Cognac

The town of Cognac is a charming and historic city on the banks of the river Charente in the southwest of France. Birthplace of the sixteenth century King Francis I, it has an important place in French history and a well-preserved mediaeval centre, but today it is best known for the eponymous brandy which is produced in the city and its immediate environs. The Cognac houses of Remy Martin, Martell, Hennessy, Camus and Otard are all in the city centre within easy walking distance, and the Kirker Concierge can organise guided visits and tastings.

Cognac is easily reached for a short break: fly to Bordeaux and it is just 90 minutes’ drive – passing through the vineyards of the Medoc – or take the train, Bordeaux is only 35 minutes and Paris just over two hours by TGV to Angoulême, a 40 minute transfer from the hotel. Alternatively, it makes an excellent part of a longer tailor-made holiday to this region of France, and you may wish to hire a car and continue to the wine regions of Bordeaux and St Emilion, the Loire Valley to the north, or the La Rochelle and the Ile de Re on the Atlantic Coast.