5 reasons to go on a gastronomic trip to Cognac

There’s more to the Cognac region, which spans Charente and Charente-Maritime, than its iconic eau-de-vie, as any visit is sure to reveal…

The sun-drenched corner of southwest France that gave birth to the world’s most prestigious brandy is also a quietly captivating region of vineyard-cloaked hills, slow rivers, elegant towns and deep-rooted savoir-faire. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply curious, here are five compelling reasons to visit.

1. Enjoy unique foods from land and sea

The Cognac region is blessed with a wealth of fine produce-oysters from Marennes-Oléron, goat’s cheese, salt, caviar and Charentais melon all flourish here, sharing the same terroir as Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. Enjoy balsamic vinegar aged in Cognac barrels at Baume de Bouteville, or savour breakfast beside a working copper still at Chai du Rouissoir. Cruise to an oyster farm on a traditional flat-bottomed boat, then taste oysters with Cognac cocktails in an oyster hut. Whether you choose to taste regional specialities at markets, in stylish restaurants, or direct from the producer, the region offers a true taste of art de vivre.

2. Dine in beautiful restaurants

From coastal elegance to riverside charm, the Charentes offer a rich and varied dining scene, so whether you’re after a relaxed beach lunch or a refined tasting menu in a vaulted cellar, you’ll find something to savour. The region is home to nine Michelin-starred restaurants. In Cognac, Les Foudres at Hôtel Chais Monnet serves inventive cuisine in a former barrel cellar, while nearby La Ribaudière offers gourmet dining on the banks of the Charente. In Puymoyen, Aumi charms with its seasonal bistronomie, and in La Rochelle, Christopher Coutanceau – one of France’s three-star chefs delivers an unforgettable ocean-inspired experience. Wherever you dine, local ingredients and creative flair are a given.

3. Try your hand at cooking, baking and cocktails

The Cognac region offers plenty of gastronomic experiences for those keen to roll up their sleeves. Head to legendary Cognac house Hine and make a selection of mouthwatering appetisers to pair with Grande Champagne Cognac. Learn at the hands of a master at a cooking session with Chef Ludovic Merle at Restaurant du Château in Jarnac, where you’ll learn refined yet approachable French techniques using seasonal ingredients. Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at breadmaking in the traditional ovens of a Charentais château, or practise your skills in a choice of cocktail workshops, where you’ll master the art of mixology using Cognac and local botanicals.

4. Discover new pairings with Cognac

Cognac’s complex flavours make it a surprisingly versatile partner at the table. At Domaine Normandin-Mercier, just outside La Rochelle, pair Cognac with organic chocolates from a nearby artisan maker. At Maison Hine, cheese is the perfect foil for revealing new depths in aged eaux-de-vie. And at Domaine de Pladuc in Lachaise, you can learn to cook spice-laced samosas-then pair them with Cognac selected for its complementary character. These combinations showcase -Cognac’s adaptability and its rightful place beyond the end-of-meal digestif.

5. Taste Cognac in truly unique settings

In Cognac, food and drink come with a strong sense of place. Step into Château de Cognac, birthplace of Francis I, for a gourmet tasting in its majestic halls. Admire sweeping vineyard views from the top of the old mill at Maison Boinaud while tasting De Luze VSOP, XO and EXTRA Cognacs, served with gourmet snacks. Or drift along the River Charente from Jarnac to Bourg-Charente and back on a serene gourmet cruise, pairing local delicacies with Cognac. For something more intimate, enjoy a private dinner (plus a tasting direct from the barrel) in the historic cellars of Maison Delamain, in Jarnac. At Château de Chanteloup, dine with three Michelin-starred Chef Frédéric Mazzia, perfectly pairing unique dishes with the Cognacs in a special experience limited to six guests. Or discover a whimsical French-British twist at Maison Hine, where Cognac is served with afternoon tea. www.explore-cognac.com

Getting there

Just a few hours from Paris or Bordeaux, Cognac and the Charentes are easily accessible by train, car or plane. From the UK, fly direct to La Rochelle; US visitors can fly into Paris and get a connecting flight to Bordeaux. The TGV from Paris to La Rochelle is 2.5h. By car, take the A10 from Paris, 5h to La Rochelle. Bordeaux is a 2h drive.

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