Cognac
Cognac, famous for its eau-de-vie, is a historic town offering distillery tours, tastings and a rich architectural heritage.
Cognac, located in the Charente department, is world-famous for its eponymous eau-de-vie. This charming historic town offers a unique experience for lovers of spirits and history. Along the Charente, the great cognac houses such as Hennessy, Martell and Rémy Martin open their doors to visitors, offering guided tours of their distilleries and tastings of their precious beverages.
The old town of Cognac is a maze of cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and historic buildings. The Château des Valois, the birthplace of François I, is a must-see. The château now houses the Otard Cognac House and offers tours that combine history and cognac tasting.
The Musée des Arts du Cognac, housed in a former trading warehouse, presents the history and production process of cognac, from the vine to the bottle. Visitors can discover historical objects, watch explanatory videos and take part in tasting workshops.
Every year, Cognac hosts major cultural events such as the Cognac Blues Passions Festival and the Fête du Cognac, which attract thousands of visitors. These festivals offer the perfect opportunity to discover local culture while enjoying music, food and, of course, cognac.
For those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside, the Cognac region also offers walking and cycling trails through the vineyards and along the river Charente, offering picturesque and tranquil landscapes.