la rochelle cognac tour

Since 1872, Normandin-Mercier Cognacs are the result of a long family tradition. On the outskirts of the city of La Rochelle, Edouard Normandin makes wisely mature the best crus of Cognac, from Grande Grande and Petite Champagne.

Visites du domaine normandin-mercier & degustation.

RÉSERVATION PAR TÉLÉPHONE AU 05.46.68.00.65

DISCOVER THE DOMAINE NORMANDIN-MERCIER 10 MINUTES FROM LA ROCHELLE AND ENJOY A UNIQUE GOURMET EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE EYES OF OUR COGNAC EXPERTS: AUDREY & EDOUARD NORMANDIN (CELLAR MASTER)

The NORMANDIN-MERCIER Secrets

Classic tour, price of 10€ per person Departure of visits from Monday to Friday at 10 am and 2.30 pm Minimum 10 people on weekends by appointment

We will welcome you in our former distillery to explain the history of the Estate and Cognac, detailing all the stages of production of this brandy. In our aging cellars, you will understand the role of oak wood and blends. Tasting of two Cognac and two Pineau des Charentes.

RESERVE AT +335 466 800 65

NORMANDIN-MERCIER COGNAC Château de La Péraudière - 17139 Dompierre sur Mer - France

DISCOVER OUR GOURMET EXPERIENCES

Le paradis normandin-mercier.

Specialized visit at the price of 25€ per person. Departure of visits from Monday to Friday at 10am and 2.30pm. Minimum 4 people on weekends by appointment

The Visite Paradis allows you to taste exceptional Cognac, some of which are more than fifty years old. This visit is regularly chosen as part of a company seminar or prestige visit and is always very successful.

Chocolate Pairing at NORMANDIN-MERCIER

Visit at the price of 25€ per person. Departure of visits from Monday to Friday at 10am and 2.30pm. Minimum 4 people on weekends by appointment

The Visit “Accord Gourmand” offers the possibility to combine Cognac and chocolate. This tour is provided for any group of at least 10 people and by reservation a week in advance for the supply and freshness of organic chocolates.

The workshop «In the Footsteps of the Cellar Master »

Price on request

Workshop dedicated to lovers of cellar visits and tastings. To live a unique experience and become the time of the workshop, Cellar Master of Cognac. It is a complete experience, from blending to tasting. In the heart of the cellars, facing the organ of the assembler where more than fifty years are sampled, you will appropriate the emblematic vintages of the House NORMANDIN-MERCIER to understand the art of assembly. Then, like an apprentice oenologist, put into practice his own tests to develop a cognac in his image. To prolong the pleasure, NORMANDIN-MERCIER will give you this unique assembly.

INFORMATION

Reservation by phone at 05 46 68 00 65 by e-mail at [email protected]

Our tours are provided in French or English

Le circuit est adapté aux personnes à mobilité réduite

The circuit is adapted to people with reduced mobility Free visit for children (-18 years), free juice

Opening of the shop from Monday to Friday from 9h to 12h and from 14h to 18h

Dogs accepted

Al corriente Miércoles, abril 17, 2024

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French Road Trip: Explore La Rochelle and Cognac country

Starting out on the Atlantic coast, follow the Charente river discovering historic Rochefort and world-famous Cognac along the way

DAY ONE: La Rochelle to Saintes (via Rochefort), 77km

The historic Atlantic coast city of La Rochelle is a perfect place to spend a day, a weekend or even a week or so (particularly if combined with nearby Île de Re) – time best filled with delicious seafood, bracing walks and cycle rides as well as chic shopping.

My stay at the Hôtel La Fabrique (rooms from €62) has been stylish and comfortable, just a few paces from the Vieux Port with its impressive towers. My departure from La Rochelle takes me south on the N137 and D137, alongside the glorious Atlantic coast. Passing close to numerous sandy beaches and the resort communes of Angoulins and Châtelaillon-Plage, it feels well worth a short diversion for a dip in the ocean, before the road contours inland to meet the Charente river at Rochefort.

Located at the point where the River Charente meets the Atlantic, this city remains off the map of many tourists, but its rich naval and maritime history makes it a fascinating town to visit. A riverside lunch at Les Longitudes at La Corderie Royale doubles up on sightseeing and great food before leaving town to follow the D137 as it plunges into the verdant Charente countryside en route to Saintes.

Once the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Aquitania, Saintes is an extraordinary mix of Gallo-Roman, medieval and 17th century with a lively atmosphere and plenty to see, such as the Arch of Germanicus, the impressive Roman amphitheatre, the beautiful Cathédrale Saint-Pierre as well as gracious riverside gardens to enjoy. Staying at the central La Porte Rouge (from €90 a night including breakfast) gives me ample opportunity to explore.

DAY TWO: Saintes to Cognac, 28km

Leaving Saintes, it’s time to take the D24 as it attempts to follow the meandering course of the River Charente. Woodland, farmland and the inevitable vineyards border the road as it bounces off the bends of the river. Villages such as Dompierre-sur-Charente with its 19th-century chain ferry show the importance of the river and its now mostly tourism-focused traffic. All but gone is the mercantile ebb and flow, replaced by self-drive rental boats on the lookout for a good mooring and a nice meal for lunch or the evening. Small local grocers and restaurants serve the boats, as well as the busy campsites that cluster alongside the riverbank. It’s a popular area for holidays.

Further along towards Cognac, at the oddly-named Chez Landard, the small family-run Distillerie des 3 Moulins offers a glimpse into the rich and varied past of cognac production. The spirit distilled here by the Babinot family is delicious and great value for money, and it’s worth picking up a few bottles of another local speciality – Pineau des Charentes – too.

A short hike up to one of the ruined mills that give the commune its name bestows incredible views out across the Charente countryside, the river meandering sinuously off into the distance. From here the D24 becomes the D83 continuing to the edge of Cognac, the perfect place to stop for the day. A stay at the spa Hôtel L’Yeuse (from €90 a night, breakfast €19.50), a little way out of the town itself, still gives a good base from which to explore the area.

Distillery tours abound within Cognac and its immediate vicinity, with Hennessy, Martell, Otard, Rémy Martin and Camus all based in the city. A visit to the well-groomed Hennessy HQ stands in marked contrast to the family-run Babinot enterprise. The town and its gardens are an excellent size for wandering around before dinner on a terrace overlooking the river at l’Atelier des Quais .

DAY THREE: Cognac to Angoulême (via Jarnac), 59km

Having done the tasting rounds of the distilleries of Cognac, it’s time to make for the last of the major marques and visit Courvoisier in Jarnac. I make my way across the river outside Cognac close to the village of Saint-Brice with its impressive castle.

The D157 runs along the course of the river, but a little away from the waterway itself, until it reaches Jarnac. This compact town boasts a pretty, leafy riverside area, dominated by the Courvoisier distillery and visitor centre which is, of course, a must see. After the tour, a wander around the town takes me past the blue shutters and door of the birthplace of François Mitterrand and inevitably, back to the river that is the very lifeblood of the countryside around here.

A hearty lunch at l’Alambic, with its view across to Courvoisier and then it is on to once more follow the contours of the river rather than taking the straighter main road towards Angoulême. Passing through small towns such as Triac-Lautrait, Bassac, Saint-Simeux and Sireuil allows the ostentatious wealth of the cognac industry to drift away on the river’s flow, delivering up serene Charentais countryside and communes.

Soon, the ramparts of Angoulême appear, echoes of the roar of the famous Circuit motorsport event that takes place every September easily imagined on those narrow hilly streets. It’s a fascinating and vibrant town whether it’s racing weekend or comic book festival time. Staying at the Hôtel du Palais in the heart of the town, (from €80 a night, breakfast €10) I’m well-placed to enjoy all it has to offer.

Getting there: Travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo. La Rochelle is a 3.5 hour drive from Saint-Malo. For more information, visit Atlantic Coast Cognac Country’s website .

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Cognac wine tasting tours and winery visits

Why Visit Cognac?

Cognac is undoubtedly one of the most famous spirits in the world, produced for centuries in the diminutive French town of the same name. The city of Cognac straddles the river Charente, just a stone's throw north of Bordeaux on France's Atlantic Coast where it basks in the distinction of being the second sunniest region in France. A tiny population of just 19,000 people gives Cognac and the surrounding area an intimate feel, where it is possible to explore 2,000 years of French history and tradition alongside a more modern way of life. 

The Cognac region of France has been creating fascinating history ever since the 3rd century, when the Romans brought their grapes and started to produce the first wines in the region. In 1494, French king François I was born here at Chateau de Cognac, which today is the headquarters of a prestigious cognac house. This is a wonderful destination for lovers of history and culture, with plenty of ancient landmarks where secrets and amazing tales abound; St. Pierre’s Cathedral in Angoulême (also the home of the International Comic Book Festival), the Arch celebrating the birth of Germanicus in Saintes, the old port at La Rochelle, and the legendary Rochefort Arsenal, a former French naval base which is a fantastic stop for any budding military historians! There are also many shrines and churches, built for the many pilgrims who crossed the region on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. Particularly worth seeing are the  churches at Saint-Preuil, Bourg-Charente, Bouteville, and the Bassac Abbey .

However, just as important is the history of the town's most famous export ... the Cognac brandy which has become a symbol of decadence and luxury the world over. Cognac was first produced in the 16th century when Dutch winemakers began distilling their wine in order to preserve it during long journeys - they named the result  brandewijn (burnt wine), and it grew in popularity to the point where it became one of the world's most sought after spirits. Even today, brands such as Courvoisier, Rémy-Martin and Hennessy are bywords for indulgence.

Today, grapes are still grown here in order to achieve the final spirit. In fact, the areas which produce the finest grapes are named Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne - not to be confused with the sparkling wine region of the same name! There are around 200 producers here, but it is estimated that a core group of around fifteen trading houses sell 95% of Cognac worldwide, but have less than 5% of the vineyard area; whilst the remaining family growers own 95% of the vineyard, but sell less than 5% of the Cognac in the world.

There are six different wine growing areas (crus) in the Cognac region, ranging from the very best at Grande Champagne to the entry-level Bois Ordinaires:  Grande Champagne  and  Petite Champagne  are well known for the production of  high-quality Cognacs  which need  to be aged for a long time to gain their top quality and floral aromas.  Borderies Crus  is the smallest cru, where Cognacs are characterised by aromas of spring flowers such as iris and violets.  Fins Bois Crus  Cognac display more youthful, fruity character, whilst  Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires  create the most basic, entry-level Cognacs

Once you've indulged in the history of the region, it's time to taste - all visits to the cognac houses end with a tasting. Some  themed tours focusing on Cognac and chocolate pairings or gastronomy are possible . Take care as it is highly likely that the convivial and welcoming nature of the Cognac houses may mean that you find yourself feeling a little merry - be careful when driving! We recommend that the best way to tour Cognac is with a driver or tour guide, who will be able to share the secrets of the region and ensure that you return safely to your hotel!

Plan Your Visit

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Shore Excursions / Atlantic Coast

4 trips match your search criteria.

• 0 - 3 hours
• 750 - 1000€

La Rochelle Cruise Excursion Bordeaux Wine Tour

La Rochelle Cruise Excursion to Green Venice & Wine Tasting

La Rochelle Cruise Excursion to Cognac Distilleries

La Rochelle Cruise Excursion to Chateau de la Roche Courbon

Learn more about la rochelle, la rochelle travel guide (nouvelle aquitaine, france).

We organize private half day and full day shore excursions from La Rochelle Port of Call. The town also known as the White city because of the luminous limestone facades that glow in the sun. From the 14th to the 17th century, it was the leading port for trade across the Atlantic to Canada and the French West Indies.

Meet your local English speaking guide, as you leave your cruise ship, who is an expert of the region. After going over the itinerary and program of the day with you, board your spacious premium vehicle and begin your private guided tour in the Charente region.

Shore Excursions & Day Trips from La Rochelle

Our La Rochelle Shore Excursions will take you to unique areas such as Marais Poitevin also known as the Green Venice or to magical local islands where some of the most delicious oysters of France are farmed. Follow your driver guide and get close to the local culture and most important sites that can be found in this part of the Atlantic coast.

For those of you with limited time, we also offer fun & informative guided walking tours of La Rochelle with pick up directly at the drop off point of the shuttle.

Reviews from our La Rochelle trips

Robert & peter haas, 23, oct 2023, emily strange, 24, jul 2023, 17, sep 2022, 10, aug 2022, secured payments, easy cancellation, trusted reviews.

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cruise ship port to cognac tours - La Rochelle Forum

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So I guess you're docking at Le Verdon sur Mer at the tip of the Medoc peninsula?

Office du Tourisme / Le Verdon sur Mer

Rue André et Marcel Tart 33123 Le Verdon-sur-Mer France ‎ +33 5 56 09 61 78 they might be able to help you

http://www.transferts-excursions.com/en/wine-tours---Port-du-Verdon.html

http://www.ophorus.com/private_tours.html

Are you sure your cruise line will not arrange guided visits?

I have found that locals are best as they use vehicles small enough to travel cities. If price is same as ship-I prefer local company. Will check on the links given and thank you for assisting.

They of course offer Cognac land tours for non- cruise travelers and they definitely know how to get the most out of a visit to Cognac.

Will send email today-thank you for taking the time.

Do you remember cost? Awaiting response from Them..

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France road trip: La Rochelle, Cognac and the Atlantic coast islands

Great seafood, Roman remains and a pine-fringed, cycle-friendly island are among the highlights of this leisurely paced two-week route See the Perpignan and Spanish border , and Lyon to Nice road trips

La Rochelle is a lively, sparkling seaside town with a great reputation for seafood, three urban beaches and the best vieux port on the French Atlantic. Spend a day strolling under the arcades of the rue du Palais, exploring the maritime museum , and the aquarium , open until 11pm in the summer. Spend the late afternoon watching the pleasure boats and the evening on the seafront, eating a platter of shellfish. Sleep at Des Tours à La Rochelle , a family-run chambres d’hôtes with a pool, five minutes’ drive from the centre (doubles from €75 B&B, each named after one of La Rochelle’s medieval stone towers).

In the morning, join the avenue de la Repentie and drive across the bridge (€16 toll) to the Île de Ré , an island of nautical chic and sandcastle charm, the kind of place Monsieur Hulot might have gone on holiday. Lots of traditional marinière tops, bicycles with baskets, ice-cream and excellent campsites. Two of its main towns, Saint Martin and La Flotte , are pleasantly breezy, even in high summer, with a permanent sound of fluttering mast wires in the harbour, a sprightly market in La Flotte and seafood bistros. Hire a bike and cycle out to the lighthouse near Saint-Clément-des-Baleines , a great ride past the salt pans of Loix and the black-and-white church spire at Ars-en-Ré . Spend three nights at Le Sénéchal (doubles from €79) or at the eco-campsite Camping Les Baleines (pitch from €19.50) near La Conche beach.

On day five, drive down the E602 coast road, past Rochefort to Marennes and over the bridge to Oléron , mainland France’s oyster capital and its second largest island (after Corsica). First stop is the Chateau d’Oléron , for a visit to the citadel and a plate of oysters in one of the colourful floating cabanes ; try the red-and-black painted Cabane du Sans Souci .

Stay in Hotel L’Ecailler (doubles from €58), which serves trays of crab and crayfish overlooking La Cotinière harbour. Or, for a couple of days’ calm in the pine forests of the west coast, try Hotel Le Vert Bois , which has a heated pool, a space for bikes, table tennis and apartments (doubles from €70).

Just off Oléron’s northern coast is Fort Boyard . The oval-shaped Napoleonic fortress, usually only accessible to contestants in the eponymous TV gameshow and former soap stars, can be part of an islands day trip (adult €20, child €13, under-four €4). More rewarding is the car-free Île d’Aix , a 20-minute ferry ride from Fouras, which has a museum dedicated to Napoleon , as this was his last stop on mainland France before exile on Saint Helena. The island’s Hotel Napoleon (doubles from €80) has, of course, a Chez Joséphine restaurant.

On day seven, head eastwards on the D728 to Saintes , past the many signs for Pineau des Charentes. Saintes has a huge Roman arch and the ruins of an amphitheatre , which can take up an afternoon if the visit includes the crypt of the Basilique St-Eutrope .

Spend a night at the tastefully decorated chambres d’hôtes Les Persiennes (doubles from €75) just outside the centre, which also does an evening assiette gourmande to eat on the terrace (€12), a lunchtime picnic (€8) and, most spectacularly, chicken marinated in Pineau and then flambéed in cognac.

Leave Saintes for a detour north on the dead-straight D137 to the Chateau de la Roche Courbon in Saint-Porchaire , a sumptuous 18th-century castle, which has its own prehistoric caves, turrets, and has launched a new escape game for summer 2017.

From there, drive east through the vineyards towards Cognac , the smell of which can be detected long before arrival. Most of the big brandy companies offer guided tours of their warehouses, with Camus being well-recommended– spiders in the roofs of its distilleries are so drunk they make crooked webs. Spend two nights at the Maison Gaudin B&B (doubles from €72) in the old town, which has a little pool in a tranquil garden. Madame Gaudin, the owner, suggests Le Bistro de Claude nearby for a typical Charentais three-course lunch (€25).

Return towards La Rochelle via medieval Saint-Jean-d’Angély and Surgères on the D731, where, at Migron , there’s a museum focused on cognac also with permanent exhibitions of coffee, cigars and chocolate. Otherwise, Bordeaux is just 1½ hours south on the E5. Total distance: 220 miles Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to Le Havre, Caen and Cherbourg, and from Poole to Cherbourg; Condor Ferries sails Portsmouth-Cherbourg. Ryanair flies to La Rochelle from Stansted and easyJet flies from Bristol and Gatwick

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Shore excursion to Saintes and Cognac from La Rochelle port of call

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Do you plan cruise ship call in the Port of La Rochelle-La Pallice? This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the city of Saintes.

• Pick-up of the group at the port of call of La Rochelle / La Pallice

Visit the historic town of Saintes

This bimillennial city dispalys monuments witnessing 2 millennias of history ! Our panoramic tour of the city will be the occasion to admire the Roman remains such as the Roman amphitheatre or the Germanicus arch on the bank of the Charente river. But a rich Romanesque heritage is also here like the gate of Abbaye aux Dames or Saint-Eutrope basilica.

Explore the Cognac vineyard

Then we will take a drive to the Cognac vineyards (about 40 minutes). We will visit a small family distillery in the heart of the vineyard to understand everything about the double distillation process, the secrets of the Charentais red copper pot-still and the ageing in oak barrels.

If time permits : 

• we could also have a walk in the old Cognac, the birthplace of François 1st with its pretty cobbled streets.
• Drive back to your cruise ship docked at the port of call of La Rochelle

Need help booking? Talk to us!

Price includes

• The services of a licensed driver & tour guide for a guided tour up to 9 hours
• Transportation with air-conditionned minivan up to 7 passengers maximum (Included : fuel, tolls and parking fees) from La Rochelle port of call
• Insurance for all passengers while on board
• A 50cl bottle of water per person
• Booking organisation with distilleries selected in my database

Price excludes

• The guide's lunch
• Cognac tastings : consider from 5€ to 70€ depending on your interests and Cognac brands (To be paid on the spot - Caution : lots of small distilleries don't accept credit cards, think about taking cash with you)
• Entrance fees for monuments and museums in Saintes
• Personal expenses

Cancellation policy

Cancellation policy and conditions

Cognac for wine lovers

• Magazine: November 2023 Issue

Sweeping from above the Atlantic ocean-kissed shores of La Rochelle, down the Gironde estuary towards the fêted vineyards of Bordeaux – and reaching far inland through forest, rivers and wheat fields – the Cognac region at first seems mind-bogglingly vast. But while this wide expanse may be one of France’s largest grape-planted areas, the good news for travellers is that there’s a clear first-timer’s itinerary to discovering its liquid treasures. Simply make for the heart of the action in the premium central sub-regions of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, and the twin spirit-soaked communes of Cognac and Jarnac, for a long weekend of tastings, cellar tours and laid-back exploring.

Covering some 13,000ha in the centre of the Cognac region – and bordering Cognac town – Grande Champagne has highly chalky soils relative to other sub-regions and picturesque vistas of low vine-lined hills. With its white stone buildings along the squiggling river Charente, Cognac town makes a fine base for your explorations, both for its proximity to major houses and its smattering of lovely sights, from half-timbered homes to old cloisters. Conversely, sleepier Jarnac, a 10-minute train ride or 20-minute drive away on the borders of Petite Champagne, has sun-flecked spaces dominated by the grand frontage of Courvoisier  and unassuming corners housing the likes of Hine and Louis Royer . Beyond these two communes, countless other small villages radiate outwards with cellars and tasting rooms both big and small, ripe for discovery if you have the time.

Credit: Maggie Nelson

How to get there

The nearest well-served airport and major city is Bordeaux-Mérignac (130km south), but flights also go into La Rochelle (110km northwest, on the coast) and Limoges (140km due east inland). Or take a train to Cognac or Jarnac station from Paris in three to four hours.

Tasting experiences

The atmospheric ageing cellars of Delamain in Jarnac

Given the punchier nature of a Cognac tasting in comparison to wine, you’ll likely only want two or three stops a day – which means being selective among the 280 or so regional producers. Wherever your stylistic preferences lie, it’s almost mandatory to begin with the house that’s synonymous with the Cognac category: Hennessy (see ‘My perfect day’, below). Responsible for about 40% of all regional production, the LVMH-owned brand’s rambling facilities are set over a series of vast buildings in the heart of Cognac. Tours come in every shape and size: join a shuttle boat across the river Charente to discover Hennessy through a digital art installation, sampling the characteristically spicy VSOP on a two-hour group tour (€29 per person, times vary so check and book ahead); or cycle through the vineyards ahead of a superb picnic lunch from the kitchens of chef Thierry Verrat, owner of one-star Michelin restaurant La Ribaudière (€130 per person, €65 picnic supplement).

A 15-minute walk away from Hennessy, and somewhat more modest in scale, family-owned Bache Gabrielsen has its headquarters in a small townhouse on tranquil Rue Louis Dominique. In the historic offices where respected Master Blender Jean-Philippe Bergier works his magic, old wooden cupboards line walls and samples from local bouilleurs de cru (‘grower-distillers’) clutter desks awaiting consideration for future assemblages (‘blends’). Join a tour of the onsite cellar, spotting precious demijohns of old vintages and sampling through the smooth and complex range (free of charge). If you’ve the cash, you can even buy your own barrel for bottling when the time is right.

Over in nearby Jarnac, your essential stop is the highly respected Delamain , blending elegant, long-aged Cognacs from an elite selection of farmer-growers around the region with spirit distilled from its own vineyards. The time-warp ageing rooms, filled with barrels and demijohns, are among the most atmospheric to be found in all of Cognac, and private cellar dining experiences with tastings of signature Pale & Dry XO, as well as highly limited Pléiade collection bottlings, let you soak it up to the fullest.

My perfect day in Cognac country

After a quick spin around the morning produce market in Cognac town, kick off your introduction to the long-aged Cognacs at Hennessy, by far the region’s largest producer. Its 90-minute Initiation visit (€25 per person) is ideal for beginners who want to learn more about the spirit’s production process, but connoisseurs will be more enthralled by the four-hour Grape to Glass masterclass (€500). Afterwards, depending on time, visit Bache Gabrielsen for a brief tour and tasting or try the Château de Cognac , birthplace of François I and now a tasting room for Cognac Baron Otard.

Nibble on market-fresh fare at Poulpette (see ‘address book’, below), a few minutes’ walk away across the Charente river. Concise seasonal menus of elevated bistro dishes are paired with wines from small minimal-intervention winemakers such as Languedoc’s Domaine Peyrus and Château Thivin in Beaujolais.

Hop on the train for the 10-minute ride to neighbouring Jarnac – whizzing past rows of grape vines – to get a view of the region’s other must-see centre. You should have booked ahead if you want to explore the atmospheric ageing rooms of Delamain; access is limited. But you will also find a newly renovated tour area in the grand Courvoisier building, set opulently on the riverside. Book the 1.5-hour tour and tasting, then enjoy a pick-me-up coffee in a quiet square in the sun and soak up the laid-back Gallic atmosphere.

Take the train back to Cognac for dinner at restaurant Les Foudres, set among 100-year-old barrels in the centre of town at Hôtel Chais Monnet. Afterwards, the hotel’s 1838 Jazz Bar awaits with its unrivalled selection of Cognacs – there are more than 220 pours to choose from. Ask the knowledgeable bartenders to put together a tasting flight for you to sip while you enjoy some live music.

Frédéric Bourgoin, whose family vineyards provide a friendly stop-off. Credit: Quentin Petit

Now, venture into the countryside. Set just outside scenic castle town Bouteville among spectacular, meandering country roads, Jean-Luc Pasquet  is a small husband and wife set-up operating as both bouilleur de cru and blender. Working organically across about 15ha, mostly of Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc, they encourage biodiversity on site and distil in their historic farmyard building. Settle into the tasting room sofa with American-born Amy Pasquet and savour the appley four-year-old L’Organic or spicy, leathery 10-year-old.

An innovator of another breed in the commune of Ars, Maison Ferrand  was founded in its current form by Burgundian Alexandre Gabriel – the brain behind the refined and dynamic Plantation Rum range – in 1989. The focus is not only on quality but on crafting unique, consumer-friendly bottlings such as 10 Générations, aged partly in ex-Sauternes casks, and Double Cask Réserve, rested in barrels that formerly held Banyuls. There is not officially a visitor centre, but some visitors are welcomed by appointment; enquire via the website.

For one more boutique stop-off, consider Bourgoin Cognac , just outside Angoulême, a Charente city you may recognise for its starring role in Wes Anderson’s film The French Dispatch . The ‘micro barrel’ XO range produced from family vineyards is decadent, nutty and accomplished – and a first-rate bottled verjus (unripe grape juice) for cooking or cocktail making is also produced. Join a 90-minute ‘safari’ in the vines (€75 per person) for the most comprehensive experience.

Ultimately, wherever you choose to stop off in Cognac, you’ll discover a range of delicious – and often excellent-value – aged eaux-de-vie that show exactly why the spirit is held in such high esteem. And unlike many wine regions, Cognac can be an enticing prospect in winter – not only for the pleasure of sipping a fragrant VSOP by a roaring hotel fire, but because distillation takes place between October and March (Jean-Luc Pasquet, for example, is even known to invite some visitors to take part in the process if booked as a special package: contact directly to enquire).

Saying that, if you want sunshine, spring is the loveliest time. The leaves are green on the vines, the sun bathes walks along the Charente river and the mood is jovial. Even if you’ve never been much of a Cognac drinker, a few days in this fascinating region will quickly have you entranced.

Your Cognac address book

The luxurious towered Domaine des Etangs.

Accommodation

Domaine des Etangs

East of Cognac town, this luxurious, turreted château hotel is nestled on rambling farmland with lakes, cattle and large-scale sculpture. Decor is contemporary and art=forward, and an honesty bar stocks sublime, vanilla-noted Bourgoin Cognac.

Hȏtel Chais Monnet & Spa

Locations don’t get more prime: right in the heart of Cognac town centre. Set within former cellars reworked into a sculptural, contemporary vision of glass and steel, also ticking boxes for its Michelin-starred restaurant (see ‘Les Foudres’, below), elegant spa and list of local experiences, ranging from private tours to bike rides through vineyards.

Le Relais de Saint-Preuil

For a cosy traditional manor house atmosphere, coddled in vines in between Cognac and Angoulême. A suntrap pool awaits for post-tasting relaxation in summer, while roaring open fires warm in cooler months.

Restaurants

Le Verre y Table

A few steps from Jarnac rail station, this  modernist, conceptual dining space dishes up the likes of Charron mussels with pineau, or trout with squid ink and lemongrass. A €29 set lunch menu is great value, and any time of day the extensive Cognac menu is welcome.

Les Foudres

Located in a former ageing warehouse, this one-star Michelin restaurant has distinct local flair. Menus include the likes of caviar butter with seaweed brioche, asparagus with coffee and Martell Cognac creme, or stone bass with cream bottarga and potatoes.

With a concise menu and contemporary platings, this Cognac town restaurant, located a short walk from the Charente river, is a favourite with locals thanks to its regularly changing market menu. Wash it all down with a wine list featuring cult producers.

Things to do

Abbaye de Bassac

With more than a thousand years of history, this rambling stone abbey outside Jarnac gives insight into Benedictine lifestyle and French architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque. Its wealth of delightful outside spaces are perfect for wandering around in the spring and summer months.

Le Baume de Bouteville

This artisan vinegar producer uses locally grown grapes in its production and ages its balsamic-style concoctions in ex-Cognac barrels. Join a tour and tasting (with fresh oysters, if desired) at its boutique headquarters under the shadow of Bouteville’s château.

River cruises

Tour the snaking river Charente aboard electro-solar boat Bernard Palissy III, setting off west of Cognac town and taking in cobbled settlements, farmers’ fields and sun-sparkled water

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La Rochelle, France

This delightfully unspoiled seaside town has been an important port since Eleanor of Aquitaine, granted its first charter in 1199. The heart of the 17th- and 18th-century city center lies between the harbor and the place de Verdun, just a ten minute walk away. Several 14th-century towers remain, including two which once anchored the opposite ends of a large chain that was slung across the harbor entrance at night to keep out intruders. Today, the harbor provides sanctuary to more yachts than working boats. Stroll along the Rue du Palais, lined with shops in well-preserved 18th-century slate and half-timbered houses, or perhaps enjoy a coffee and pastry in the Belle Epoque Cafe de la Paix. Among the numerous diversions are several interesting museums, including the Musee des Automates, featuring over 300 mechanical puppets, as well as one of the largest aquariums in France. La Rochelle is also your gateway to the Charentes and Cognac - home, of course, to one of the world's great spirits.

Points of Interest

• Cognac Camus
• Bicentenary Cave
• La Roche Courbon
• St. Martin de Re
• Abbaye des Chateliers

More about La Rochelle, France Points of Interest

Founded in 1863, the company is the only Cognac distiller that has been produced by five generations of the Camus family. Today, it's renowned as the one of the world's largest distillers of fine Cognac.

Many of the world-famous Cognac distilleries store their barrels filled with Cognac in underground caves where light is low and the temperature rarely varies ensuring a rich and flavorful liquor.

Like taking a step back in time, this quaint village is home to the medieval Saint Pierre Cathedral. Its life as a former Roman port is evident at the 1st century Arch of Germanicus.

This storybook 17th century castle was in ruins until it was restored in the 1920s. Today, classified as a Historic Monument the impressive grounds are acclaimed as one of the Notable Gardens of France.

The capital of Ile de Re boasts a beautiful harbor, winding cobbled streets, quaint whitewashed houses and imposing fortified 17th century walls recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

With its idyllic atmosphere, traditional white houses with traditional green shutters and profusion of flowers, it's no surprise that Ars-en-Re has earned the title "one of the most beautiful villages of France."

Built by monks in 1152 on the island of Ile de Re, the ancient monastery that included a church and cloister once served as a revered place of pilgrimage; today, it lies in ruins.

Set on the banks of the Sèvre, Coulon has appointed itself "capital of Green Venice" and is a perfect place to begin explorations of the marshy region that wraps around this enchanting village.

There are no excursions for this port at the moment. Please check back later.

Cognac Tasting In Cognac France

Day trip from la rochelle to cognac and saintes in france.

We Started In La Rochelle, France

After our quiet day exploring the town of Brest , our ship headed to La Rochelle, France and we headed out for cognac tasting in Cognac. It was a tasty stop on our cruise along the coast of Western France .

We always loved to sample local products when we travelled. When we visited Porto in Portugal , we made sure we had port in Porto. On our travels in Prague, we learned more about Absinthe . We were in the heart of the Bordeaux region and there were a whole range of wine tours. On our later port stop in Bordeaux we definitely toured the local wine region .

But on our stop in La Rochelle, we booked an excursion and did cognac tasting in Cognac. It was a full day outing with lunch and walking tours in addition to our cognac visit. We visited the small town of Saintes and got a quick look at La Rochelle. It was a busy day that left us wanting more.

Heading To Cognac

We boarded our bus in La Rochelle. The bus took a small causeway and got off the commercial pier. There were three islands off of La Rochelle. Two (Ré and Oléron) were connected to the mainland by large causeways. These islands were used historically for salt marshes. Bordeaux finishing salt might make it home as a souvenir!

A third (Aix) was a small island with only 240 inhabitants. But it had two museums and Fort Liédot. Napoleon spent his last days in France here before he surrendered to the English. And then went to exile on Elba.

The bus headed out for our cognac tasting in Cognac. The route went along the La Charente River – past Rochefort, Saintes and Cognac. It was a lovely day for the drive in the country. Our guide explained that Rochefort was created to be the military port while La Rochelle was the deep water commercial port.

We knew we were close when we started to see vineyards.

We Started With A Visit To Chateau De Cognac

The bus stopped at Otard Chateau de Cognac for our cognac tasting in Cognac. Like most historic properties, the chateau had a long and colourful history.

The chateau was a fortress during the Hundred Year War. Francois I was born in this castle and went on to become king of France. The Otard family left Scotland in exile. Otrard descendants bought Chateau Cognac as their estate and made cognac here since 1796.

Our visit started with a tour of the inside of the Chateau De Cognac. It was a large stone chateau and was largely empty. We did not see a historically restored chateau as we did when we visited St Petersburg . In one area we saw the remnants of stairs that used to go to private quarters.

In several of the rooms historical plaques, carvings and busts detailed the history of the chateau. Francis I used the salamander as his symbol. We found it everywhere as we toured the chateau.

In one room we saw various posters that showed the history of Otard as a cognac house over the years.

A tour of Chateau de Cognac was a great start to our cognac tasting in Cognac.

Learning More About How Cognac Was Made

We got a little eduction about cognac during our tour. There were six regions in the area of Cognac that produced cognac. Chateau de Cognac was located in the Grande Champagne region.

Otard does not own vineyards nor does it do the distillation at the chateau. The chateau had the ideal conditions though to age the cognac for 10 to 70 years. The Chateau de Cognac had 3 metre thick walls. The close proximity to the Charente River resulted in a very high humidity in the cellars (90%). The temperature was maintained at 17℃.

The first part of our tour took us through the dark and damp cellars. Spider webs were everywhere. Spiders were a good thing since they ate the bugs!

Distillation And Aging Of Cognac

Cognac was produced from white grapes with a double distillation. One of the secrets to making cognac was said to be the swan’s neck-shaped alembic still used to distill cognac. There were 3 stages of liquor produced during the distillation. Otard buys the middle stage for its cognac.

Producing cognac resulted in a very large amount of evaporation. Evaporation was often called the “angels share”. The evaporation in high humidity environments such as these was mostly alcohol. This made the ceilings and walls dark. We learned that in the Cognac region, 23 million bottles evaporated each year. Otard itself had about 300,000 bottles of evaporation. We saw evidence of this evaporation in black walls of the buildings.

Cognac was aged in oak barrels. The new barrels were toasted before they were used. After 60 years the barrels were sold and used for whisky production. We heard the same thing about barrels used in wine production in other regions of Bordeaux .

Once the cognac was aged, it was stored in white barrels. Once in the the white barrels, there was no more aging.

Insight into the process to produce cognac was a great introduction to our cognac tasting in Cognac.

We Did Cognac Tasting In Cognac

As we toured the cellars, we got a hands-on opportunity to see various facets of cognac production. The first exhibit was about aroma. We were surprised to learn that aromas were actually added to the cognac. Different aromas were added to different vintages. The aromas added included vanilla, coconut, floral and spicy. We certainly smelled the different aromas in the samples.

After we learned about the process of distillation, we got to smell the different stages of evaporation. The middle stage that was used for Otard cognac had a definite smoother smell. Next we did a smell test of the various vintages produced at Otard. The top of the range offered was “1795 Extra” Several other vintages were offered down to VSOP and VS blends.

After all the teasing, we finally got to try cognac tasting in Cognac. We taste tested two different vintages (VS and VSOP). At 3270€ (about $4,000 USD) a bottle for “Crystal St Louis”, we did not taste test the top of the line cognac.

After the tasting we wandered the shop and looked at the wide variety of cognac for sale. Many people went home with bags. A perfect way to celebrate our cognac tasting in Cognac.

A Very French Lunch Break

We left Chateau De Cognac and the bus dropped us off at a town square. Our short walk to and from the bus was our only view of the small town of Cognac.

Our lunch was a delicious slow multi-course French meal with fresh local produce. Of course it was served with local wine. There was a lot of chatter around the table about our morning cognac tasting in Cognac.

Roman History In Saintes

From Cognac we headed to the town of Saintes. Saintes was first occupied by the Romans. Remnants of the Roman period still stood in the town. We started with a photo stop at the Roman amphitheatre . Not much of the original structure still stood. But it was clear that it was still used as an outdoor venue. We saw the steeple of St Eutrope Church in the background and again over the town.

The Charente River ran through town. We got a view along the river banks and then saw the quiet streets of the town. We stopped for a close up view of the L’Arc de Triomphe roman arch by the water. This used to the gate into Saintes.

We saw the St Peters Cathedral tower in the distance as we drove by. It was built in 1500 but then destroyed in religious wars before it was re-built.

Our final short stop was at the Abbey of the Girls (Abbaye Aux Dames). This was the first Benedictine abbey for women in this region of France.

Our visit to the old town of Saintes offered a very different view of this region than our cognac tasting in Cognac!

Photo Stop In La Rochelle

We raced the clock back to La Rochelle. As we entered the city, the bus went past the large train station. It took only 3 hours by fast train to reach Paris.

Even with a tight deadline to get back on board before the ship sailed, our guide set out on yet one more fast walk. She was determined that we see a little of La Rochelle before we left.

The bus parked and we started our tour at the waterfront. We saw the towers that once guarded the entrance to the harbour. A large regatta was on and we saw many sailboats in the harbour. There were two lighthouses in the port.

We wandered through the small alleys of the old town. Several people peeled off from the walking tour and shopped. We then waited for them when we re-boarded the bus. Our guide pointed out several buildings with slate seams where wooden seams once were.

Old Churches In La Rochelle

There was a short stop at the Dames Blanches Cloister. This was a quiet green space in the middle of the old town. At times exhibitions were held here.

We stopped outside the L’Eglise Saint-Sauveur Church. We saw remnants of the original church decaying on the outside. There was a service in progress so we did not get to go inside.

The bus headed back to the dock. Our Oceania Cruises ship had already started up when we arrived. We saw the smoke coming out of the funnels. It was a long day for cognac tasting in Cognac.

Great First Visit To French Wine Country

It was a great first excursion into French wine country on our cruise along the west coast of France . Our visit for Cognac tasting in Cognac was delicious and informative.

The little town of Saintes offered us a view into the history of this region. But the short stop in La Rochelle just teased us for a return visit.

We were headed to Bordeaux next for a two day stop. One day we explored the city of Bordeaux . On the second day we did an excursion into Bordeaux wine country and visited to St Emilion .

Have you done a cognac tasting in Cognac? Have you toured this wine region?

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66 Comments

So many beautiful views, but of course the food and drinks are always my favorite haha. Very informational post. Thank you for sharing 🙂

This was a great part of France to visit for food and drinks.

Wow, I didn’t l know this place exists.

Glad to have introduced this new spot to you.

This looks like a fun way to explore the area! I have a few friends who would likely love going on a tour like this! :]

We were so glad we got to see this part of France. And try the cognac where it is made.

Lovely blog post! It’s so nice that you got to see the wine making process, beautiful scenic places and historical monuments and churches too. I am a bit scared of spiders, big ones especially ! Your photographs are stunning. The food looks yummy. 🙂

We were glad we made it to see Cognac on this trip. The tasting was great but I was glad we got to see some of the small towns and the history too.

Ah, this sounds fantastic. Although I don’t even like Cognac, I would try it for the experience alone – and then probably purchase the most expensive bottle that I’d never drink. I love those authentic settings – I did some wine tasting in St Emilion a couple of years ago. Suddenly I found bottles I had never bought at my local wine store at that price a bargain….

We were happy we got to try some different cognacs we would never have had. A fun experience in Cognac too!

This sounds like such a fun trip!! I have never tried Cognac before but there is always a first time for everything! Whenever I think of traveling to France I think of wine now cognac, but experiencing this for a day trip sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing 🙂

We too think of wine tasting in France. But we could not miss trying cognac in Cognac!

That seems amazing! We love wine and beer tastings so this would be something I’m sure we would enjoy.

We too love to try all kinds of local foods and drinks. It was a fun tasting of cognac in Cognac.

It sounds like it took an awful lot of time until you got to the actual tasting 🙂 ! But I would totally love to learn more about Cagnac in its birthplace. We went for a week of whiskey tasting to Islay two years ago – I can recommand that as well. Great fun! The harbor front of La Rochelle looks very cute too!

It did feel like a long time for us too before we got to taste. But we appreciated it more knowing a bit about the process. We love trying local food and drink. So we would surely try a whisky tasting.

I’m not really a Cognac drinker, but I can’t think of a better place to sample some! Plenty of other things to do too.

We were happy we planned this trip. There was indeed no better spot to try cognac!

You packed a lot into this stop! The little town of Cognac looked beautiful, and tasting all the different cognacs in the place it’s named for is a not-miss! Great architecture in Saintes and La Rochelle. I hope you got the fleur de sel 😉

We were happy with how much we got to see and do on our trip to Cognac with stops in Saintes and La Rochelle. A busy but fun day.

I have to admit, I’m not much of a drinker, but I had no idea that Cognac is so pretty! I’d love to visit and see all of the beautiful buildings! I suppose you can’t really visit without trying a tipple though can you so I’d give it a while. What an amazing experience to sample Cognac in Cognac!

We truly could not visit Cognac without trying the cognac. Sadly we found we liked the most expensive most. So it did not go home with us!

I love the sound of cognac tasting in Cognac! Great tips

Thanks! It was a fun day.

What an awesome experience! I had no idea this was there. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had Cognac, now I’m thinking I’ll save myself for my France trip! haha

We had not really had much cognac before this trip. So it was fun to sample a few and see what we liked.

Aaah, to be sitting in France sipping cognac. But that VOP is pricey! Great shot of all the flags lined up – the wind was cooperating. Curious why Francis choose the salamander.

It was an interesting trip with lots of architecture, history and tasty sips. Definitely one we were glad we planned.

Well this sounds really amazing. And the bottles are so beautiful. I learned a lot…I had no idea. Now adding to the very long list of things I still need to do in Europe…hopefully soon.

I do hope you get to visit Cognac and do a tasting. It seemed like such an iconic thing to plan!

I wouldn’t be interested in a cognac-tasting tour, but I was super impressed with the medieval architecture of the Chateau de Cognac! And your photos of the Abbey and other nearby sites make me want to explore this region some day.

There were lots of different stops on this tour even if you did not want to try the cognac. We were surprised at the history we found.

I am loving all of this history behind this region, and cognac tasting sounds like a great option to add to the tour of the region too!

The Cognac area was a great spot to visit in France. So many cute and historical small towns.

I don’t think I’ve ever tried cognac! It might be one of the few alcohols I’ve yet to taste. I find the process of aging it and how the evaporation turns the walls and ceilings black so fascinating!

We did learn a lot on our tour. It seemed to take forever until we got to taste test the cognac. But the tasting was improved by knowing a little more about the process.

I know nothing about cognac, the drink or the place, so this was really interesting. I’ve done beer tasting, wine tasting and even whisky tasting but never cognac. The chateau looks beautiful, and the perfect location for this experience. Saintes also looks like an interesting place. I’m always fascinated by anywhere with some good Roman history

We loved our day trip in the Cognac area of France. A tasty day and so many great sights.

This seems like a lovely experience when visiting France. Would love to explore the world of Cognac. The white barrels look beautiful.Thank you for sharing.

I hope you get to visit Cognac one day and do the tasty tasting.

What an incredible experience. I would love to do this. I feel like this would give you such an appreciation for the region and for cognac!

We were surprised with how much we saw on a day trip that started with cognac tasting in Cognac.

What an awesome experience to do a cognac tasting in Cognac, France! And love all the background and historical tours you took. Great photos!

A fun way to spend a day in northern France for sure.

Cognac is too strong for me, so I don’t drink it often. But during my holidays in France, I also tried it. I love the smell of cognac. For sure is worth try Cognac tasting in Cognac France. I hope to visit Otard Chateau de Cognac next time.

I hope you do get to do a cognac tasting if you are in the area. A fun area to explore.

The wait prior to the actual tasting must have brought a great sense of satisfaction to you. This whole write-up gave me beautiful insights about the craft of making it which I’ll definitely remember when I chance upon my next sip of cognac. Thanks for introducing us to this wonderful trip of history, architecture, and heritage!

I was happy to provide you with a walk through of our interesting tour of the cognac production. So glad we got to sample at the end.

I would do this because cognac us my drink of choice!!! Didn’t know there is a town called Cognac near LA Richelle and Saintes!

I am glad to introduce you to this part of France. And I am sure you would love this cognac tasting experience.

La Rochelle is so charming, and a great place for cognac tasting. The chateau is wonderful, I could imagine myself there as I read this! It’s a part of France I’ve not yet visited but would love to see for myself one day soon.

We got just a small taste test of this part of France. Definitely worth more time on a return visit.

I love that the chateau was used as a fortress. What an interesting history! Also, how fabulous to be able to have cognac in its namesake. Such a fabulous choice of what to do! I don’t even know if I’ve ever had cognac – this makes me want to try it.

It was indeed a fun day trip with a tasty tasting too!

This post is so full of information. I have read once but will need to read again. We just finished a bottle of Otard a few days back 🙂

So glad that you liked this post and knew about the Otard cognac! It was fun to learn more on our tour.

That’s so cool, Cognac Tasting in Cognac! I have never tasted Cognac till now and I would love to try it. I didn’t know that it was made of white grapes. I would definitely try Cognac tasting someday. And also those old churches are so beautiful. I have added Cognac to my wish list.

We learned so much on our cognac tasting in Cognac! Hope you get to visit one day.

France is so seductive and my goodness, Cognac…intoxicating! That’s crazy to learn 23 million bottles evaporate each year. Can they wring the walls or get in touch with those angels?! geez, lol! I also loved your stop to Saintes…never heard of this historic town before!

It was indeed a fun day tour with tastings, education and some history thrown in!

Learning and sipping: two of my favourite activities. Your post takes me back to a time when my partner enjoyed cognac so I’d always try to bring him home a bottle of Remy Martin when duty-free made it a little more affordable. I could never understand the appeal but I think the memories of this type of tour would help make it a little more palatable.

I am not a big cognac drinker but I still liked the experience and learned a lot. It does indeed leave a nice memory.

I am not a cognac drinker but I am signing up for this – purely for the interesting scenes. The heritage sites for one – quite a lovely story. I loved reading about the facts around Cognac. Did not know so much about the drink

I really did not know anything about cognac before the tour. Such a great way to spend a day touring in this part of France.

A wonderful location to immerse yourself in history and sample the delights of Cognac.

We were happy we got to Cognac and did the tasting. But were delighted with finding so many other places to see.

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The Essential Experience - La Rochelle and Cognac Estate (LRH05)

Port of Call

Activity Level & Duration

Experience Type

La Rochelle, Cognac and the Atlantic Coast

£2,775.00 per person*

($3,524.25 USD or $5,494.50 AUD)

£250.00 deposit

£595.00 single room supplement

9th Jun to 15th Jun 2024

"Dear Mike , Thank you for the excellent photos. The whole tour was a great deal of fun and we enjoyed it tremendously. We are definitely on for Brittany next year. We hope to be bringing more friends. With very best wishes."

-- Michael and Kimberly, Hong Kong

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La Rochelle, Cognac and the Atlantic Coast cycling tour highlights

• Historic Rochefort
• Riding the bracing Atlantic Coast
• Guided visit and tasting at a famous distillery
• Cycling tour along the gently meandering Charente
• The beautiful old port of La Rochelle
• Roman ruins in Saintes

Join us for this cycling tour. All you have to do is pedal

Join this cycling tour

La Rochelle Rail and TGV station

Angouleme TGV station

The collection is from La Rochelle TGV rail station (direct trains from Paris Montparnasse).

Departures from Angouleme TGV rail station (direct trains to Paris Montparnasse) and easy connection to Bordeaux for airport.

Cycling level

• Description
• What's Included
• Accommodation
• Testimonials

Our Cognac and the Atlantic Coast cycling tour explores an incredibly diverse landscape – sandy beaches, rocky promontories gazing out to scattered islands, fishing villages and oyster beds. Inland, marshes criss-crossed with waterways provide home to a myriad of bird species, pastures for cattle jostle with medieval forests and the vineyards of the wines that go to make cognac.

Set amongst these varied panoramas are some wonderful historic towns, La Rochelle, granted its charter in 1199 by Eleanor of Aquitaine, was a centre of medieval trade in wool, wine and salt between France, England and Flanders. The old harbour, wonderfully preserved, is witness to its history. Rochefort, 15km from the mouth of the Charente estuary, was the stronghold of Louis XIV’s navy and the Arsenal and Corderie Royale (rope factory) have been painstakingly restored, together with L’Hermione , the frigate in which Lafayette sailed to help Washington in the Revolutionary War.

Further inland and on the banks of the Charente, Saintes has a ridiculous number of historical sites for a town of its modest size! As the Roman capital of the region, the vestiges of their occupation are widespread, but notable are the Arch of Germanicus built in 19AD, and the open-air Amphitheatre, which held audiences of 20,000. From a later period, the magnificent Abbaye aux Dames (Ladies’ Abbey), consecrated in 1047, stands on the banks of the river.

Upstream, Cognac is of course famous for the brandy that bears its name, and the great producers like Hennessy, Martell and Rémy-Martin built magnificent mansions along the river banks in the 19th century, but behind these is a well preserved old quarter dating from the 15th Century. There is no better way to experience the area than our Cognac cycling tour.

With the sea so close, it’s no surprise that beautifully fresh fish and shellfish should be on most menus, but lamb from the salt marshes and beef from the creamy Charentais cattle that graze the inland pastures also make welcome appearances. Charentais melons with their striped skin and perfumed orange flesh, and cherries and plums grow in abundance.

Although the region’s most famous drink is Cognac, there are local wines and a speciality known as Pineau des Charentes, which is a fortified sweet wine – marvellous chilled as an aperitif!

Our cycling tour is an easy ride through these pastoral landscapes which will show you the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this fascinating part of France.

To view a map of the Cognac and Atlantic Coast cycling tour route click here

After collection from La Rochelle Rail station, we’ll head back to our hotel in the heart of the historic area of the city to set up bikes; once everybody is correctly fitted, we take a short cycling tour of the surrounding countryside to familiarise ourselves with gears and controls, and to make any fine adjustments.

Back at the hotel, have a dip in the pool, take a sauna or relax on the terrace with a cold drink before the first of many memorable meals.

Today's ride is a loop onto the nearby Ile de Ré . After skirting the coast with stunning seascapes to our left, we cross the awe inspiring Pont de Ré , to arrive on the island where time seems to have stood still for decades. We reach the pretty fishing village of La Flotte for lunch at the harbourside. After lunch we visit the Fort de la Prée, designed by the Marquis de Vauban, chief military engineer of King Louis XIV, The Sun King. Vauban will make an appearance a few times over the coming week!

Passing by the ruined 12th C Abbaye des Châteliers we head across the island to St Martin de Ré where we board a pleasure ferry to take us back under the bridge to the harbour in La Rochelle.

We arrive back in plenty of time to explore the old city before a fabulous dinner in the harbourside area.

  Ride distance: 43km / 27 miles

From La Rochelle we ride through the enormous marina, then along the coast on bikepaths that are part of the Vélodyssey route that runs from Brittany in the North all the way to the Spanish border. Stopping for coffee in the seaside resort of Chatellaillon-Plage, then onwards to lunch in the Port town of Fouras, where another Vauban fort awaits for those who wish for a bit more history. Picking up the Vélodyssey again a flat traffic-free ride in the afternoon, including a magnificent section along the Charente estuary, brings us to the historic town of  Rochefort.  

Rochefort has a long and proud history as a naval base, which is reflected in the many places of interest in the town; amongst these are the  Corderie Royale , the rope-making factory and arsenal of Louis XIV, the Sun King, at 374m long the longest building of its age in the world; and the frigate  Hermione , an exact replica of the vessel in which General Lafayette brought help to the Americans fighting the British in the War of Independence, which has recently made the Atlantic crossing and return. Alongside the dock is the National Maritime museum, which is a must-see for those of a nautical persuasion!

The old quarters and gardens by the Charente have been magnificently restored and there should be plenty of time before dinner to take in the sights.

Ride distance: 58km / 35 miles

On the way out of Rochefort, we will take advantage of another of the town’s historical assets, and it’s most fun –  Le Pont Transbordeur , a ‘transporter’ bridge, where a pontoon carrying passengers crosses the river suspended between two enormous gantries on either side. Built in the 19th Century, it is now one of only eight working transporter bridges in the world (three in the UK, two in Germany, Buenos Aires and Bilbao being home to the others).

On the other side of the Charente, we continue our cycling tour through the flat countryside  towards the Gironde estuary. Picking up the coast again, we cycle past the ponds of the oyster producersEn route we arrive at the amazing village of  Hiers-Brouage . In the early middle ages, the village was an island in the shallow waters of the Bay of Biscay, but over the centuries the spread of the salt marshes resulted in the village becoming a port on the bay. In the 16th century, it was fortified to keep at bay the bands of mercenary soldiers released from fighting in the Wars of Religion. These days it is full of craft shops and boutiques, and is a wonderful place to visit, with star shaped curtain walls being intact. 

After lunch we head inland on winding roads alongside the waterways of the Brouage marshes. You will see herons, swans, egrets and magnificent storks in this birdwatcher's paradise. Finally we pick up a bikepath on a disused railway to dieliver us to our hotel on the banks of the lovely Lac du Trizay. A stroll around the lake is the perfect way to sharpen your appetite for a fabulous meal at, in our humble opinion, the best table of the region. 

Ride distance: 44km / 28 miles

 From Trizay we continue on the disused railwaytrack, before switching to canalside paths before arriving at our first visit of the day, the magnificent Chateau of La Roche Courbon , built in 1475. With its ornamental gardens and lake it is a secret treasure of this corner of France. Rooms have been restored to the state they were at various points in the chateau’s history, so you will see the sumptuous furnishings of the 17th and 18th century, and the late medieval kitchens.

The afternoon ride takes us along the River Charente into Saintes , our resting place for the night.  Just after leaving the river, we take a tour and tasting at a producer of Cognac and Pineau, and then visit the site for which Saintes is most famous, the Roman Amphitheatre . Built in the 1st Century BC, the arena is one of the oldest in the old Roman province of Gaul, and one of the best preserved.

Another fine meal awaits us at our hotel 5 minutes from the Arena.

Ride distance: 51km / 32 miles

On our way out of Saintes we have time to take in the Roman Arch on the riverside and the 12th century Abbaye aux Dames , where medieval lords sent their'spare' daughters for religious instruction! Its just a few kilometres of rolling countryside before lunch – which, weather allowing (as it nearly always does!) will be a picnic in the grounds of the Abbaye de Fontdouce – a stroll around the landscaped park of the abbey will sharpen the appetite while the guides prepare one of French Cycling Holidays’ famous picnics.

After this it is luckily just a few kilometres to our Chateau hotel in Cognac itself. Take a dip in the pool or grab your bike and pedal into the old centre of the town to see the majestic mansions built with the proceeds of the brandy industry, with such famous names as Hennessy, Martel, and Rémy- Martin over their ornate gates. At the hotel a gourmet meal awaits in a magnificent setting overlooking the Charente Valley!

Ride distance: 48km / 30 miles

After breakfast  we transfer to the TGV train station in Angouleme for onward journeys. Alternatively, although our tour is over you may want to stay on an extra day to take full advantage of the wonderful town of Cognac!

Not all cycle vacations are the same. Compare what is included in a French Cycling Holidays bike tour:

• Flexible collection from local airport or train station
• Quality Trek bicycles
• Quality helmets (if required)
• Water bottles (to take home as souvenirs)
• Detailed riding instructions and colour route maps
• Charming 3* and 4* auberges, inns and hotels
• Buffet style breakfasts with croissants, pastries, meats, cheeses and cereals
• Gourmet dinners for all 6 nights of your holiday
• Fine wine (or soft drink alternative) with all evening meals and coffee to follow
• 2 experienced guides with each tour
• Delivery of your luggage to your hotel room each day
• Entry fees to attractions and historical sites
• Morning onward transfers
• An unforgettable experience!

We try to include as much as we can within the price, while keeping things as flexible as possible. With the explosion of low cost airlines and the easy access to the TGV rail system from the UK, we believe that it is more economical and convenient for customers to arrange their own travel to the region. Links to the airlines and railway companies can be found in frequently asked questions.

We provide the transfers to and from the local airports and the nearest TGV stations, and other locations by arrangement. If you have driven down, we arrange secure parking for your car and return you to it after the tour.

We stay in very comfortable hotels, mostly 3*, occasionally 4*, and very occasionally superior 2* hotels which we choose if they have charm and comfort above their rating. All rooms have en-suite shower or bath facilities.

We select our hotels for their character as well as their facilities, and avoid chains in favour of independent privately run hotels.

Prices are based on two sharing in twin or double rooms. Singles are available on request. Where possible, we choose hotels with swimming pools as there is nothing quite like a dip after a day in the saddle!

It is sometimes necessary to change accommodation for reasons of room availability, minor adjustments to the route or upgrading the hotels. We will always endeavour to use hotels of an equal or higher level of comfort/facilities to those shown – please contact us to check for the most up-to-date information regarding your particular tour.

All evening meals are included, and we carefully select the restaurants for cuisine and ambience, and favour those with a strong regional flavour. 

All meals include a starter, main course and dessert, some will have an additional cheese course. We are happy to arrange for our restaurants to cater for specific dietary requirements and allergies etc.  Fine wine (or soft drink alternative) with all evening meals and coffee to follow.

We do not include lunch, as the costing of these is beyond our control, but where route and weather allow we organise picnics; these feature copious salads, cold meats, cheeses, crusty bread, fruits, etc, and a choice of drinks; we ask for a contribution for the costs of the consumables, which usually works out at 10 or 11 euros per person per picnic. Where route or weather does not allow a picnic, we recommend suitable cafés and bistros.

Bikes & Equipment

We provide lightweight alloy framed Trek ‘hybrid’ touring bicycles with 27 indexed gears, our guides will generally be on hand to fix punctures and minor mechanical problems and carry pump, tubes etc.

For carrying the items you might need during the day (camera, wallet, windbreaker etc.) we fit a capacious handlebar bag which also features a large map pocket. These clip on and off the bike in a flash so that you can always take your valuables with you when off the bike.

The bikes are meticulously maintained and we keep a wide range of sizes; female specific saddles are also available. We do not provide helmets automatically, as we find people prefer their own if they want to wear one, and sizing and fit is quite personal; however we always have helmets available for use. We also carry rain-capes should they be required (but hopefully not!). 

For nearly all of our tours an e-bike - electrically assisted bicycle - is an extra-cost option. These bikes apply a 'multiplier' to the level of input provided by the rider, the level of assistance can be adjusted for the terrain. This can be useful if members of your party have very different levels of bike-fitness and experience, as hills that look daunting suddenly become easy with an e-bike.

Please contact us for details.

Guides and Backup

There will be two guides on every tour; one cycling with the group and one in the minibus which will follow the group. The bus carries all luggage not required for the day's ride and will always be available for anyone at any point during the day. If for instance you want to take a day off the bike, or if a particular day seems a little hard, the bus will take you for as long or as little as you wish it to.

Everybody is provided with detailed route maps for each day, and both guides are easily contactable by mobile phone. The guides are enthusiastic experts on the local area and will be able to sort out any problems or special requests that you might have.

Hotel La Corderie Royale, Rochefort

Situated in the grounds of the Corderie – the centre for rope making for Louis XIV’s imperial navies – the hotel dates back to the 17th century and sits on the banks of the River Charente close to the historic dockyards.

The elegant façade houses modern and comfortable rooms and hidden in a courtyard is a swimming pool; in the basement is a fully equipped fitness centre if the day’s cycling hasn’t been sufficient exercise!

The restaurant looks out onto the river and the Corderie – a perfect setting for local oysters or lobster, or venison from the local forests!

Hotel Jardins Du Lac, Trizay

On the shore of the Lac de Trizay, the hotel is run by Sabine (front of house) and Yohann (chef) who has in our view, one of the best tables in Charente. A huge swimming pool and jacuzzi/spa complete the comfort!

Relais du Bois Saint-Georges, Saintes

The Relais is a modern 4 star hotel not far from the historic centre of Saintes, set in an exceptional park with a huge lake – wake up to the sound of ducks and geese! With a huge indoor swimming pool, the pride of the Relais is its restaurant. Award-winning chef Stéphane Gautier uses herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s kitchen garden and foraged in the local woods to create a menu that attracts diners from all over the region.

Château de l'Yeuse, Cognac

The 4*  Château de l'Yeuse was built in the Italianate Louis Phillippe style in the 1850’s. Sitting in a 20 acre park with views overlooking the valley of the Charente and the vineyards of Cognac, the hotel also boasts a large swimming pool. A few minutes from the centre of Cognac, the situation is ideal.The gardens are notable as they have been left 'wild' to encourage wildlife and biodiversity.  

Dinner is eaten in the elegant contemporary dining room, or on the terrace overlooking the valley on fine days.

Hotel La Monnaie, La Rochelle

Desrcibed as a " Haven of Peace in the heart of La Rochelle".  Located in the heart of the historic district, overlooking the emblematic Old Port of La Rochelle, it is here where we relax for our final evening.

Maisons du Monde, La Rochelle Vieux Port

Located in the symbolic Old Port,  Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites is a beautifully decorated hotel and a perfect spot to spend our last evening. If you wish to stay longer et us know and we can reserve an extra night!

Note: Hotels are subject to change as circumstances may dictate the use of different accommodations. We will always endeavour to use hotels of a similar standard to our regular hotels should this be the case.

Below we answer all the most common questions that you might ask before choosing a French Cycling Holidays cycling tour. If you have any further questions then please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

How fit do I need to be?

Anybody who is reasonably active should be able to take part and enjoy our cycling tours in France.

The tours have different levels of physical exertion — whilst the Loire Valley tours and Bordeaux tour are easy going; the Normandy, Provence Roman Heritage, and Burgundy tours are a little more strenuous, whilst the Provence Lubéron, Dordogne and Languedoc tours require a reasonable level of fitness.

For nearly all of our cycling tours an e-bike - electrically assisted bicycle - is an extra-cost option. These bikes apply a 'multiplier' to the level of input provided by the rider, the level of assistance can be adjusted for the terrain. This can be useful if there are members of your party who have very different levels of bike-fitness and experience, as hills that look daunting suddenly become easy with an e-bike. Contact us via the contact page if you would like more details.   

The Sports tours are aimed at enthusiast cyclists who might want to bring their own road bikes. However, the rides are not races and there is no time limit - and there is always the minibus if things get too tough!

We would nevertheless recommend that anyone who has not taken any regular exercise for some time consult their doctor before considering any activity-based holiday. Bear in mind that a little regular riding before coming on a cycling vacation will always be a benefit to the experience.

How do I get to the cycling tours in France?

We pick up and drop off from the nearest TGV/railway stations to the start of each tour. (We may be able to drop at a nearer airport or station by arrangement if more convenient for you and logistically possible). This gives everyone the option of making their way by the most economical or convenient means. The major options are:

Flying from the UK

Ryanair flies into the following airports:

Nimes (for the Provence tours and Languedoc tours; Ryanair also fly out of Beziers and Montpellier for the Languedoc tour); Bergerac (for the Bordeaux tour), Dinard for the Normandy tour, Grenoble for Alpine trips and Pau (for the Classic Cols tour)

Ryanair operates out of Liverpool, London Stansted and London Luton Airports amongst others.

Easyjet flies into Montpellier (for the Provence tours) and out of Bordeaux (for the Bordeaux tour); it flys into Geneva and Lyon for Alpine tours and also out of Nice for the Alpine Raid.

British Airways prices can be reasonable if booked in advance — BA fly into Bordeaux for train transfers to Bergerac (Bordeaux tour), and Marseilles (Provence tours).

If we do not pick up from the airport itself, we will advise on rail connections from the airport to our pick-up points.

Rail for visitors from outside Europe / those already in France

The TGV can be an exceptionally quick way of reaching many French destinations from the UK and from Paris for those flying from overseas or UK regions.

The Eurostar SNCF (French National Railways) TGV websites may be useful. As a guide, London St Pancras to Avignon via TGV takes approximately 6½ hours; Tours takes 4 hours. From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, the point of arrival for most intercontinental flights, Tours is 1½ hours by TGV, Avignon (for Provence) just over 3 hours.

Brive-la-Gaillarde is 4 hours from Paris by rail for the Dordogne tour. We are more than happy to advise on rail options — please contact us. Internet sales from the French SNCF site ( www.voyages-sncf.com sites are possible but are in French; the approved agency for the US and Canada is RailEurope ; however we are happy to advise and help with the French website.

This may be a good choice if your French Cycling Holiday is part of a longer stay. We may be able to arrange parking for your car at or near our first hotel, and return you to your car at the end of the trip. (Note - this service may not be available on certain long-distance tours - please check with us). The major ferry and crossing companies from the UK are Eurotunnel, P&O, Brittany Ferries, LD Lines, Speedferries and SeaFrance.

If it is more convenient for you to hire a car Europcar in our experience has the best rates for rentals where the drop-off is at a different location to the pickup.

However you choose to travel, we are very happy to help you sort out your itinerary.

What kind of pedals do you use?

Pedals are obviously fairly important on a cycling tour! We stock the following kinds:

Flat – i.e. no special cleats or grips, these pedals can be used with any kind of footwear. If you do not regularly use special pedals or cycling shoes, we recommend standard trainers/sneakers to wear while riding.

SPD/flat – we also have pedals with one side flat and one side an SPD cleat. This is the standard Shimano SPD compatible system; two bolts and the small cleat pictured on the shoe with the yellow sole. These cleats are ideal for cycling tours as the cleat is usually recessed into the bottom of the shoe. 

Flats with cages – we have a small number of flat pedals with cages & straps – again if you are not used to this, we wouldn’t recommend starting a tour with them!

Other – we do NOT stock any other pedal systems. If you use any other kind of pedal, you are very welcome to bring your own and our guides can fit them to your bike for the week. However, we would advise against racing-style pedals such as the Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL or similar, as these tend to have a large, protruding cleat on the sole of the shoe which makes walking around visits or lunch stops (or even nipping into a public toilet!) quite uncomfortable and dangerous. Sports tours are a little different as there are much longer days and less off-the-bike walking – a choice is ultimately up to you though!

Can I use my own bike?

We are happy for anyone to bring their own bikes. However, the budget airlines charge around £50 each way and packing and carriage can be a hassle. Our Trek bikes are of a high standard, and our customers usually express pleasant surprise at the quality of the machines, so it might be a better option to bring your saddle and/or pedals which we will be very happy to fit. In any case there will always be a backup bike should you have a mechanical problem. Please feel free to call us for advice on bike transportation.

What should I wear?

The main thing that people who are not regular distance cyclists worry about is a sore behind. This is not as is popularly thought due to too-hard saddles, but friction between skin and garments. This is why professional cyclists wear skin-tight lycra shorts with padded inserts. Many people feel a bit self-conscious in this sort of gear and your local cycle shop will have a range of padded undershorts which can be worn under normal clothing, or regularly styled shorts with sewn-in padded liners. Otherwise, lightweight comfortable clothing (tee-shirts, shorts, trainers) is ideal, with something warmer like a fleece just in case. As we will be dining well, you might like to take something presentable (but not formal — no-one on a French Cycling Holiday stands on ceremony!) for the evening meal.

How many people on each cycling tour?

As well as being an active holiday, sampling the best that France has to offer, we believe that our trips should be an opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 16, which is the largest number that we can give a personal service to, and a minimum of 6 people, which we feel is the number needed to achieve a group spirit. If we cannot achieve this number, we may cancel the tour giving a minimum of five weeks notice.

What weather are we likely to encounter?

We time our tours so that the weather should be ideal for cycling for each tour. For that reason we have our Provence and Languedoc tours in the late spring and early autumn, rather than in high summer when it can be too hot to cycle comfortably after 10 a.m. The Loire Valley, Dordogne, Bordeaux and Burgundy tours are more temperate, which is why we concentrate these tours in July and August. We cannot guarantee the weather, but it would be very unlucky to have more than one wet day on any of the tours.

Are there any age limits?

There is no specific upper age limit — the only constraint is a reasonable level of fitness. Children between 10 and 16 are welcome as part of family groups. We do not recommend these tours for children under 10.

Do I need travel insurance?

We require all participants to have travel insurance with full medical cover. It is part of the conditions of our tours that participant should provide evidence of suitable cover. If you have any questions about the cover required please contact us for advice.

What financial protection is in place for my booking?

In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations 1992” customers of French Cycling Holidays Limited will be indemnified in respect of their net ascertained financial loss sustained arising from the cancellation or curtailment of the declared trip travel arrangements arising solely from the event of the financial failure of French Cycling Holidays Limited.

This insurance has been arranged by Towergate Chapman Stevens through Hiscox Insurance Company Limited.

“Alan and Roger should be commended for their flexibility – you couldn’t ask for better guides. I plan on booking another trip with FCH!”

Scott, Alberta, Canada

 “Everything we dreamed about, expected and more – simply incredible! The company of the guides and our fellow riders was fantastic.”

John & Margie, Nevada, USA

  “Would enthusiastically recommend it to other cycling nuts who have a taste for the better things in life – fine wine, good food & company; in all, a very indulgent holiday! Thanks for all the meticulous planning & preparation that made our holiday a breeze.”

Jeffrey & Elisabeth, Brighton, Victoria, Australia

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On sait désormais exactement par où passera la flamme olympique dans le Saint-Émilionnais, le Libournais et la métropole bordelaise

On connaissait les horaires des relais et les principaux points de passage en Gironde de la flamme olympique. On sait désormais exactement quel chemin empruntera la torche des Jeux de Paris 2024 le 23 mai.

Comme le dévoile Bordeaux Métropole, son parcours débutera à 8 h 30 à la grande côte à Saint-Émilion pour aller vers le centre-ville et emprunter la rue Guadet direction l’espace du même nom, ouvert au public, avant de se terminer Porte Saint-Martin. Ensuite, direction l’hippodrome du Bouscat (9 h 20) puis retour vers Libourne (10 h 03). Là, le relais débutera au stade Jean-Antoine-Moueix et passera par la place Joffre, le quai Souchet et l’allée Robert-Boullin pour s’achever sur la place Abel-Surchamp.

Ce sera ensuite l’heure d’arriver dans la métropole bordelaise, via Lormont (11 h 06) et la traversée de la Garonne en Bato direction la Cité du vin. Un nouveau petit crochet par Saint-Émilion et le prestigieux château Cheval-Blanc (13 h 05) puis retour vers Mérignac (13 h 34) et Pessac, de l’Aqua Stadium au complexe de Bellegrave en passant par l’avenue Bon Air et l’avenue Pasteur. Une petite halte au lac des Dagueys (16 h 01) à Libourne et la flamme achèvera son parcours à Bordeaux (16 h 55). Là, elle partira du groupe scolaire Jules-Guesde de Cenon sur la rive droite, empruntera l’avenue Jean-Jaurès, la rue Galin, contournera l’allée Serr pour longer les quais jusqu’au pont de pierre. Rive gauche, la flamme passera, entre autres, par le miroir d’eau, les allées de Tourny et le quai des Chartrons avant de finir sa journée girondine sur la place des Quinconces (19 h 20).

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