The Cognac Experience: from the Dordogne to the Atlantic Coast

Day 1

Your private driver will meet you at the airport or rail station and transport you to Delamain, situated in the heart of Grande Champagne, considered Cognac’s finest terroir. Delamain exclusively produces XO and older Cognacs, and is one of the oldest houses in the region, having been founded in 1824.

This small, family-run, cognac producer curates some of the rarest and most collectable cognacs from deep within its cellars. Dive into an unprecedented sensory adventure over the course of a gastronomic lunch where each flavour highlights the timeless magic of Delamain cognacs.

Nestled in the shadows of the Grand Chai, an exclusive, intimate meal specially prepared and served by a talented chef, enjoy a delicate encounter between local gastronomy and the very old Grande Champagne cognacs.

The day concludes in historic Cognac where you’ll check into your hotel before a dinner of traditional French cuisine paired with a selection of local wines.

Day 2

After breakfast at your hotel, your private guide will collect you for a full-day journey around Cognac. Visiting two cognac houses. Learn about the history of the cognac vineyards, the different varietals, and the production of cognac and pineau. begin with a private tour to visit a Cognac house and taste their “magnifique eau-de-vie” in the company of the owner!

Next up is Henessey as you discover one of thier most iconic blends, Hennessy X.O – a subtle
blend created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870. Visit the prestigious “Paradis” Cellar, where some of the Maison’s oldest and most precious eaux-de-vie are stored.

After lunch in a gourmet riverside restaurant set in a 16^th-century mill, continue to Chateau Montifaud for a tutored tasting of cognac and pineau, and a tour of their historic cellars.

Day 3

Today you’ll head to the French Atlantic coast and the enchanting Ile de Oléron. The 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 forests 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

This morning, head to charming La Rochelle; choose between a private car transfer or a 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 that 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 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. If you fancy extending your journey, this is the perfect chance to travel north and combine this trip with the Loire Valley.