What to see in Cognac

Version Française

Cognac is a birth place of the French King Francois I (1494-1547). His reforms and focus on the trade, using the river Charente laid the foundation for the future success of the cognac business. Until 1926 the Charente river, that rises around Rochechouart and flows for some 355 km through Angouleme, Jarnac and Cognac into the Bay of Biscay near Rochefort, was the main transportation route of cognac. Today, river Charente is mainly used for pleasure boating.

The population of Cognac is about 22000. Cognac is a sister city with Königswinter (Germany), Perth (Great Britain), Valdepeñas (Spain) and Denison, (Texas, USA).

This town has a number of events and fairs each year. Among them are:

Festival du Film Policier Thriller Films Festival in April

Street Theatre and Arts in July

Blues Passions International Blues Festival in August

Water Jousting Competition in September Joute competition

11th Floralies de Cognac International Fuchsia Fair and Exhibition, in September

Grape Harvest Festival in September

European Literature Fair in November

Every July in nearby Saint Brice there is a fabulous, theatrical Son et Lumiere (Sound and Lights) production of historic event.

The area of the Vieux Port (Port St. Jacques) dates back to XIIth century. Many houses are well preserved and occupied today. Main places to see are:

* Château Francois I where two towers guard the entry to the Old Town

* Eglise St. Leger Great church dated to XIV century

*Musée de Cognac Build in 1838. It has several sections; housing and costume, cognac, glass making, ceramics and others.

*Jardin Public Public garden with superb flower beds, black swans and the majestic City Hall.

But, what the town is really about is Cognac. Tasting, guided tours and an opportunity to shop are available at:

Camus 29 rue Marguerite de Navarre

Château Paulet route de Segonzac

Hennessy Vieux Port

Larsen 66 Boulevard de Paris

Martell Place Edouard Martell

Otard at the Château de Cognac 127 boulevard Denfert Rochereau

Rémy Martin Domaine de Merpins, route de Pons (5 km from Cognac, direction Pons)

Prince Hubert de Polignac Pavillon de Laubaret (4 km from Cognac, direction Angouleme)

Ville de Cognac Ville de Cognac (official site)

When walking through the city of Cognac you may want to stop by at La Cognatheque, Cave St. Leger and La Maison du Cognac which offer a wide range of Cognac and Pineau des Charentes products.

Tourist Office in Cognac

16 rue du XIV Juillet/19 place Jean Monnet

Phone:(+33) 05 45 82 10 71 Fax: (+33) 05 45 82 34 47

01 January 2001