Cognac Travel Guide
Savor the Essence of Cognac Town: Where Tradition Meets Timeless Taste
Situated on the banks of the river Charente amid vine-covered countryside, Cognac is undoubtedly one of France’s most idyllic towns. Today, it remains famous for producing the double-distilled spirit that proudly bears its name and upon which Cognac’s prosperity depends. Indeed, most visitors to Cognac head straight to the legendary Cognac houses, perhaps unwisely overlooking the town’s other attractions, namely its splendid architecture and a surfeit of delightful cafés and restaurants.
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Gastronomy & Wine
While not every person in Cognac is a walking Larousse Gastronomique, eating and drinking well is of prime importance to the Poitou-Charente region’s citizens. Local gastronomy is based on two things: fresh, seasonal ingredients and considerable skill, which is often employed in the region’s leading Michelin venues, where world-class cooking is presented in an exquisite, refined setting. Highlights include fresh oysters and Charente lamb; the rich, thick grasses and a temperate climate are ideal for grazing sheep, complemented by an excellent selection of delicious local cheeses.
However, don’t suppose for a moment that this great culinary tradition means all Cognac restaurants are formal. In essence, the town offers a variety of options, from chic to the delightfully rustic. La Courtine is one of our favorites – set about 2km west of the center in lush parklands; La Courtine serves divine creations such as roasted duck with a raspberry sauce in the most pleasant surroundings. The service and wine list are top-notch, too! Another great choice is La Belle Epoque restaurant in the classy Hotel Heritage. It specializes in reintroducing long-lost regional dishes and boasts the most elegant setting in Cognac, perfect for sipping rare bottles of this majestic spirit.
Which, of course, is an obligatory part of any visit to the Charente region. Made of grape eaux-de-vie of various vintages, Cognac is aged in Limousin oak barrels and blended by an experienced cellarmaster – top Cognac is aged for many decades. Today, the best-known houses are Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin, and Otard, producing brandies of incomparable finesse, elegance, and complexity.
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Highlights
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Musee de Cognac
Situated in the pretty Jardin Public is the Musee de Cognac, which showcases the town’s fascinating history and packed with interesting exhibits. As a bonus, admission also covers La Musee des Arts du Cognac, which guides visitors, step by step, through the production of Cognac, from vine to bottle.
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Saintes
One of the most picturesque villages in the region, Saintes, is a short drive from Cognac and was the former Gallo-Roman capital of Aquitaine. The town dates from the 1st century AD; its Roman legacies include a double arch that served as the town gate and an amphitheater built during the reign of Claudius.
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Cognac house tours
Many of the top cognac producers welcome visitors, offering unique insights into this celebrated and historic drink. Cellar Tours will organize a bespoke and unforgettable visit to parts of Cognac that most other tourists can only dream of.
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More information
If you would like us to customize an exclusive luxury tour, contact us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of a mininium two guests. In addition, all of our private, chauffeured tours are available year-round upon request.