The lively spirit of Cognac is everywhere – in its renowned eau-de-vie and in its namesake area, where the elegant elixir is lovingly cultivated and produced.

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What better way to enjoy next year’s National Cognac Day on 4 June 2024 than to explore the region of its origin?

The exceptional area of Cognac lies between land and sea, proudly boasting a rich gastronomic and cultural heritage as well as a multitude of experiences to enjoy. Its perimeter is defined by the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. At its heart is the historical town of Cognac, birthplace of legendary Renaissance king Francis I, and also home to most of the major Cognac houses. Between the Atlantic and the expansive vineyards lie other iconic towns and famed maritime islands such as Oléron, renowned for its Marennes oysters and lively communities.

Explore Cognac at A Glance

Access from Paris, example by car:

• Paris to Angoulême | 450km / 280 miles | approximately a 5-hour drive

Access from Paris, examples by train:

• Paris to Angoulême by TGV Atlantique | 2 hours
• Paris CDG Airport to Angoulême | 3 hours
• Bordeaux to Angoulême | 34 minutes

What to do / Experiences

• Cognac House tasting & visit
• Explore the vineyards by e-bike or vintage 2CV car
• Become a grape picker for the day
• Drink a cognac cocktail at a local bar and/or try your hand at mixology

Famous native daughters & sons

• 12th-century Eleanor of Aquitaine & Isabelle d’Angoulême, both queens of England
• Born in Cognac: François 1er, France’s Renaissance king | Jean Monnet, one of the main founders of the EEC (precursor to the EU)
• Born in Jarnac: President François Mitterand

1. Born in Marennes: Explorer Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec & New France

Food and wine specialities

• Food: Salt, oysters and mussels, lightly salted butter, melons and truffles, cheeses such as the Chabichou du Poitou, Barbezieux chicken, potatoes.
• Wines & spirits: Cognac, Pineau des Charentes (an aromatic fortified wine (white, red and rosé) made from blending grape must (juice) and cognac), red, rosé and white wines, Brûlot charentais (a signature cognac and coffee drink).

Notable sites

• Angoulême, Cognac, La Rochelle, Islands: Ile d’Oléron & Ile de Ré, Jarnac, Saintes (Roman ruins and amphitheatre) and the county of Saintonge (includes Jonzac, Marennes – famed for its oyster farms and interactive oyster museum), Royan and its towering UNESCO Cordouan Lighthouse, Rochefort (where Lafayette’s Hermione frigate and replica were built).

Major festivals & events

• November-March: distillation in action
• Late January: Angoulême’s International Comic Strip Festival – 2024 is its 50th edition
• February: St-Trojan-les-Bains’ Mimosa Festival
• Early May to early June: International Chamber Music Festival (throughout Charente)
• Early July: Cognac Blues Passions, Cognac
• Mid-July: La Rochelle’s Francofolies

For more information go to https://www.explore-cognac.com/?lang=en