The Saint-Simon village is a former building and repairing port of “gabarres” and today it is the revival place for “gabarres” on the River Charente. The “gabarres” used to carry salt, brandy from Cognac’s vineyards, royal guns and Crazannes stones.

Inside the Gabariers House, you will discover the major function of River Charente in those days and the life of the gabariers thanks notably to a permanent exhibition and a movie entitled “My father’s gabarre”.

Marine carpenters built an authentic gabarre, onboard of which you can enjoy trips on the River Charente from May to October. So, in Saint-Simon, a gabarriers' village, you may sail on the river for a while onboard a gabarre and then follow the walking path from where you will certainly see the engraved graffiti on stones of the wharfs and some other places of interest.
Gabariers House: + 33 (0)5.45.97.33.40