THINGS TO DO IN Cognac: 1-DAY ITINERARY

The birthplace of Francois I, King of France, and France’s eau-de-vie, Cognac is more well known for its legendary tipple than its historic ties. Discover this charming town, tucked along the winding Charente River, through both your taste buds and your footsteps.

You’ll hop between museums that showcase local history while also walking through the heart of Cognac Old Town. Of course, you can’t skip a visit to one of the legendary cognac estates while you’re here. There are several to choose from, including the famous Henessey and lesser-known finds like Chateau Montifaud.

This is your ultimate itinerary for one day in the beautiful yet boozy French village of Cognac.

Day 1

Tour Neo-Gothique

Kick off your tour of Cognac at the beautiful Jardin Public. Start at the Tour Neo-Gothique. Built in 1835, this octagonal tower sits surrounded by an ornamental pond. Despite the fact that this tower was never part of a larger, more historical building, it's a pretty place to begin your walk through town.

Maison du Négociant - Musée d’Art et d’Histoire

Situated on the other side of the park, the Maison du Négociant - Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is an art museum tucked inside a merchant’s house (as the name suggests). Built in the 19th century, this mansion was once the home of cognac merchants. Visitors will find both temporary art exhibits and their permanent exhibit, which showcases what life was like for the merchants who lived here through antique furnishings.

Château Royale de Cognac

Chateau Royale de Cognac is both a distillery and a famous chateau in one. Head inside the chateau, whose foundation was built in the 10th century, to discover the castle where Francois I, King of France, was born and where cognac is produced today. Admire the combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture on one of three tours. Each tour offers a unique perspective on the castle, from a local at the cellars to the King’s private apartments. Each tour also ensures a sample of Baron Otard cognac at the end.

Porte Saint-Jacques & Porte des Ponts

Continue down the Quai de Cognac, a riverfront promenade along the Charente River. You’ll come upon the twin curtain towers of Porte Saint-Jacques and Porte des Ponts, both remnants of a Medieval wall that once surrounded the city.

Musée de Savoir-Faire du Cognac

Stop by the Musée de Savoir-Faire du Cognac in the south of town to discover the cognac distillation process from the grape harvest to the final product. Formerly known as the Musée des Arts du Cognac until its renaming in 2020, this museum offers a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind cognac. Temporary exhibits are held throughout the year, but the permanent collection is the real draw. Learn more about the local terroir, see antique cognac-making equipment, and explore how cognac has been represented in pop culture.

Vieux Cognac

Step into Vieux Cognac, the town’s historic quarter, where timber-framed houses, Renaissance mansions, and medieval alleys tell the story of Cognac’s rich past. Once home to wealthy cognac merchants, this district showcases beautifully preserved 16th-century architecture, cobbled streets, and lively squares. Wander through Place François I, the historic heart of the town, named after its most famous resident, and admire the Maison de la Lieutenance, an iconic half-timbered house adorned with intricate carvings. Explore Rue Grande, one of the oldest streets in Cognac, lined with merchant houses that once played a key role in the town’s trading history. Vieux Cognac is also home to discreet courtyards and hidden passageways that once connected the homes of traders and nobility.

Eglise Saint-Leger

An imposing cathedral in the center of Cognac, pay a visit to the 12th century Eglise Saint-Leger. You’ll see classic Romanesque and Gothic features, including a rose window, frescoes, and bell tower. Be sure to take special notice of the arched doorway. The top includes the 12 zodiac signs, while other exterior embellishments feature historic motifs.

Covered Market

End your tour through town at the large, covered market where you’ll find produce and products from local farmers.

Day 1 - Cognac Tour Map

Day Trips From Cognac

• La Rochelle: An hour and fifteen minutes from Cognac, La Rochelle is a pretty seaside resort town that’s perfect for those who want to feel a sea breeze. Spend the day at the beautiful aquarium, eating local oysters, and uncovering maritime history. Visitors can also explore the nearby Charente-Maritime islands of Ile de Re, Ile d’Oleron, and Ile d’Aix.

• Rochefort: Another coastal city, Rochefort is just one hour by car from Cognac and makes for a charming seaside day trip. Seek out the historic harbor, cozy up in charming cafes, or explore quirky museums like the Ancient School of Naval Medicine.

• Bordeaux: About an hour and a half south of Cognac, Bordeaux is the perfect day trip for wine and architecture lovers. Nicknamed the “Wine Capital of the World,” visitors can spend the day seeking out countryside wineries, learning more about the wine-making process at Cité du Vin, diving in tastebuds first to the gourmet food scene, and traipsing past gorgeous architecture.

• Périgueux: Gateway to the Dordogne region of France, Périgueux is a charming riverside town that’s full of unique architecture and Roman ruins.

• Abbaye de Bassac: A historic Benedictine abbey in the village of Bassac, just a short drive from Cognac. Dating back to the 11th century, it features a Romanesque and Gothic church, a peaceful cloister, and a vaulted passage. Open year-round, visitors can explore the abbey through self-guided or guided tours, with access to the gardens, historic halls, and the abbot’s residence. A small boutique offers books and regional products, making it a great stop for history and architecture lovers.

• Saintes: Just 25 km southwest of Cognac, Saintes is rich in Gallo-Roman history. Visit the Roman amphitheatre, one of France’s best-preserved, and the Arch of Germanicus, marking the entrance to the ancient city. The Saint-Pierre Cathedral impresses with its Gothic architecture, while the Abbaye aux Dames offers a peaceful retreat. A stroll along the Charente River reveals charming cafés and scenic views.

• Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire: Just 30 km south of Cognac, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire sits in the Petite Champagne cognac region. The town’s highlight is the Château de Barbezieux, a 13th-century fortress with towering stone walls. Nearby, the Church of Saint-Mathias showcases impressive Gothic details. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, offering cognac and Pineau des Charentes tastings, perfect for those keen to explore local flavours.

Top Things to Do With Kids in Cognac

• Les Anes de la Reverie: Escape to the French countryside with a donkey companion at Les Anes de la Reverie. You’ll strike out on a hike through rolling pastures and along shady lanes at a donkey's pace, all of which are trained to walk alongside you. Choose from a two-hour circuit all the way up to a full day with an included picnic.

• Vertigo Cognac: Head to Vertigo Cognac for bowling, laser tag, arcade games, billiards, a trampoline park, and a kids park with inflatable slides and more. This is the perfect spot for a rainy day with children and teens in Cognac.

• Go canoeing: Situated on the Charente River, Cognac is a lovely canoeing destination, a fun activity that the entire family will love. The Cognac Canoe Club offers canoes, kayaks, SUP, and electric boats, along with a map of the river, so you can have the perfect day on the water.

Golf Courses Near Cognac

• Golf du Cognac: Just 15 minutes outside the city center, Golf du Cognac is a Par 72, 18-hole golf course situated along the banks of the Charente River. Golfers will also find training areas, including a putting green, driving range, and bunkers. Amenities include a restaurant and classes.

Racecourses in Cognac

• Châtelaillon-Plage Racecourse: Ten races are held throughout the year at Chatelaillon-Plage Racecourse, a little over an hour's drive from Cognac. Discover this historic racetrack, founded in 1928, with amenities like a panoramic restaurant, betting hall, and over 400 seats.

Cognac Distilleries & Wineries

• Hennessy: Possibly the most famous cognac winery of all, visiting the Hennessy distillery is a rite of passage for cognac lovers. Overlooking the Charente River, visitors can choose from several multi-sensory tasting experiences. Choose from learning more about the history of Hennessy, visiting the vineyards or cooperage, or seeing the Founder’s Cellars.

• Martell: With claims as the oldest cognac house, Martell offers several different tours that explore their history and regional terroir. Take a tour that starts with the founding of Martell in 1715, see blending masters in action, and end it all with a tasting session. Other tours explore the bottling process, a chance to blend your own cognac, a visit to the vineyards, or their nighttime tour of the original cognac house. Their visitor’s center is located on the south side of town.

• Remy Martin: Remy Martin is a centuries old cognac house (over 300 years old to be exact) on the outskirts of Cognac. Visitors can choose from unique experiences like a cocktail making course, bike rides through their vineyards, gastronomic lunch or dinner pairings, a historic tour, and more.

• Cognac Meukow: Tucked in the heart of Cognac, Meukow cognac has been produced since the 19th century. Started by German brothers in the 1800’s, discover the gorgeous estate on a tour with the cellar master who reveals a few secrets of his own. If you’re feeling peckish, you can also plan for lunch or dinner at their restaurant, Chai Meukow.

• Baron Otard: Housed inside the Chateau de Cognac, the same castle where King Francois Premier was born, Baron Otard offers several tasting experiences. Opt for a historical tour of the dry and wet cellars, see the private apartments of Francois, or combine it all with an added gourmet experience as a grand finale. Cognac has been produced here since 1795.

• Chateau Montifaud: In the outskirts of Cognac, Chateau Montifaud is a small producer that has been making cognac for six generations. Choose from three guided tours, one of the estate vineyards, a cocktail experience, or their treasures tour which explores the family secrets and the oldest cognac in their cellars.

• Camus Cognac: A family-owned cognac house in the heart of Cognac, Camus has been crafting premium spirits for over 150 years. Known for its bold aromas and refined blends, this independent producer offers immersive experiences for visitors. Choose from a guided tour of the cellars, a tasting session featuring their signature Borderies expressions, or a unique blending workshop where you can create your own bottle of cognac to take home.

Where to Eat in Cognac

• Les Foudres (*): Cognac’s shining star, Les Foudres is the only Michelin-star restaurant in town, hidden inside the Hotel Chais Monnet. The restaurant's decor is jaw-dropping, with ancient cognac barrels carved in half and mounted over the entrances. Each dish features ingredients and inspiration from local Charente cuisine and farms and are beautifully executed. Choose from several set menus, from three to six courses.

• La Maison: La Maison is tucked inside a beautiful house in the center of town. Their refined menu takes inspiration from across the world, from Asia to South America, while still featuring French classics. Don’t miss the chance to sample their cognac cocktails which are equally delicious.

• Poulpette: You’ll have a very small menu to choose from at Poulpette but that hardly matters when the dishes are as exquisite as this. Set menus are the name of the game for both lunch and dinner and you’ll find fine-dining presentations with a delicious home-cooked feel.

• Creperie l’Olympia: A Bretagne creperie in the heart of Cognac, Creperie l’Olympia offers both savory buckwheat galettes and sweet crepes. You’ll also find a list of local wine and Bretagne cider. They also offer a fixed lunch menu with multiple crepe courses.

Where to Stay in Cognac

• La Nauve: A five-star hotel on the outskirts of Cognac, La Nauve is a sprawling Relais & Chateaux property surrounded by perfectly maintained gardens. Rooms are bright, spacious, and airy, featuring timeless furnishings and overlook the Charente River. You’ll find luxe amenities that include an outdoor heated swimming pool, cocktail bar, gourmet restaurant, brasserie, and gorgeous garden. With only 12 rooms and suites onsite, you’ll also feel like you have the property all to yourself.

• Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa: Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa is a five-star property tucked in the heart of downtown Cognac. The contemporary design features are paired with a warm and inviting color palette. Apartments and suites are scattered over four different buildings, each with a different design feel but all spacious and with sublime decor and furnishings. Amenities include a Michelin star restaurant, a jazz bar, rooftop lounge, and state-of-the-art spa. You’ll truly want for nothing at this gorgeous property.

• Hotel Francois Premier Cognac Center: A charming four-star hotel in the middle of Cognac, the Hotel Francois Premier is a 19th-century diamond in the rough. This contemporary accommodation option features comfy rooms, a bar and restaurant, and a wellness area that features gardens, a heated swimming pool, gym, hammam, massages, and more.

Best Time to Visit Cognac

Cognac is a destination that can be visited at any time of year! Winter and spring are both great times to do cozy indoor tastings and diving into the local food scene, while summer and fall are when the city really shines. Summer ushers in festivals and concerts, including heavy hitters like the Cognac Blues Fest, while fall brings harvest season and fun events centered on the cognac-making process. If you happen to be visiting during harvest, be sure to visit some of the vineyards to see ripe grapes on the vine and farmers out plucking them for cognac making.

Festivals in Cognac

• Cognac Blues Passions: One of the best blues festivals in France, Cognac Blues Passions takes place in picturesque spots around town. Blues and jazz artists come from around the world to attend this five day event that includes over 70 concerts and 10 different main stages.

• Harvest Season: The cognac harvest season typically begins in mid-September and ends by October. Harvest festivals and estate-hosted feasts take place throughout this time of year. Check each cognac house to see what events they have for the season.

• La Fête du Cognac: Held every year at the end of July, La Fete du Cognac is a food, wine, and music festival that converges into a vibrant party. Famous French artists will play on the main stage, six different bars will offer everything from cognac to Charente wines, and delicious food stalls serve favorites like mussels, melons, oysters, dessert, cheese, and more from local producers.