The 7 Best Sights & Landmarks in Cognac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The Royal Château of Cognac overlooking the Charente river was initially a 10th-century fortress designed to stop Norman invasions, and then in the 15th century became a stately home which was the birthplace of one of France’s most illustrious kings, Francis I. Baron Otard, who had founded its Cognac House in 1795, quickly understands that the thick walls provide exceptional aging conditions for his eaux-de-vie. He purchases the Château, saving it from total destruction The Royal Château of Cognac, which became a historic monument, is now a witness to French history and a Cognac House. We are offering a variety of tours combining two aspects of history: the history of France and the history of Baron Otard cognac up to the present day. Welcome to the Royal Château of Cognac!

Crossing the threshold of the Martell House, in Cognac, means entering into a unique story. It is the story of a man, Jean Martell who founded his cognac house, in 1715 under the reign of Louis XIV. It is the story of a house which, from one generation to the next, has kept alive the age-old knowhow of vine- growers, distillers, barrel-makers and cellar masters. It is the story of a beautiful region, whose crus bear poetic names: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois. It is the story of a French art of living made up of refinement and elegance, whose spirit gives Martell cognacs their clearly recognizable style. It is a story to be discovered, explored… and savoured.

An example of architecture from the Middle Ages, the Old House, also called the Lieutenant’s House, is the oldest house in the town of Cognac. This is one of the protected historical monuments (since 1933) in Cognac. Constructed around 1490, the house was preserved in it's original condition (oak beams, wooden carvings...). One can admire the rare painted ceiling from the 16th/17th century.