Spend the day exploring the birthplace of France’s most famous brandy, with tastings at world-renowned Cognac houses like Hennessy and Remy Martin. Stroll through quiet squares, explore distilleries, and learn how centuries of tradition have shaped this spirited town.
Your driver will pick you up in Bordeaux and take you to Cognac, with time to explore the town and visit top Cognac houses before heading back later that afternoon.
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, such as 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.
Traditional pairings include dark chocolate, aged cheeses, and nuts which complement Cognac's rich flavors. Some tours include guided pairings with local specialties, while restaurants in town offer menus designed to highlight different Cognac expressions alongside regional cuisine.
Yes, most major houses have on-site boutiques selling their full range, including exclusive bottles only available at the distillery. Staff can arrange shipping for larger purchases, and many offer special gift packaging and personalized bottles for memorable souvenirs.
Yes, advance reservations are strongly recommended for tours at major houses like Hennessy, Remy Martin, and Martell. These popular distilleries often book up, especially during peak season, and pre-booking ensures you get your preferred time slot and language for guided tours. (These reservations are separate from Daytrip's services).
Cognac is approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Bordeaux, taking about 1.5 hours by car. The scenic drive passes through vineyard-covered countryside and charming French villages, offering glimpses of the Charente River valley that defines the Cognac region.
The historic town center features Renaissance architecture, cobbled streets around Place Francois-1er, charming timbered houses, and the Art and History Museum which explains the region's distilling heritage. Riverside walks along the Charente offer peaceful breaks between tastings.
The major Cognac houses include Hennessy, Remy Martin, and Martell, each offering distinctive tasting experiences. Hennessy features boat crossings over the Charente River (seasonally), Remy Martin showcases aged blends in historic barrel rooms, and Martell offers rooftop views along with tastings.
Cognac classifications include VS (aged minimum 2 years), VSOP (aged minimum 5 years), and XO (aged minimum 10 years). Higher classifications indicate longer aging and more complex flavors.
Each house has distinctive characteristics: Hennessy is known for its seasonal river crossings during tours, Remy Martin specializes in Fine Champagne Cognacs with elaborate aging processes, and Martell focuses on elegant blends with beautiful historic cellars and tasting rooms.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.