For anyone that has traveled in France outside of the beautiful and amazing city of Paris, there is something wonderful and timeless in some of the smaller cities and towns that grace the countryside. Cognac is one such city located on the river Charente near the Atlantic Coast. This charming village or commune is home to lovely cobblestone streets and architecture that dates back several centuries as well as the vineyards and distilleries of brandy that give the city its name. For those looking to see as much as possible of the multi-faceted French culture, or those who just have a love of the potent potable, a stay in Cognac is a must; if just for a tour of the vineyards and an opportunity to see (and taste) the cognac making process first hand. These hotels Cognac has to offer listed here provide the very best in accommodations for visitors wishing to spend a few days exploring this delightful village.
Keeping up with the times these wonderful hotels in Cognac provide the very best of accommodations. The staff is always on hand to answer any questions about local interests, and the concierge can provide assistance with tours of the vineyards or directions and travel arrangements for destinations in and outside of the city.
After checking in to one of these hotels Cognac awaits, and certainly the main attractions are the six vineyards that produce all of the Cognac consumed around the world. These tours of say Hennessey or Remy Martin are quite informative on the processes involved and offer not only ample tasting at the end but an exploration of the different flavors for a better understanding of the various qualities of the brandy and the terminology used to describe them. For any lover of brandy traveling in Europe this is a fantastic city to stop and smell the snifter as it were. The tour guides themselves will vary as one would expect, but most are inviting and open to questions about the craft. A hearty lunch is provided during the tour consisting of locally grown produce and regional dishes that will assist in cushioning the blow of the impending tasting and evening to come.
Nearby these hotels Cognac has quite a few interesting sites to see as well as some beautiful architecture that ranges from the fifteenth to eighteenth century. The medieval Old Town is the place to go to check out some of the oddly strange buildings that date back to the fourteen hundreds. A few to mention would be the Chateau des Valois, and the Saint-Leger church. The former is a medieval trade location important for the salt trade at the time, while the latter has been standing since the twelfth century. The Cognac Public Garden is located in the center of the village and offers lovely views of several historical buildings as well as several hectares of walkways and fountains to enjoy a stroll on a sunny afternoon.
Also nearby these hotels Cognac has the Musee des Arts containing a wonderful history of the region focusing as one might expect on the vineyards and brandy making industry. Of particular note is the history of bottle making which delves into great detail the developing process over the last several hundred years. Also nearby is the Musee d'Art et d'Histoire which is home to a nice collection of regional artwork.
While enjoying an extended stay at one of these hotels in Cognac perhaps a day trip down to Bordeaux is in order as it is less than an hour away. This historic city offers a wide variety of attractions and points of interest. Once again, for wine aficionados tours of this region are a must. In the summertime there is nothing quite like France for the wine festivals, and Bordeaux cannot be missed. Also, Bordeaux relies heavily on tourism and there are an amazing assortment of boutiques and shops to occupy an afternoon. A trip to the Atlantic coast is also only minutes away and while the fame of the French Riviera may overshadow the coast to the west, there are some beautiful beaches all along France's western coastline as well as some lovely villages and towns to visit.
Cognac is a wonderful little city with a personality all its own. The town itself is similar to a lot of towns in France with its cobbled streets and small cafes, but the unique nature of its product makes the trip well worth it. The atmosphere and the people provide the charm, and there is nothing quite like lazily meandering along the avenues stopping in local specialty shops, or enjoying a snifter of brandy and a meal sitting outside at a bistro. To say visiting New York City is seeing America is the same as saying a trip to Paris is all France has to offer. The true charm and beauty of this wonderful country lies in towns like Cognac.
US Dollar Currency
1.3145- |
1.0664- |
1.0012- |
0.1768
Spanish
Chinese
Dutch
