5 musts in Cognac
1. Tour experiences in the city’s Cognac houses
From classic tours to exclusive and ultra-personalised experiences, discovering Cognac houses is an essential part of a visit to Cognac, to meet the passionate people whose expertise brings to life one of the world's finest spirits. World-famous Cognac houses such as Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell, Courvoisier, Camus, Otard and Meukow open their doors to visitors, to discover the art of distillation and learn all about the "liquor of the Gods".
Rémy Martin : tours in exceptional spots
Rémy Marin offers a variety of tours throughout the year (discovery tours, tasting workshops, cocktail creation, blending your own cognac, lunch in a private room)...
The recently inaugurated "sustainable experience" tour allows you to discover the area’s unique ecosystem and to understand the methods of cultivation that respect biodiversity, with a visit to the winery, walks and tasting in the vineyards.
Hennessy : the world’s cognac leader
Hennessy's X.O Evolution experience offers a multi-sensory journey to the rhythm of a contemporary scenography, on both banks of the river Charente with a boat trip (duration 1h45, from 50€ per person, available in 6 languages).
Camus : a 100% independent family cognac house since 1863
Camus offers a wide range of tours, from classic visits to creating of your own XO Cognac during a Master Blender workshop, to learn about the art of blending. The recent Mixology Experience workshop allows you to discover the art of cocktail-making (duration 1h30, from 90€ for 2 visitors).
2. Cognac cocktail-tasting
The Cognac appellation offers a number of outstanding gourmet. Used as an ingredient in gastronomic combinations or in cocktails, cognac is much more than just a traditional digestif and has been known to enhance many a dish. An array of exceptional places enable visitors to taste the famous eau de vie in whole new ways.
- Indigo bar by Martell : The bar is located on the 5th floor of the Martell Foundation, which also houses temporary exhibitions. This is a must for mixology enthusiasts who want to take in the view from the rooftop…
- Bar Luciole : the perfect spot to learn about the flavours of cognac with a view of the Château de Cognac on the banks of the Charente
- Cocktail Workshop at Bar Louise : an unmissable place for enthusiasts with Germain Canto, awarded the Cognac Educator label in 2015. On the programme: "My Cognac Personality", a new experience based on the exploration of your tasting profile among 350 cognacs, to discover the different aromatic notes of your personality and to be able to visit the producer that best matches your profile.
3. Gentle roaming
Navigable from Angoulême to Rochefort, the river Charente offers a wide range of activities to discover the destination along the water: gabarre-boat rides, houseboat hiring, canoeing, etc.
Boat-rental to navigate freely
you are in charge! To be experienced as a couple, with family or friends, along the gorgeous river Charente, winding through picturesque villages and prestigious vineyards.
River cruise
Be it onboard a solar-powered boat or on a traditional Charentaise gabare, with an experienced crew, discover the endless possibilities to experience the incredible landscapes that are available to you throughout a peaceful river cruise.
4. Take a well-deserved break
Cognac is also a well-being destination, with 6 thalassotherapy centres (Ile de Ré, Châtelaillon-Plage, Ile d'Oléron, Royan) and 3 spas (Rochefort, Saujon, Jonzac). Many hotels also offer wellness services.
For a taste of what's to come, here are three suggestions for places to recharge your batteries in remarkable locations:
- Chais Monnet 5* spa-hotel at the heart of the Cognac vineyard.
- Novotel Thalassa Oléron Saint-Trojan 4*spa hotel on Ile d’Oléron.
- Nuxe spa and thalassotherapy centre at La Grande terrasse in Châtelaillon.
5. Vineyard experiences
To complete your visit of the Cognac vineyard and its great cognac houses, local receptive agencies organise tailor-made wine tourism activities that offer a different experience of the destination's assets: hot-air balloon flights, 2CV classic car excursions and picnics in the vineyard, bicycle rides, safaris in the vineyard in a 1960 Peugeot D4B, etc
