Cognac Attractions
120km/75mi north of Bordeaux is Cognac (pop. 19,525), in which Jean Martell, a native of Jersey, settled in 1715. He was followed by an Irish soldier named Hennessy, Baron Otard and others. The main features of interest in Cognac itself are the picturesque old town, which preserves a number of 17th and 18th C. mansions, the Château des Valois (13th-14th and 16th C.) and the Romanesque/Gothic church of St-Léger. Another attractive possibility is a drive around for example to Merpins, with remains of the Roman town of Condate, Châteauneuf sur Charente with its beautiful Romanesque church or the former river port of Port-Hublé.
Information on visits can be obtained from the Office de Tourisme, Place J.-Monnet in the town of Cognac.
Information on visits can be obtained from the Office de Tourisme, Place J.-Monnet in the town of Cognac.
Aulnay, France
(Near Cognac)
Aulnay (pop. 1,500) lies on the old pilgrim road to Santiago de Compostela. The magnificent Romanesque church of St-Pierre has a handsome tower and steeple, a richly sculptured west doorway and fine capitals. In the churchyard is a 15th C. cross.
Aulnay Tourist Office
290 avenue de l'Eglise
F-17470 Aulnay-de-saintonge
France
290 avenue de l'Eglise
F-17470 Aulnay-de-saintonge
France
Brouage, France
(Near Cognac)
The little town of Brouage (pop. 500), situated in an area of marshland, was built between 1630 and 1640. It is a fine example of a fortified town of the pre-Vauban period, with seven bastions and 13 m/40ft high walls pierced by two gates.
Charente River
The river Charente winds its way for 360km/225mi through the old provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge before flowing into the Atlantic. Between Angoulême and Saintes it forms a valley just under 100km/60mi long, lined with interesting towns and churches like Bassac Abbey, the churches of Chaniers, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and Châtres (all charming Romanesque buildings), the town of Cognac, the Château and dolmen of Garde- Epée, Jarnac and the fine Romanesque church of Trois- Palis.
Chateau de la Roche-Courbon, France
(Near Cognac)
This chateau was rebuilt in the 17th C, at which time a fine a formal garden was added to it.
Hours
June 15 to September 14
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Open | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
September 15 to June 14
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | ||
| Open | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | ||
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
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