Follow the route through the vineyards which produce a special, world-renowned brandy.

The vineyards themselves stretch over 200,000 acres,  criss-crossing the hills and plains. This region, which is split into six growing areas or ” crus “, is a beautiful place dedicated to good living.

In the Cognac country there are close to 500 km ( 310 miles ) of shared roads ( meaning routes with little traffic ) and so-called green paths that are signposted, maintained and adapted for all types of cycle.

 An amazing and awesome windmill just at the turn of the road

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What’s hidden behind this wooden door ?

…An old French car of the Sixties….

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The town of Cognac did not earn its international reputation simply from the product of the same name;King Francis 1st and Jean Monnet were born here

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 Pedestrian street

Saint Léger Church ( 12 th C )

In 1031, Saint Benoît’s disciples founded a priory : a modest church and convent buildings . Around 1130-1140, they built the current church in the form of Latin cross with cupolas . The Romanesque façade was dramatically changed by the insertion of a large rose window.

Statue of Francis 1st on the horse, king of France.

Brasserie du Coq d’ Or .

Unique : La  “Cognathèque”. This is the ideal place for Cognac tasting “

 The Town Hall

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The Castle of the Valois ( 15 th C ) – King Francis Ist was born there on 12 th September 1494.

The castle is currently owned by an important Cognac trading Compagny.

Future King François Ist was born in this castle in 1494. When he became king he added a wing to the castle, including a guardroom, which borders the river Charente. He also made a feature of a beautiful Renaissance window, adorned with medallions and a salamander.

 St Jacques  Towers ( 15 th C ) – Former gateway into the town

These two crenellated towers are the most visible remains of the fortified medieval walls.

Cognac – Port Fluvial – In early 1900 – Transport barges used to load Cognac barrels.

Old neighbourhood

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An important Detective film festival holds in Cognac each year.

Museums

In 2004, Perrin de Boussac townhouse was refurbished and blended with striking contempary architecture to create Cognac’s museum, the ” Musée des Arts du cognac “.

The building is set into the town historic ramparts and the museum is dedicated to Cognac production skills , from wine-growing and distillation  to packaging.

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This “Espace découverte” is dedicated to Cognac region Heritage. It is located in the oldest Cognac Company, the Maison Augier, founded in 1643.

Exposition ‘Beyond the covers” – Jonathan Mannion – Hip hop and rap Artists Photographer .

Blues Music Festival  “Passions de Cognac”.

Street arts Festival of Cognac.

On the walls….

Cognac Meukow.

In 1715, Jean Martell arrived from his native island of Jersey and set up his own eaux-de-vie trading company in Cognac. Martell is the oldest of the major Cognac producers.

Hennessy, since 1765….

It was here on the rue de la Richonne that Richard Hennessy laid the foundations of a company that would, over time, become the greatest cognac producer in the world.

This Irishman, who came to France to fight alongside Louis XV, has devoted his life to trading some of the best “eaux-de-vie” in the region, keeping them in his cellars on the banks of the River Charente, before dispatching them all over the world.

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In the Charente there are close to 500 km ( 310 miles ) of shared roads ( meaning routes with little traffic ) and so-called green paths that are signposted, maintained and adapted for all types of cycle.

From the very beginning Jarnac is closely linked to the river.

The Park : Ile Madame.

You can stroll  in the park , which is crisscrossed by the Charente.

The Gallo-Roman potters first came to settle there near the River. The river has contribued to the quick development of the town through  trades in salt, wine and brandy  transported by  barge . Today, pleasure boats and water sports have  taken over.

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The Jarnac bridge over the river Charente.

Courvoisier,  Napoleon’s favorite Cognac.

Napoleon’s memories.

Jarnac, birth place of President François Mitterrand,

President François Mitterrand was born in Jarnac in 1916. He has donated part of his collection of presidential gifts to the town.  The house where he was born ( lived in by his mother’s family for over a century ) lies within easy reach of the riverside quay that today bears his name.

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Walking and Cycling tours in France, Spain, Italy

Live a unique experience in France with our self-guided and guided walking and cycling holidays : Camino de Santiago, Way of St James, Provence, Normandy, …