From serene vineyards to medieval towns, limestone-strewn landscapes to historic maritime ports, riverside paths to quiet country lanes, the Cognac region is picturesque, charmingly authentic and tailor-made for slow travel. Your clients can follow the trade route of the Charente river all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at La Rochelle, for a journey that stitches together layers of history like a rich tapestry. All the while they can indulge in plentiful gourmet stops, engage with local storytellers and soak up the expert craftmanship behind the world-famous Cognac spirit. 

For agents less familiar with the area, help is on hand from Laurette Didière, founder of local DMC Charentes in Flow, experts in crafting tailor-made itineraries around this intriguing French region. We asked Laurette to share her unmissable experiences in the Charente region.

If you were to recommend one historical experience in Cognac...

I would absolutely recommend the Château de Marnier-Lapostolle, the historic home of Grand Marnier. Louis-Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle was a visionary who, in 1880, created this famous liqueur by blending fine Cognac with essence of bitter oranges. In 1921, he acquired this magnificent castle, continuing a business that had been steeped in passion and a genuine love for French art of living since 1827. He was a pioneer in his field, forging relationships with prominent figures like Swiis hotelier César Ritz to promote his brand globally. 

The castle beautifully embodies the elegance and "Art de Vivre à la française" of the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods, a philosophy you can still see reflected in every limited-edition bottle. It's a truly captivating experience that connects history, art, and gastronomy.

If you were to recommend one wine experience in Cognac...

For a deep dive into our regional wines, I highly recommend the experience at Les Hauts de Talmont. It's a modern and enlightened approach to winemaking that highlights the crucial connection between the environment and the people who work the land. The focus is on biodynamic practices, giving visitors a profound understanding of the human element behind every single grape. They offer a unique "five-senses" tour that is truly immersive. You can walk along the chalky cliffs, inhaling the salty air from the nearby estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. You'll touch ancient stones, fossils, and the wild herbs that grow there. It’s an experience that awakens all your senses and shows you the soul of our terroir.

If you were to pick one of Cognac’s most typical, most picture-postcard villages...

I would choose Bouteville. This village is the perfect example of everything that makes the Cognac region special. It's home to a historic castle and is located in the heart of the "Grande Champagne" area, which is renowned for producing some of the finest eaux-de-vie. While there, you can visit a traditional, family-owned Cognac house like Paul Giraud, where you might even get a glimpse of the salamanders that live in their cellar – a delightful and surprising experience! For a truly premium gastronomic moment, don't miss Baume de Bouteville, where they produce exceptional vinegars that are aged in traditional Cognac oak casks. It's a village that perfectly combines history, tradition, and exquisite flavours.

If you were to choose one experience that epitomises the Charente river...

The Charente river can be enjoyed in so many wonderful ways, but I'm particularly fond of the Wine & River cruise. On a traditional flat-bottomed boat called a gabare – like the La Demoiselle – you can spend two hours floating peacefully on the river. We often have local producers on board to offer tastings, which visitors absolutely love. The tranquility of the river is mesmerizing, and you get a different perspective on the historic buildings and magnificent houses of the big Cognac brands. You'll also see families of swans and different species of herons. 

© Alain Benoit BNIC

For those who want a more active experience, I also love the Canadian canoe cruise. It's a great way to create fun memories with friends, whether you want to have a friendly race or simply paddle at your own pace. You can even stop along the way for a refreshing drink. 

And if you're looking for ultimate freedom, you can rent a boat without a license for a few days. I recommend at least four days so you can stop in different villages, discover local heritage, and enjoy the lively riverside restaurants and guinguettes (taverns).

If you were to design a perfect day at the coast...

The coast is full of treasures! You absolutely have to visit Saintes to explore its incredible Roman sites, and Rochefort for its rich maritime history, which is fascinating. But my personal favourite is Oléron Island – it’s so wild and free! A boat tour is a fantastic way to discover the world of oyster farming and get a taste of the local life. Of course, La Rochelle itself is a beautiful, modern, and vibrant city. It’s perfect for those who want to experience a bustling city atmosphere after a relaxing time in the countryside.  

If you were to select your number one tasting experience for Cognac, liqueur of the Gods...

If you're looking for a truly unforgettable, top-tier experience, and if your budget allows, the Martell Signature Experience at Château de Chanteloup is unparalleled. It's more than just a tour; it's a deep dive into the art of living, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and an incredibly intimate, luxurious atmosphere. 

For those who want a more accessible experience, I highly recommend La Luciole bar, a riverside bar in the town of Cognac. It's the perfect place to get a complete overview of the different Cognacs produced across the entire region. It's a relaxed and friendly environment where you can easily pair different Cognacs with local cheeses and cured meats.  

If you were to pick one way of travelling around...

I would say that biking is one of the best ways to get around. We have an amazing network of cycling routes called the Flow Vélo that makes it easy to explore the region. The routes are well-marked, and all you have to do is follow the signs! The train is also a good option, but it requires more careful planning to connect with all the villages and sites you want to see.

What makes the Cognac region different from every other region in France?

The most important thing for travel agents to know is that our people are our greatest asset. The Charente region is home to thousands of passionate producers and artisans who are ready to share their expertise and their love for this unique land. Our landscape, with its 80,000 hectares of vineyards, may seem vast, but the process of creating Cognac is deeply personal. It's a journey from the vineyard to the harvest, the pressing, the distillation, the aging, and the blending. The charm is found in every single step of this process, and our producers love to share it. For example, while the initial grape yield is high, it can take 40 years to produce just 900 bottles of an exceptional Cognac Extra – this is a testament to the dedication and time that goes into our craft. This blend of rich heritage, genuine human connection, and the meticulous art of creating our world-renowned spirit is what sets the Charentes region apart.