| Cognac is a prosperous town with medieval alleyways that fan out from a delightful riverside quarter. Here you'll find the largest concentration of chais or wine cellars where fine brandy or Cognac is matured.
It's not hard to spot these world famous chais as their walls are covered with fungi that thrives on the alcohol fumes given off during the maturing process. There are many Cognac houses to visit including Otard or Hennessy Cognac (above) which keeps 180,000 barrels in stock. Here (and in most distilleries) you'll discover the fine art of Cognac making and the secret of blending as all run regular tours throughout the year and all end with a tasting.
There are also plenty of additional sights including the Ancien Chateau - a 15th-16th-century chateau (now home to Cognac Otard) where the Valois clan lived and where Francois I was born. The town has some lovely shops and great restaurants too. We recommend a tour around one of the houses followed by lunch in the town and then a trip to the Andre Mermet park which has loads of fun things for children including bouncy castles and a splash pool in peak season. |
