Cognac, Historic distillery town in Charente, France
Cognac is a town on the banks of the Charente in southwestern France, surrounded by vineyards and distilleries. The center gathers around old stone buildings and narrow lanes, while warehouses and quays stretch along the river.
The settlement grew around a medieval fortress and became the birthplace of a French king in the late 15th century. Wine trade evolved from the 17th century into a distillery industry that supplied international markets.
The town's name connects directly with a spirit that ages in oak barrels and follows strict geographic boundaries for production. Visitors often notice the sweet scent drifting from riverside warehouses and settling over the streets.
Many distillery houses offer guided visits where travelers can follow the production process and aging in cellars. A walk through the old center pairs well with a stroll along the riverside promenade.
A black fungus grows on warehouse exterior walls, fed by alcoholic vapors that escape during aging. This coating covers roofs and facades throughout the town and gives many buildings a dark appearance.
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Castle of Cognac
286 m
Église Saint-Léger de Cognac
100 m
Château de Bagnolet
2.1 km
Cognac Public Garden
305 m
Château de Châtenay
1.7 km
Porte Saint-Jacques
266 m
Maison de la Lieutenance
41 m
Parc des sports de Cognac
770 m
Temple protestant de Cognac
260 m
Museum of Cognac
246 m
Dolmen de Séchebec
1.5 km
Couvent des Récollets
247 m
Fontaine François Ier
248 m
Musée des arts du Cognac
287 m
Prieuré Saint-Léger
124 m
Maison Martell
361 m
Grotte Marcel Clouet
1.9 kmLogis du Bouquet
3.5 km
Île de la Reine
1.1 km
Hôtel Allenet
240 m
Hôtel Verdelin
101 m
Hôtel de Bremond d'Ars
92 m
Hôtel de Rabayne
77 m
Île Marteau
3.2 km
Hôtel de l'Esclopart
75 m
Hôtel Brunet du Boccage
151 m
Hôtel de la Gabelle
173 m
Hôtel Duplessis
53 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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