Charente, river, 220 mi (354 km) long, rising near Limoges, W France, and flowing W to the Bay of Biscay. The river flows past Angoulême (the head of navigation), Cognac, Saintes, and Rochefort, and through an important cattle-raising region. Along its western course are the celebrated vineyards from which cognac brandy is made. The Charente carries little commercial traffic.

Charente (shäräNt´), department (1990 pop. 342,300), W France. The capital is Angoulême. The brandy distilled at Cognac is world renowned.