Culture, wine, art, food and more ….
Whatever your style, you’ll find information here to make the most out of your trip.
The history of Cognac
Started as a Paleolithic settlement (with remnants still found and explorable in the area), Cognac was an important stop for Romans traveling to the neighboring city of Saintes.
The Benedictines settled in the Cognac area during the Middle Ages (1016) by building Église St-Léger with the city becoming a stop on the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in north-west Spain.
Cognac gained prominence in France after François 1st, the first of five monarchs of the Angoulême branch of the House of Valois, was born in 1494 in Château de Cognac, the site of our wedding venue. François 1st served as king from 1515 to 1547 continuing the consolidation of monarchical authority and the expansionist foreign policy of his predecessors. He supported humanist learning and was a patron of the arts.
In the 1700s, a number of renowned British families, including Hennessy, Martell & Remy-Martin, moved to Cognac where they start their famous liquor houses which continue to operate across the globe today.
What is there to see around Cognac if I don’t rent a car?
We understand that many of you will arrive by train and won’t have a car during your stay. Consider seeing the attractions below which are 45 min or less from downtown Cognac via foot, Uber and/or are easily accesible by local train.
For more information visit Cognac’s Tourism Office
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Cognac Houses
Hennesy, Remy Martin, and Martell are globally recognized Cognac houses. Each of then offers guided, interactive tours covering the history and process of making Cognac. We particularly enjoyed Martell’s tour.
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Les Foudres
Treat yourself to a Michelin starred dinner at Les Foudres restaurant in the Chais Monet hotel.
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Jardins Public
Le jardin public de Cognac is located in of the heart of the town. It is one of the few English-styled gardens in France open to the general public.
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Place François 1er
Enjoy a drink or a bite with the locals on the commercial areas around the François 1er plaza.
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Boat Tours
“A river of incredibly clear water lined with pines, vineyards and meadows, the Charente is among the prettiest waterways for canal boat vacations in France” - LeBoat.com
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Église St-Leger
Founded in 1016 and built in 1130, this church mixes roman and gothic architecture. In this church JL had his first baptism.
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Les Halles
Have brunch or lunch Saturday at the local market and enjoy the variety and freshness of the town’s producers.
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Walking Architecture Tours
Explore Old Cognac and see Cognac production houses that were built in medieval times.
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Musée des Arts du Cognac
Learn about the history and production of Cognac and its influence on the town and region.
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Royan
A 45 min train ride from downtown Cognac, this beach town offers great seafood, and impressive beaches.
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Saintes
A 30 min train ride from Cognac, Saintes was an important Roman settlement. Explore ruins in and around town and enjoy remarkable cuisine.
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Angoulême
Known as the comic book capital of France today, Angoulême hosts impressive architectural sites and great restaurants.
Charentes region
Cognac is part of the greater Charentes region spanning he Charente river and its numerous affluents. The greater Charentes region offers a wide range of attractions and activities with its landscapes of hills, vineyards, lakes, prairies and woods. As you plan your trip, if you have a car, consider exploring nearby towns or attractions before or after our wedding celebration.
Explore the Charentes region if you have a car and the time
For more information visit Charentes tourism website
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Brives-sur-Charentes (15 min)
Explore the village where JL’s family resides and where they spent summers and holidays growing up.
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Paleolithic Archeological Site (25 min)
A visit to the Paléosite includes following gin the footsteps of Pierrette’, a Neanderthal woman who lived over 36,000 years ago here in the little village of Saint-Césaire in Charente-Maritime.
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Aubeterre sur Drome
It has been officially listed as "One of the most beautiful villages in France" since 1993. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is also well known for its Church of Saint Jean, an underground, Monolithic Church.
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Château de la Roche Courbon
Built in the 15th century, the Château’s Renaissance double stairs will lead you to gardens "à la francaise,” flower beds, orchard, statues, and ornamental ponds.
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Chateau de Crazzanes
The story of the “Castle of Puss in Boots” goes back to the 17th century, when the castle was the property of the Marquis de Carabas, who inspired Charles Perrault to write his famous tale.
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Beach Day - La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a historic port town in western France. It’s the perfect little beachside getaway and a great place from which to explore the area. It’s rich in culture, architecture and gastronomy.
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Chateau de Villebois La Valette
It is located on a prominent hill which has a château dating back to Roman times. In the center of the old town, there is an old wooden covered market that dates back to the 16th century.
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Bordeaux
In the heart of grape-growing country, this riverside city in France is especially appealing to those in the wine-sipping, food-loving crowd.
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La Cité du Vin - Bordeaux
A museum that deserves more than one visit. This museum utilizes all your senses to explore the history, science and social impact of wine production and distribution on humanity.
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L'île de Ré
Home to glorious beaches, vineyards, salt marshes, and authentic French villages, Ile de Ré has been the second home of fashionable Parisians for generations.
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L'île d'Oléron
L'île d'Oléron is the largest island on the French Atlantic coast. The “luminous” island is famous for its wonderful fine sandy beaches but also for nature at its most enchanting.
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Lascaux
Lascaux is famous for its Palaeolithic cave paintings, found in a complex of caves in the Dordogne region of southwestern France.
The Wedding Venue
The birthplace of the king François the 1st in 1494, Le Chateau Royal de Cognac sits by the banks of the river Charente and is in the heart of the old town. The castle is also the home of the Cognac brand Baron Otard.
