The Cognac Tour

The Charente was called the most beautiful stream in France as early as the 17th century – by King François I himself. And he was right. This river is like liquid meditation. But this is about more than just scenery. You are traveling through the heart of Cognac. To your left and right, you will see the chai storehouses of the great houses: Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier. That black fungus on the walls? That is the Angel’s Share – alcohol that evaporates during the aging process. The air actually smells like cognac. The tours at the distilleries are legendary. At Hennessy, you first take a boat across the river to the warehouse... wait, you are already on a boat. Even better: moor directly at the jetty and walk over. Martell is the oldest house (1715), while Courvoisier was Napoleon’s favorite cognac. Beyond the cognac: the Romanesque cathedral of Angoulême, medieval Jarnac (birthplace of François Mitterrand), and the region's best escargots. Hard Facts: No license required • 21 locks (mostly automated) • Distilleries with boat moorings • Best time: May-October • Note: Many distilleries are closed on Sundays