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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