Go Beyond the Barrel By Exploring Cognac’s Lesser-Known Side

Located in southwest France, the Cognac region offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Below, we examine what this spectacular region has to offer visitors.

Defined by its rolling vineyards, historic towns, and picturesque countryside, the region’s breathtaking landscape provides a tranquil backdrop to its vibrant life. The beautiful Charente River meanders through the heart of the region, passing charming towns such as Jarnac, and its gentle waters are perfect for leisurely boat trips, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

You’ll find ancient mills, elegant châteaux, and riverside restaurants serving regional delicacies along its banks. The Charentes region promises an unforgettable and immersive journey for everyone, from history enthusiasts and nature lovers to epicureans and connoisseurs of fine spirits.

Cognac
Synonymous with elegance, history, and its world-famous namesake spirit, Cognac invites visitors to explore its rich heritage through guided tours of renowned distilleries such as Hennessy, Martell, and Rémy Martin, as well as smaller houses, including Bache Gabrielsen.

Photograph by Charentes Tourisme and Jean-Claude BRUNET.

These visits provide a fascinating insight into the meticulous craftsmanship behind the production of Cognac, from grape to glass. Visitors can also discover more about local winegrowers, such as Frapin Cognac and Maison Boinaud, and take vineyard and distillery tours.

The town offers visitors an enchanting experience, complete with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the stunning Château de Cognac, which offers exceptional tasting sessions in the King’s private apartments.

Cognac is home to the annual Blues Passions Festival, which has hosted legendary artists such as BB King, Ray Charles, Earth Wind and Fire, and Lenny Kravitz over the years. For a refined and elegant stay in the countryside surrounding Cognac, La Nauve Hotel & Jardin is a luxurious retreat set in the heart of a twelve-acre park.

Angoulême
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Charente River and the expansive surrounding countryside, Angoulême is a city steeped in art, culture, and history. The city has become the capital of French comic books, hosting the annual International Comics Festival, which draws artists and enthusiasts from every corner of the globe.

Angoulême’s Romanesque architecture, exemplified by the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral, showcases the city’s historical richness, while the lively markets offer the chance to sample local flavours.

Gourmets can discover more about the age-old process behind Cognac by embarking on a complete tour of The Francis Abécassis Estates or driving around the Bourgoin family vineyard in a 1960 Peugeot D4B. Just outside Angoulême’s city centre, Hotel Saint-Gelais offers a tranquil escape in a luscious setting, complemented by a bistronomic restaurant.

Aubeterre Sur Dronne
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a charming village nestled on a hillside overlooking the tranquil Dronne River. It promises to captivate visitors with its medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and sun-filled squares.

History lovers will enjoy visiting the underground 12th-century Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean, while artisans can explore the many workshops and boutiques offering handcrafted goods and local art.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities, including kayaking on the Dronne River and exploring the surrounding countryside. With its rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne offers an idyllic escape for travellers seeking an authentic experience of rural French life.

Photograph courtesy of Charentes Tourisme Sébastien Laval.

Jonzac
In the heart of the Haute-Saintonge region lies the city of Jonzac, located in a picturesque woodland setting near the Gironde River. Jonzac boasts a wealth of historic monuments, including the elegant Chateau de Jonzac.

Wine and food enthusiasts can visit the Maisons de la Vigne et des Saveurs to hear from winegrowers and distillers, tour a cooperage workshop, or simply go for a stroll in the surrounding vineyards.

For a creative Cognac experience, Château Montifaud offers the chance to create your own cocktail whilst touring the estate, and visitors can also discover more about the processes involved in making the spirit at Cognac Bertrand.

In the countryside surrounding Jonzac, the Moulin du Val de Seugne Hotel offers guests a charming waterfront stay in a former 16th-century watermill.

Saintes
Saintes is located in the Charente-Maritime department. It is a historical town renowned for its rich Roman heritage. The town is home to the remarkable Arch of Germanicus, alongside the impressive Roman amphitheatre, and its religious architecture, particularly the stunning Saint-Eutrope Basilica.

The serene riverside setting invites leisurely strolls, while the vibrant markets and local gastronomy provide a taste of traditional Charentais flavours. Take a guided tour of the city’s cellars and discover the secrets of how Cognac is made and aged, complete with a tasting of some of the Grosperrin family’s exceptional old Cognacs.

Visitors can also escape to the heart of the Grande Champagne region for a walking tour at Maison Boinaud, where they can learn more about the producer’s expertise and environmental practices.

La Rochelle

The charming coastal city of La Rochelle is ideally placed to provide a gateway to experiencing the Charentes region. Visitors can discover the rich history and culture of La Rochelle and the surrounding area, exploring the city’s iconic medieval towers, such as the Tour de la Chaine and Tour Saint Nicholas.

La Rochelle’s winding cobblestone streets lead to vibrant markets, where visitors can savour local delicacies and discover the region’s flavours. Gastronomy enthusiasts can find several Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Les Flots and L’Astrolabe, alongside an array of gourmet experiences, including Cognac and chocolate pairing sessions.

Just outside of La Rochelle, one of the oldest Cognac houses, Normandin-Mercier, can be explored with guided tours. Visitors to La Rochelle should also stop by Mary Lili, the first cocktail bar in the city, for a unique Cask-Ageing mixology experience.

Oléron Island
Oléron Island, the largest French island on the Atlantic coast, is a breathtaking destination renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty, stunning beaches, pine forests, and colourful fishing villages. Famous for its Marennes-Oléron oysters, the island is a haven for seafood lovers, offering a number of unique experiences, such as the Cognac and Oyster masterclass, which includes a three-course lunch with a Cognac pairing.

Visitors can explore the multi-coloured oyster-farming huts, which have now been converted to artist workshops, discover maritime landmarks such as the Chassiron Lighthouse, and enchanting towns like Chateau d’Oléron. The island can also be easily explored by bicycle, taking in the unspoilt natural landscapes.

For a seaside stay in a wild, natural setting, the hotel Le Grand Large sits amongst the dunes of one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

For more information about the Explore Cognac, please visit explore-cognac.com.

Lead image: Vue sur le vignoble et le Chateau de Bouteville. Photograph courtesy of Charentes Tourisme and Stéphane Charbeau.

Photograph by Farid MAKHLOUF.