Le Flow des Gabarriers

The Charente River in mid-June typically presents a steady, navigable flow, though swimmers must respect the variable nature of this waterway. While the water temperature in early summer is generally comfortable for endurance efforts, the river is historically prone to significant flooding—notably the extreme 8.45-meter rise in 1982 and more recent surges in 2021—which necessitates strict adherence to race-day safety protocols dictated by local hydrological conditions. Participants in the longer distances, particularly the 33km marathon from Le Bain des Dames, will navigate stretches where the current can shift; maintaining a strong, consistent rhythm is essential as you transition between the open sections and the more confined navigation channels.

A Journey Through History and Spirit

As you pull through the water, the landscape reveals layers of human history that have shaped the region for millennia. Passing through the heart of Cognac, you will swim directly beneath the shadow of the Château de Valois. This fortress has stood since the 10th century and was preserved from destruction following the French Revolution when traders Otard and Dupuy repurposed the site as cellars, effectively anchoring the town's identity to the spirit production that defines it today. This industry is punctuated by the 'angels' share'—the 3% annual evaporation of cognac from aging oak barrels—a quiet, constant atmospheric presence as you navigate the riverbanks. Further along the course, the environment shifts toward the protected ecological corridors of the Antenne river valley, a designated Natura 2000 site where the riparian vegetation offers a stark contrast to the urban architecture. Keen observers might spot the remnants of the Roman villa of Haute-Sarrasine on the right bank, a sprawling 80-meter structure used in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, whose ancient basins remind swimmers that this river has been a center of human activity since antiquity. The event itself, now in its 5th edition, offers four distinct challenges ranging from a 1km sprint to the demanding 33km non-stop marathon, a test of pure endurance that requires careful logistical planning due to the length of the course and the nature of river navigation.