Charente, Administrative department in southwestern France
Charente is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, named after the river that runs through its center. The river divides the territory into several natural landscapes, ranging from gentle hills to flat plains and wooded valleys that create a varied relief.
The territory formed in 1790 during the French Revolution from parts of the old provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge. Angoulême was chosen as the administrative center and has remained the seat of the prefecture ever since.
The department maintains strong agricultural traditions, particularly in wine production, with numerous vineyards contributing to the creation of cognac spirits.
The department is divided into three districts headquartered in Angoulême, Cognac and Confolens, each handling local administrative tasks. Visitors find small towns and larger cities throughout the area, well connected by roads and country lanes.
The river was an important trade route in the 18th century for paper goods and iron products. Flat-bottomed boats carried cargo down to the coast before railways replaced most waterway traffic.
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