Regional Activities in the Cognac Area
Visit a maison de Cognac, of course! Most require a reservation.
Otard
Our neighbors, G & C Raby
Meukow — This hour-long tour only costs 10€ and includes a tasting at the end.
It may also be possible for us to book a private tour with one of the houses in the Heavenly Spirits
portfolio: Jean Fillioux, duPeyrat, Monnet, and Normandin Mercier (in La Rochelle).
Visit a cooperage.
Visit one of the surrounding towns and cities:
Angoulême - Known for its annual comic book festival, Angoulême sits on a plateau overlooking
the Charente River. It was a fortified city in ancient times.
Cognac - Also situated on the Charente, also fortified, Cognac is home to the popular brandy. It
is also on the famous pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela (St. Jacques de Compostelle
in French).
Jarnac – Birthplace and final resting place of former president François Mitterrand and home to
Courvoisier cognac. Also sits on the Charente River (are you sensing a theme?)
Jonzac – This thermal town is on the Seugne, a tributary of the Charente. Like many French
towns, there’s a castle, but there’s also a spa attraction called Les Antilles, if you’re looking to
pamper yourself!
Pons – This medieval city has a keep that dominates it. It’s also part of the Santiago de
Compostela, and like Jonzac, is located on the Seugne.
Saintes – Also on the Charente River, Saintes is a lovely little city where you can spend an hour
cruising in a boat on the river, if strolling the downtown streets isn’t your thing.
Farther afield, on the coast:
La Rochelle – Belle et rebelle, La Rochelle is a gem of a city with a vibrant history. Stroll from
tower to tower on the harbor and enjoy a drink at one of the many cafés that line it—if you can
find a seat! Or rent a bike from the city’s famous yellow bike program.
Island of Ré – Located just off the industrial harbor in La Rochelle, the Île de Ré is a lovely place
to while away a day. We recommend renting bikes and criss-crossing the island on the many
established paths. The bridge to the island is a toll bridge but is accessible by bus from La
Rochelle. As of January 1, 2023, the toll is 8€, but jumps to 16€ from June 20 through
September 11.
Island of Oléron – Unlike Ré, the bridge linking Oléron to the mainland is free. Oléron is known
for its oyster beds in Marennes, a geographically protected area (comparable to how it’s only
sparkling wine unless it comes from the Champagne region of France). Locals and tourists alike
enjoy shore fishing, digging up cockles, razor clams, crabs, and shrimp. The Chassiron
lighthouse, at the top of the island, and Fort Boyard, to the east of the island, are both must-
see landmarks.
Royan – This resort town was destroyed by Allied bombs during World War II and is now a
wonderful example of 1950s modern architecture.
Get Sporty!
Golf: If you’re in the mood to hit the links, there are several acclaimed courses in the area.
Swimming: Le Cot has a pool, of course, but if you’re in the mood for something other than that
(or the Atlantic Ocean, not far away), here is a list of freshwater lakes in the region.
Gastronomy
There are lots of great restaurants in the area, but if you want something a cut above, here are
several nearby Michelin-starred restaurants. All links are to Michelin’s site, but in some cases,
online reservations are not available:
Les Foudres (one star, Cognac)
La Ribaudière (one star, Bourg-Charente)
Les Sources de Fontbelle (one star, Angoulême)
Christopher Coutanceau (two stars, La Rochelle)
L’Hysope (one star, La Jarrie, near La Rochelle)
Distillery Tours
Visit a maison de Cognac! Most require a reservation.
Otard
Our neighbors, G & C Raby
Meukow — This hour-long tour only costs 10€ and includes a tasting at the end.
Martell, one of the “Big 4” cognac producers.
It may also be possible for us to book a private tour with one of the houses in the Heavenly Spirits
portfolio: Jean Fillioux, duPeyrat, Monnet, and Normandin Mercier (in La Rochelle).
Otard Castle Distillery Tours
https://www.chateaudecognac.com/
Museums
La Corderie Royale - Located in Rochefort, this former rope factory is an impressive sight. While you're there, check out L'Hermione, the replica of Lafayette's ship. Gorgeous.
Museum of Cognac Know-How - Cognac. Discover the evolution of cognac-making techniques and business strategies.
Museum of Art and History - Cognac
This museum has works from the 18th to the 20th centuries, as well as archaeological items from the region.
Museum of Natural History - La Rochelle
Located in the heart of the city, within a beautiful park, this museum is worth a visit.
Maritime Museum - La Rochelle
This museum traces the rich maritime history of La Rochelle, and allows visitors to access certain ships.
Wine tours and tastings
A list with links is being worked on.
Domaine de Garancille - Located a 10-minute drive from Le Cot, Domaine de Garancille offers wine tastings for small groups. A reservation is required; the domaine can also provide food.
G & C Raby - Our neighbors produce cognac, wine, and pineau des charentes, a local apéritif made from cognac and grape juice. (It's delicious. Trust.) Visits by appointment.
