As soon as described by 16th century French monarch Henri IV as ‘essentially the most stunning river within the kingdom’, the Charente meanders leisurely by means of a few of the most picturesque countryside in western France earlier than merging seamlessly with the Atlantic close to Rochefort.
Alongside the best way, this tranquil waterway passes by means of heritage cities and quiet villages, each tempting the customer to cease, decelerate a gear and simply absorb the ambiance of sunflowers, orchards and historic stones, to not point out a few of the world’s most well-known vineyards. That is Cognac nation, the place AOC vineyards break up into six areas or crus produce iconic model names prized by connoisseurs.
The place to say in Cognac
And on the coronary heart of this idyllic panorama stands No.22 Cognac, a luxurious farmhouse gîte rated four-star by the Workplace de Tourisme Charente. Sleeping 8 visitors in 4 bedrooms, this character property is situated within the quiet Charentais village of Louzignac, simply minutes from the market cities of Rouillac and Matha, and simply 20 minutes from Cognac. The proper base for an genuine French vacation that may be as lively or passive as you please.
Relationship from the 1840s, No.22 Cognac is about in its personal secluded backyard enclosed by stone partitions and with unique use of a heated out of doors pool. A sunny terrace and barbecue space are excellent for informal evenings at house, while superstar chef Jean-Yves Corvez runs a restaurant close by – La Desk du Chef Corvez – which is ideal for these evenings while you fancy a culinary deal with.
Farmhouse homeowners Paul and Carolyn Saunders make it possible for visitors have every thing they should get pleasure from their vacation, beginning with a hamper of native produce and cooking necessities on arrival. There are pool towels and robes, backyard furnishings, and a wealth of data on what to see and do within the space from winery visits to markets, cultural websites to eating places and leisure amenities.
What to see and do in Cognac
The selection just isn’t what to do, however what to do first. Massive native must-do is Cognac itself, only a brief drive out of your vacation farmhouse. Massive identify manufacturers right here embody Martell and Remy Martin and cellar excursions and different experiences could be booked forward on line. However you probably have no specific model loyalty, perhaps head to Baron Otard within the Château de Cognac fortress for a slug of historical past together with your tipple. Renaissance king François 1 was born right here in 1494 and Richard the Lionheart stayed on the fortress when he got here to bless the marriage of his illegitimate son Philip of Cognac. Take a tour of the Cognac museum and discovery centre too and maybe a tranquil river cruise. Additionally on the Charente and fewer than half an hour from No.22 Cognac is Jarnac, headquarters of Courvoisier and Hine.
What to do close to Cognac
Drive north for half an hour from No.22 Cognac and also you come to St-Jean-d’Angely, the place the towers of the unfinished Royal Abbey could be seen from miles round. Wander the lanes of the previous city with their slender alleys and medieval homes, and go to on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to replenish on recent native produce on the market. An actual feast for the senses.
Again on the banks of the Charente, simply south No.22 Cognac, three different cities are a must-do for anybody who loves historical past, heritage, and a healthy dose of native life-style. Simply 40 minutes to the east lies Angoulême, internationally referred to as the capital of France’s thriving BD business. BD? That’s the acronym for Bande Dessinée or cartoon, a vastly common French artwork type that’s celebrated in a riverside museum. Discover the elegant streets of the hilltop higher city, comply with the road artwork path, and take a look at the treasures of Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
Observe the Charente west from Cognac and also you come to Saintes, a market city since Roman occasions that also boasts an amphitheatre courting from round 50AD in the course of the reign of Emperor Claudius. Uncover the city’s stunning church buildings, nice outlets and – after all – one other wonderful market.
From Saintes, the Charente turns north in the direction of Rochefort, a trendy city that has lots to occupy guests for a packed day trip. An hour’s drive from No.22, this as soon as sleepy village was remodeled within the 1660s to the Royal Dockyards for ‘Solar King’ Louis XIV. Go to the Corderie Royale or Royal Rope Manufacturing facility, a ‘Versailles-style’ constructing the place lengthy ropes had been produced for rigging battle ships. Uncover the story behind the reproduction 18th century frigate Hermione – perhaps even see her in dock – and make a journey down Reminiscence Lane on the Musée des Commerces d’Autrefois. And should you can’t resist a backyard, stroll by means of the general public gardens of unique vegetation introduced again by expedition ships, in addition to France’s nationwide begonia conservatory. First landed in Rochefort by plant hunters looking for new specimens, the species was named after Monsieur Bégon, native superintendent for the king.
Whether or not you fancy a busy day trip or a low-key outing nearer to base, visitors at No.22 will discover info and inspiration within the complete information ready by Paul and Carolyn, and accessible on their web site. Household-friendly locations embody the vacation resort of Royan, simply over an hour away; boat journeys alongside the river; and close-up encounters with beautiful Poitou donkeys. A lot bigger than your common donkey, these lovable animals are at all times chocolate brown in color with big ears and thick woolly coats.
And should you can’t resist a theme park, this space has two of the most effective, each of them distinctive. Stand up early for the 2-hour drive to Puy du Fou, a historical past park with lavish reside exhibits involving every thing from Roman gladiators to marauding Vikings, musketeers to birds of prey.
Or head to Futuroscope close to Poitiers, round 90 minutes away by automotive, for an award-winning mixture of multimedia, cinematography and audio-visual methods. Count on out of doors thrill rides, 3D and 4D exhibits, and actions to go well with guests of all ages.
Then come again to Cognac No.22 for a swim in your personal pool, an apéro on the backyard terrace, and a convivial meal while you speak over at the moment and make a plan for tomorrow. A vacation vacation spot that ought to tick everybody’s packing containers.
