-mer
If you’d like to enjoy stunning views of the Gironde estuary mouth look no further ! The Le Petit Poucet restaurant in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer is here. The terrace overlooks the plage de la Grande Côte beach. It serves up a 180 degree panorama from the baie de Bonne Anse to the pointe du Verdon.
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Lastly, the café at the Parc de l’estuaire nature reserve in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne has a lovely terrace with views over the mouth of the Gironde River. Climb up the observation tower for incredible all-round views from a height of 60 metres!
‘My idea of Heaven would be a café terrace that I’d never have to leave’
Alphonse Allais, Le Chat Noir, 1885.
Unmissable terraces by the River Charente
Treat yourself to some rest and relaxation by the tranquil waters of the River Charente sitting on a riverside or even a waterborne terrace!
Where are the best places to enjoy bank-side views of the Charente River?
Located between Ruffec and Angoulême, Le Moulin de Verteuil boasts a terrace that’s right beside the Charente River. The last one flows calmly a few feet below. Towering above is the Château of the Count of La Rochefoucauld. It’s an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a puff pastry brioche and a cup of tea.
A trendy new addition to the Angoulême dining scene, the Le River bistro is a hip wine bar with an impressive terrace with views of the Charente River. If you go a little further, you’ll come to the guinguette de Fléac open-air café with its long wooden terrace. It’s right out in the countryside on the banks of the river.
In Cognac, L’Atelier des Quais at the foot of the Pont Neuf on the banks of the Charente has a shaded terrace in the garden area, as well as a balcony terrace. It’s directly opposite Cognac’s Château royal and the porte Saint-Jacques city gate, flanked by two imposing towers.
An unusual setting: a boat-borne floating terrace
Stop off at the Batia barge in Saintes near the Arch of Germinacus. This floating brasserie moored on the River Charente makes for an original venue for a meal, complete with views of the river from the boat-deck.
A river dinner-cruise aboard La Reine-Margot, (embarking at Cognac or Angoulême), offers an ever-changing spectacle as you travel along the Charente River and pass through its lock-gates.
Rooftop drinks for urban views from on high
The roof-top terrace of the bar Indigo by Martell is towering 24 metres above the city. It offers spectacular views of Cognac, from the historic centre as far as the banks of the Charente await. The top floor of the Foundation of the famous Cognac company offers a delightful urban experience.
The hôtel Chais Monnet’s clients have exclusive use of a roof-top terrace with amazing views of the town of Cognac and the luxurious hotel complex itself. The hotel houses a spa, a fine dining restaurant, a brasserie, a jazz bar and a tea-room.
Romantic lake-side terraces
Overlooking the banks of the lac du Bois fleuri, Trizay, the Les Jardins du Lac hotel and restaurant nestle in lush green countryside near the ‘Jardins de Compostelle’ formal gardens. Make the most of this peaceful place with lovely views of the lake from the restaurant.
Sited amidst an unspoilt natural setting 8 km from Angoulême, the terraces of the Domaine du Châtelard extend right up to the clear waters of a lake covering an impressive 10 hectares. Why not try out this fine dining establishment, blessed with a truly romantic location?
In Charente Limousine, Michelin-starred restaurant Les Dyades, located within the Domaine des Étangs hotel, boasts an enchanting setting. Guests have the option of dining in the vegetable garden or taking a hamper of the finest food and drink for a picnic onboard a boat or on the banks of a local lake.
