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City of Cognac - complete guide to exploring and tasting

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Looking for an original, authentic destination for your next getaway? Passionate about local heritage, culture and flavors? Then the town of Cognac, nestled in the heart of Charente in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, is for you.

A city of art and history, Cognac gave birth to King François I and shines internationally thanks to its famous eau-de-vie. It's also a friendly place, perfect for strolling along the Charente, marvelling at its centuries-old houses and Romanesque churches, or immersing yourself in a rich cultural and sporting life. This comprehensive guide invites you to explore Cognac from every angle: from its fascinating history and vibrant culture, to its famous Cognac houses, its walking routes and its delicious cuisine.

Join us for an unforgettable exploration and tasting of Cognac!

Discover Cognac: a journey through history and culture

Located in the heart of France, Cognac is a city rich in history and culture, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved and enhanced heritage. Discover the many facets of Cognac below.

Cognac's history and heritage

With a history dating back to prehistoric times, attested by the Séchebec dolmen, Cognac has passed through the ages, from the Gallo-Roman period to the Merovingian and Carolingian reigns. It was the scene of battles between France and England, before seeing the birth of King François I in 1494, in the château of the same name, today the headquarters of the House of Cognac Baron Otard.

Cognac also distinguished itself through the development of wine brandy, which became the famous cognac, thanks to the distillation technique introduced by the Dutch in the 16th century. Today, the town is renowned for its many cognac trading and production houses, and is home to a museum dedicated to the precious beverage.

Must-see sights in Cognac

Cognac's architectural heritage bears witness to its rich past and culture. Sites to visit include :

• The church of Saint-Léger, a 12th-century Romanesque gem, is a listed historic monument, with exceptional frescoes, stained-glass windows and an organ.
• The Porte Saint-Jacques, a listed vestige of the 15th-century fortifications, is the gateway to the Old Port, the city's lively historic heart.
• The town hall, housed in the former 17th-century Récollet convent, also a listed building, whose marriage hall and public garden are full of charm.
• The Saint-Léger priory, founded in the 11th century and now a center for contemporary art, hosts artists in residence and a variety of exhibitions.
• The Hôtel Verdelin, a sumptuous 18th-century building listed as a historic monument, is home to the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Cognac, with its rich collection of local history, cognac, decorative arts and fine art.

Cultural events not to be missed

Cognac is alive with festivals and cultural events all year round:

• Cognac Blues Passions, an international music festival held every summer in the Jardin Public and on the banks of the Charente.
• La Fête du Cognac, an event celebrating cognac and local gastronomy on the quayside, with concerts and tastings.
• The Festival Polar de Cognac is the autumn meeting place for lovers of detective literature, bringing together authors, publishers and booksellers.
• Coup de Chauffe, a festival of live entertainment that brings new artistic ideas to the city's streets and squares.
• Festi'Classique, a classical music festival offering concerts in regional heritage sites, with both established artists and new talent.

This introduction gives you an overview of the treasures of Cognac, a city of tradition, history and cultural vitality. For more information and to plan your stay, visit the Cognac Tourist Office website. Other festivals await you in Saintes or to Royanfor example.

Enjoy your stay in Cognac!

Les Maisons de Cognac: at the heart of tasting

Discover the art of tasting at Cognac's distilleries and trading houses, which reveal the mysteries of how this legendary spirit is made and aged. Learn to appreciate its unique aromas and flavors.

Take advantage of these tips for total immersion.

Visits to distilleries and trading houses

In Cognac, an impressive variety of producers awaits you, from large historic houses to authentic family vineyards. Each offers a unique experience, tinged with history and personality.

Explore famous houses such as Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin and Courvoisier, offering discovery tours, cellar visits, workshops and initiations. Discover the secrets of exceptional cognacs, from blending to ageing, and follow their international influence. Don't miss the Château de Cognac, birthplace of King François I, now home to Baron Otard.

Or opt for a more intimate tour of a distillery or winery, where generations have succeeded one another in maintaining a unique savoir-faire. Observe the stills, cellars and oak barrels, and awaken your senses by tasting cognacs of various vintages, ages and qualities.

To discover in particular: Bache Gabrielsen, Distillerie Tessendier, Cognac Chollet, Giboin, Domaine Drouet, Les Trésors du Château Montifaud and Cognac Fougerat.

Understanding the cognac-making process

As a luxury product, cognac is subject to strict standards set by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) at several key stages:

• The harvest in September, when grape varieties such as ugni blanc, colombard and folle blanche are picked.
• Vinification, transforming must into white wine in just five days, with no additives.
• Charentais double distillation in copper stills, producing eau-de-vie at 70 % vol.
• Aged in French oak barrels, providing color, tannins and aromas for at least two years.
• Reduction and blending, adjusting the alcohol content and mixing different eaux-de-vie for complexity and harmony.
• Bottling and labeling under AOC Cognac, ensuring quality and origin, with crucial details indicated on the label.

Tastings and initiations: tips for a rich experience

For a successful tasting, engage all your senses and your memory. Here's how:

• Use a tulip-shaped glass to better capture the aromas.
• Observe color and viscosity to judge quality and aging.
• Smell without touching to distinguish olfactory notes, then air and smell again for greater subtlety.
• Taste slowly, savor on the tongue and palate, and note the long finish revealing complexity and character.
• Vary the cognacs by age and strength, and note your impressions and preferences.
• Experiment with sweet or savoury accompaniments, neat, with water, ice cubes or in cocktails.

With these keys in hand, you're ready for a memorable adventure at the heart of the Houses of Cognac. Live the experience to the full!

Gastronomic walks in Cognac

Exploring Cognac at your own pace, by bike or on the water, you'll be charmed by its rich heritage, verdant panoramas and vineyards. The town invites you to savor its rich gastronomy and specialties, celebrating the terroir and its famous cognac.

Discover how to fully appreciate Cognac.

Must-see walks in and around the city

In and around the city, Cognac offers a multitude of itineraries to suit all tastes. Highlights include :

• The Old Cognac circuit, for an immersion in the historic soul of the town, highlighting such gems as the Château de Cognac, the Church of Saint-Léger and the Porte Saint-Jacques. The lively lanes and squares, with their many shops and restaurants, promise charming strolls.
• A walk along the Charente offers splendid views of the river and its banks. Crossing quays, footbridges and bridges, you'll discover the river's heritage through trading houses and wash houses. A river cruise reveals the region's hidden charms.
• Explore the vineyards and surrounding countryside on hikes, discovering the fauna, flora and wine-making traditions of Cognac. Visits to distilleries and cognac tastings punctuate this authentic experience, and may even take you as far as charente maritime, on the banks of the Gironde estuary.

Gastronomy and local specialities

Cognac, a land of gourmet delights, offers a culinary immersion in the richness of its local produce: Charentais melon, truffles, caviar, foie gras, goat's cheese and honey. Traditional dishes, such as boiled eel or pot au feu de cagouilles, invite you on a unique gustatory voyage.

Local pastries, such as galette charentaise or millas charentais, and cognac or pineau des Charentes, perfect accompaniments, offer a complete experience of regional flavors.

Combining cognac and gastronomy: pairing tips

Versatile cognac is perfect from aperitif to dessert. Select it by age, vintage and aroma to complement the textures and flavors of your dishes.

• As an aperitif, a VS or VSOP cognac, light and fresh, goes wonderfully with tapas, cold meats and dried fruit. They are also excellent in cocktails, as in Cognac Summit, a refreshing blend of cognac, lime, ginger and soda.
• Choose an XO or higher-aged cognac for main courses, pairing ideally with red meats, game, cheeses or chocolates. Use it also to enrich your sauces by deglazing or flambéing.
• A vintage or collector's cognac is perfect with desserts, fruit, creams, ice creams or cakes. It's also the perfect choice for a digestif, elegantly concluding your meal.

With these suggestions, Cognac awaits you for a memorable experience combining cultural discoveries and gastronomic delights.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an authentic experience, immerse yourself in the world of Cognac, the undisputed capital of eau-de-vie. This city is distinguished by its incredible historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage. You'll have the opportunity to admire exceptional architectural monuments, stroll along the peaceful banks of the Charente, visit emblematic distilleries and trading houses, savor the famous cognac accompanied by exquisite dishes, and immerse yourself in a variety of cultural events.

The charming town of Cognac will captivate you with its warm atmosphere and unique art of living. Don't delay, plan your getaway to Cognac now.

Visit the official website of the tourist office to discover even more details about this fascinating destination and to access the most advantageous offers. We wish you a wonderful stay in Cognac!

FAQ

Where is Cognac?

Located in the Charente department, in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Cognac rests peacefully on the banks of the Charente, nestled between Angoulême and Saintes.

Why visit Cognac?

A visit to Cognac means discovering a town with a rich historical and cultural heritage, including such gems as the Château de Cognac, the Maison de la Lieutenance and the Musée des Arts du Cognac. Famous for its world-renowned eau-de-vie, Cognac invites you to explore the great cognac houses such as Rémy Martin, Martell and Hennessy, offering an unforgettable taste experience. The town also boasts an enchanting natural setting, with the Charente River offering lovely gabarre and bicycle rides.

Where to walk in Cognac?

In Cognac, there's a wide range of walks to suit all tastes: from discovering the prestigious cognac houses of Hennessy, Rémy Martin and Martell, to exploring the old town, home to the Château Royal de Cognac, the Convent des Récollets, the Porte Saint-Jacques and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire. For nature lovers, a gabarre cruise on the Charente, an electric bike rental or a trip on the Circuit du Roy are all activities to enjoy.

Is Cognac a good place to live?

Cognac is renowned for its quality of life, offering a serene and historic setting, with a mild, sunny climate. The town is attractive thanks to its proximity to the sea and vineyards, affordable real estate and modern leisure facilities. However, it may be less attractive to young people, students or those seeking urban cultural experiences.