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The second-largest city in the Charente department, Cognac is located between Saintes and Angoulême, at the heart of the vineyard of the same name. The city owes its reputation to the famous amber spirit, which made the fortune of the region’s merchants.
Old Cognac
Cognac’s civil architecture bears witness to the wealth generated by the trade of the precious beverage, once facilitated by the Charente river that flows through the city. From the quays, the two Saint-Jacques towers, remnants of the medieval enclosure, invite visitors to explore the old quarter.
Francis I’s Castle
It was at the Château des Valois that King Francis I was born in 1494. This beautiful edifice, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, now belongs to the Otard family. Inside, the Helmet and Guards Room is the oldest part of the premises. It was here that Richard the Lionheart celebrated his son’s marriage to Amélie de Cognac.
The governor’s residence features a magnificent Gothic door and a turret with a spiral staircase. A visit to Cognac Castle includes the cellars, located at river level.
The Old Streets of Cognac
The old streets of the old town are located all around the castle. The narrow streets invite you to discover the historic heart on foot to better admire the private mansions and Renaissance residences. The Maison de la Lieutenance, at No. 5 Rue Grande, is the finest example. Its half-timbered facade with sculpted wooden pieces dates from the 15th century. Notice, as you pass, the solitary stance of the sculpted imp!
A little further on, Rue Magdeleine holds magnificent residences: the 16th-century Hôtel de Rabayne, distinguished by a salamander above its door, and the Hôtel de Javrezac, from the same period, topped with a turret.
The Merchant Houses
Take advantage of a stopover in Cognac to visit one of the famous merchant houses: Martell, Hennessy, Otard, Camus, Meukow, or Rémy Martin… Each House offers a guided tour of its establishment, a visit to the cellars and distillery, followed by a tasting.
Cognac Production
The secret to Cognac production lies in the technique of distilling white wines, which is carried out in ‘two heats’ under the watchful eye of the distiller. The first distillation produces the ‘brouillis’ (first distillate), which is then returned to the still for a second distillation, called the ‘bonne chauffe’ (good heat). The blending of eaux-de-vie, from different crus and ages, is entrusted to the cellar master, who, like a ‘nose’ in perfumery, balances the aromas until the unique taste characteristic of each great house is achieved.
Primarily an International Market
Cognac enjoys international renown: little consumed in France, 98% of it is exported to 160 countries. The largest importers are the United States, China, and Singapore. The French appreciate it more as a long drink in cocktail form as an aperitif, but also in cooking where it reveals the aromas of the most delicate dishes.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health, please drink responsibly.
