A prestige room at La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin, with its stunning, patterned wooden headboard and ceiling in the cosy, elegantly decorated room in Cognac, France.

An elegant restaurant, with the bright, wooden ceiling in between the large circular arches of the spacious dining hall of La Brasserie des Flâneurs, at La Nauve Hotel, Cognac, France.

A prestige room at La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin, with its stunning, patterned wooden headboard and wardrobe in the simply yet elegantly decorated room in Cognac, France.

La Nauve Hotel & Garden

Cognac

Nestled amid 12 acres of formal gardens on the banks of the Charente River, La Nauve Hotel & Garden is a boutique hotel on the fringe of Cognac.

Set in a restored 19th century cognac distillery and mansion, this Relais & Chateaux property has the air of a countryside retreat yet is just a 30-minute walk or short boat trip from the city centre. A captivating blend of historic allure, French sophistication and Art Deco cool, it offers gourmet cuisine, a picturesque pool and impeccable service.

Twelve warm and elegant rooms are divided between the neoclassical villa and the restored distillery building. The light and airy rooms evoke the tranquillity of their surroundings, with natural material such as wood and stone accented with leafy artisanal textiles. All rooms feature spacious marble bathrooms, while some have direct garden access or balconies overlooking the gardens.

The exclusive gourmet restaurant, Notes, offers sublime gastronomic tasting menus of four or seven courses in intimate surroundings. Located in the former distillery, the Brasserie des Flâneurs dishes up seasonal French cuisine with many ingredients sourced from the hotel gardens. Round off your evening with a cognac-based cocktail in the hotel bar.

Refresh with a dip in the outdoor pool, enjoy a cruise in the hotel’s electric boat, or savour a gourmet picnic in the grounds. Guests can also hire e-bikes to explore the vineyards or enjoy a cognac tasting experience.