Discover the Cognac Vineyards from the Dordogne to the Atlantic Coast
4 nights from $3,947pp
From the border of Dordogne to the French Atlantic coast, this exclusive five-day adventure introduces you to the vineyards of Cognac and highlights some of this region’s spectacular heritage. A delight for cognac lovers, this tour highlights the centuries-old history of this cosmopolitan eau-de-vie with tours and tastings at a number of renowned cognac houses. As you traverse the region, you’ll also visit medieval treasures, an enchanting Atlantic island and the historic port of La Rochelle, while savouring some of the region’s finest cuisine.
Highlights of our luxury Cognac tour
- Discover the Cognac vineyards with tours and tastings at four remarkable cognac houses.
- Visit historic attractions including an 8th-century underground church and a medieval hospice once used as a pilgrimage rest stop.
- Savour an array of mouth-watering meals from fresh oysters to a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Explore oyster farms, vineyards and landscapes on the magical Ile de Oléron.
- Tour the historic city of La Rochelle before cruising its impressive port.
Day 1: Arrival in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Cognac
Your private driver will meet you at the airport or rail station and transport you to Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, on the border with Dordogne. Explore this picturesque village and enjoy a guided tour of the 8th century underground church of Saint-Jean, before a mouth-watering lunch of local, seasonal cuisine.
After lunch, visit Maine Giraud, a cognac estate that once belonged to the poet Alfred de Vigny. Tour the vineyard and museum, before savouring a tutored tasting of the estate’s cognac and pineau. The day concludes in historic Jonzac, where you’ll check into your hotel before a dinner of traditional French cuisine.
Day 2: Explore Saintes, With Two Cognac Tastings
Today’s journey takes you to Saintes, visiting two cognac houses. Learn about the history of the Cognac vineyards, the different varietals, and production of cognac and pineau, before a tutored tasting at La Maison de la Vigne et des Saveurs.
After lunch in a gourmet riverside restaurant set in a 16th-century mill, continue to Château Montifaud for a tutored tasting of cognac and pineau, and a tour of their historic cellars.
More history awaits in medieval Pons, where you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed former medieval hospice, a rest stop on one of the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela. Round off your day with a gourmet meal before bedding down in your Saintes hotel.
Day 3: Tours & Tastings at the French Atlantic Coast
Today you’ll head to the French Atlantic coast and the enchanting Île de Oléron. First stop is Fort Royer, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the oyster farm before sampling some of these delicious molluscs.
Another gourmet seafood lunch is on the menu at a waterside restaurant, before an afternoon visit to Maxime Pinard Vineyard for a tour and tasting of their cognac, pineau, and other delights.
Nestled between pine forest and sandy beaches, today’s final destination is the colourful port of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. Savour creative cuisine based on local seafood in an oceanside setting, before settling into your island hotel.
Day 4: Explore La Rochelle After Your Lunch in the Foodie Haven
This morning, head to charming La Rochelle; choose between a private car transfer or catch the ferry from Boyardville. Known as the White City, La Rochelle is renowned as a foodie haven, and lunch at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Christopher Coutanceau, is the ideal start to your visit.
In the afternoon, discover this historic port city with a guided tour on foot or by bike, before a boat cruise with commentary offers a different perspective on the port and fortifications.
Set beneath a glass roof made in the workshops of Gustave Eiffel, savour an evening meal of creative French cuisine in Les Quatre Sergents, before retiring to your hotel.
Day 5: Your Final Day to Wander Around La Rochelle
Your Cognac adventure concludes today, though you have time for a final wander around La Rochelle before beginning your homeward journey. If you’re not ready to return home just yet, ask us about extending this tour to the exclusive Ile de Ré, an exquisite island that’s become a favourite of Parisians, A chance to discover salt-farming on the island!
Where You Could Stay in France
Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa
A converted cognac distillery in the heart of historic Cognac, the Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa is a compelling blend of industrial heritage and contemporary luxury hospitality.
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La Nauve Hotel & Garden
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.
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Hôtel François Premier
Hôtel François Premier is an architectural gem that dates back to the 19th century and has been meticulously restored to showcase its original splendour.
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We craft each itinerary just for you. Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey through the vineyards of Cognac.
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