Bordeaux to Cognac and Jarnac: Private day trip

Wander the cobbled, Renaissance streets of Cognac, where grand cellars and centuries of history weave around you. In the riverside town of Cognac, history flows as smoothly as the spirit it’s famed for. Begin your visit in the cobbled old town, where timbered houses and Renaissance facades whisper of centuries past. Pause in Place François-1er, then tour one of the great Cognac houses - Hennessy, Remy Martin, or Martell - each offering immersive tastings and cellar experiences. Cross the Charente by boat at Hennessy, sip aged blends in Remy Martin’s barrel rooms, or admire rooftop views at Martell. Round off your visit at the Musee des Arts du Cognac for insight into the craft behind France’s liquid gold.

Elegant and unhurried, Jarnac blends Cognac heritage, riverside beauty, and the warmth of small-town France. Jarnac is a riverside gem where the scent of aging Cognac mingles with cobbled charm. Start with a tour of the prestigious Courvoisier House. Its cellars and tastings offer a rich introduction to the region’s golden spirit (booking ahead is a must). Then stroll along the Charente River, where old warehouses and boats line the peaceful quay. Stop by the square for a cafe or a snack of local goat cheese and Pineau des Charentes. Don’t miss the birthplace of Francois Mitterrand, now a small museum. Jarnac is compact, historic, and quietly elegant, perfect for a flavorful mid-journey pause.