Car Hire Cognac - Mini guide to Cognac

Cognac, famous for its high quality brandy, lies on the banks of the River Charente in southwestern France. Even though Cognac’s main resource is its fine quality alcohol, there are other reasons why the town is a delightful place to visit.

This historic town boasts plenty of medieval stone and half-timbered buildings; most are located on rue Saulnier and rue de l'isle-d'Or. Nearby is the vestige of the castle where King Francois I was born in 1494.

To the left of the castle, visit the Hennessey Cognac Company, where you will be given a comprehensive guided tour. Alternatively take a tour of the St Gobain glassworks, two kilometres south of town.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink to suit all budgets; the atmospheric La Bonne Goule serves up excellent Charentais specialities.

Take a canal boat upstream through the scenic locks to Jarnac, where the late President Mitterrand's grave lies. Segonzac is the second closest town to Cognac and it’s the capital of the Grande Champagne cru (area). This town is a haven for various activities, and a good place to purchase Grande Champagne.

There is an airport located in Merignac (about 20kms from Bordeaux). From Bordeaux, take the freeway to exit 36 in Pons and the D732 from Pons to Cognac. By train, catch a high-speed TGV to Angouleme, and then change for a local train to Cognac (about 20 minutes).