HISTORY AND COGNAC

Cognac is not only a world-famous liquor, but it is also a beautiful and historical city. Located on the river Charente, the majority of the town has been built on the river's left bank, with the smaller right bank area known as the Saint Jacques district.

The town has been linked to grape-growing since the Middle Ages, and to trading wine since the 12th century. A river town by the Charente, Cognac sent wines by sea from the ancient vineyards of Poitou as far as Holland and Scandinavian countries. Located on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the town owes its wealth and success to King Francis the 1st.

In the medieval part of the city, you will explore the narrow, cobbled streets bordered by townhouses dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries, and the Cognac-maturing warehouses along the river located in the Castel of Cognac, the birthplace of Francis the 1st.

We recommend a stop at the Musée des Arts du Cognac, opened in 2004. This small museum is beautifully built into the old walls of the historic town and gives you a great background on the Cognac production process. It makes for a perfect starting point before you embark on the visit of the Cognac Houses of the region.

Highlights:

• Visit the Cognac-maturing warehouses of Château de Cognac – Baron Otard along the river
• Explore the narrow, cobbled streets that are bordered by townhouses dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries
• Stop at the Musée des Arts du Cognac that opened in 2004. This small museum is beautifully built into the old walls of the historic town and gives you a great background on Cognac producing