Unusual places in Cognac: The best addresses in Charente

Published on

Destination emblématique du département de la Charente, Cognac doit sa renommée à son eau-de-vie d’exception. Le vignoble de cognac façonne le territoire, lui offre un rayonnement international et donne le premier rôle au tourisme oenologique. Si vous souhaitez entrer dans les coulisses de fabrication de ce spiritueux prestigieux et vous plonger dans l’univers fascinant des maisons de cognac, voici quelques idées de visites insolites et durables en Charente ! 

Maison Boinaud and its sustainable tourism experiences

Established in the Grande Champagne region since the 16th century, Maison Boinaud invites you to discover the skills, crafts and terroir that make up the richness of this independent vineyard. The wine tourism experiences developed by Maison Boinaud take you behind the scenes of the production of exceptional cognacs, with the emphasis on preserving the ecosystem and sustainable viticulture. Activities that are sure to please fans of sustainable tourism in the Charente.

Walking tour of the vineyards: the biodiversity trail 

With this walking tour guided by the Bulle Verte web app, Maison Boinaud offers an alternative to the classic wine tourism visit. The discovery of the distillery, the ageing cellars and the tasting are preceded by a 3.7 km walk through the vineyards. Authentic audio and video content punctuates the biodiversity trail to help you understand every aspect of how this eau-de-vie is made. A leisurely exploration that honours the men and women behind the scenes who help to make these top-of-the-range cognacs in harmony with nature. 

Experience Cognac Sunset Set Testing 

At the top of an old mill overlooking the vineyards, enjoy a magnificent sunset with a glass of De Luze cognac in hand. The Cognac Sunset Set Testing experience offers you a suspended moment in an unparalleled natural setting. An unusual tasting experience accompanied by gourmet bites to tantalise your taste buds. If you're looking for an original and gentle way to discover the world of Boinaud, this is the activity for you!

Food and Cognac pairing at La Maison by Boinaud restaurant

To discover all the different aspects of cognac, you not only have to taste it or visit the key places where it is made, you also have to pair it with products that will sublimate its flavours. After inviting you behind the scenes of one of the largest family distilleries in the Grande Champagne region, Maison Boinaud is offering you a unique tasting experience with an exclusive menu of food and cognac pairings at the La Maison restaurant in Cognac town centre.

Leisurely exploration of the vineyards by Martell 

Maison Martell, one of the world's oldest cognac houses, opens its doors to you for an immersive, slow-tourism experience. A wide range of activities are on offer to give you a better understanding of the different aspects of the production of this eau-de-vie prized the world over. 

Get your thrills on an all-terrain electric scooter 

Experiencing sustainable tourism means discovering the region through unusual activities developed with respect for the environment. Maison Martell invites you to explore the Borderies vineyards on an all-terrain electric scooter. It's a leisurely way to explore the region and learn about all the facets of cognac, from vine to bottle. This 2-hour guided tour on an all-terrain electric scooter takes you through sublime natural scenery and ends with a tasting of Martell cognacs!

Martell héritage: blending workshop

Learn about the art of blending, the crucial stage in making cognac, with the Martell Heritage experience! After discovering the history and expertise of the House of Martell through an immersive guided tour, you will take part in a real blending workshop. What better way to understand the importance of the art of blending in the production of this exceptional eau-de-vie than to create your own cognac by combining different crus.

Trottinette électrique Cognac
©Erika Froehly - Erikavoyage

Discover the world of Rémy Martin in slow tourism mode

The world and history of Rémy Martin cognacs can be discovered through a variety of activities. Concerned about its impact on the environment, Remy Martin is committed to preserving its terroirs. This approach is reflected in the introduction of more sustainable viticulture, but also in the development of greener visitor experiences.

Cycling between vineyards and distillery

This exclusive experience, accompanied by a guide, gives you the chance to explore the cognac vineyards in slow tourism mode. Set off on an eclectic 2? hour bike ride through the heart of the vineyards. Let yourself be guided and enjoy the show. It's possible to discover the Cognac vineyards in a different way! This leisurely exploration of the vineyards by electric bike, with wine tasting, ends on a high note with a visit to the distillery and ageing cellars of the Juillac-le-Coq estate.

Behind the scenes at Hennessy 

Hennessy, the prestigious cognac house, wants to make its wine-tourism experiences as environmentally friendly as possible. On the programme is a themed tour focusing on the historical heritage of Cognac. A real plunge into the history of the Grande Champagne region awaits you. For those with a sweet tooth, the guided tour can be extended with a gourmet picnic.

Lasting experiences from Ernest & Louis 

The family spirit reigns supreme at this cognac house just outside Jonzac. A small family estate, ancestral know-how handed down through several generations, quality eaux-de-vie produced in limited quantities - that's Ernest & Louis.

To discover the world of this intimate cognac house, you have two options: a 5km walk in the heart of nature, or a 13km bike ride through the vineyards with views over Saint Martial-de-Vitaterne.

 As you can see, there are a thousand and one ways to explore the Cognac vineyards! So what unusual activity would you choose to enjoy the different facets of this iconic Charente region? Whether you opt for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you're spoilt for choice.

Let yourself be tempted by a natural and sustainable getaway around Bordeaux with the Bulle Verte - Exploration tranquille experiences!

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @explorationtranquille - Copywriting & photos by @erikavoyage