The House of Courvoisier. The Cognac of Napoleon
2, place du Château
+33 (0) 5 45 35 56 16
Right on the banks of the Charente, our tours offer a unique insight into the history of cognac. Discover the secrets of the aromatic brandy barrels in a superbly produced audio-visual presentation. Spacious shop. Guided tours in French, English and German.
Over 18 years old 4 € - 3 € for groups
Open : every day from May to September, 10.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 18.00 except Saturdays in May and September.
(dates and times subject to alteration)
email : Sylvie.Riviere@BeamGlobal.com
http://www.courvoisier.com

Louis Royer s.a.
27-29, rue du Chail
+33 (0) 4 45 81 26 82 / +33 (0) 5 45 81 02 72
Come and visit Louis Royer's cellars and discover our exceptional cognacs and liquors. Free guided visits.
Open : In July and August : from Wednesday to Friday from 10 to 12 and from 14 to 18, Saturday 10 to 12 and 14 to 19, Sunday 14 to 19, last visit 1 hour before closing. (dates and times subject to alteration)
http://www.louis-royer.com

Thomas HINE & C°
16 Quai de l'Orangerie
+33 (0) 5 45 35 59 59
The house of HINE, founded in 1763, stands on the banks of the river Charente.
Discover our cognac House, our "Paradis" and our ancient cellars, in the deepest of which our famous vintages are kept under lock and key.
Open : Visits by appointment only
Open all the year round (except bank holidays) from Monday to Thursday between 9 and 12 and between 2 and 5 pm, Fridays from 9 to 12
Free guided visits - French and English
http://www.hinecognac.com

The Oak Tour
+33 (0) 5 45 81 09 30 / +33 (0) 5 45 80 98 91
Visits to a stave-cutter and a cooperage, the traditional ways of producing pineau and cognac and the chance to taste local produce. Two-and-half hour tours conducted by Jean Yves and François Moine, wine growers from Chassors.
Open : From 15th June to 15th September, Monday to Thursday, leaving from the Tourist Office at 14.00 (out of season and at the weekends by appointment) (dates and times subject to alteration)
http://www.moinefreres.com

Firing up the boilers in December
Throughout the ages the demands of distillation have governed the winter life of people in the Charente. The traditional double distillation method involves two "chauffes" (firing the boiler of a still). At the end of December local winemakers/distillers invite you to share the heat in their distilleries. Ask for a programme.

Open House at the makers of Pineau des Charentes
In August, producers open their doors to reveal the secrets of Pineau des Charentes. Visits, tastings, demonstrations, exhibitions... such a lot of different ways to appreciate the qualities of white and rosé Pineau des Charentes.

The cognac trails
+33 (0) 5 45 36 47 35 Fax : + 33 (0) 5 45 82 12 88
Signposted wine and tourist routes to discover a world-renowned product : cognac.
The winegrowers open the gates of their properties to you to reveal the secrets of how cognac is made. From the copper of the stills to the special atmosphere of the chais where the cognac ages, allow yourself to be seduced by the liqueur of the gods!
Four theme routes (Cognac and Vine, Cognac and River, Cognac and Stone, Cognac and Traditions) have been traced to vary the pleasures. They lead to the discovery of very beautiful vine-growing landscapes, but also major sites of historical and architectural heritage.
At each stop, a face and a smile will tell you the story of local life between ancestral traditions and modernity.
Stops to explore vine-growing, eat a fine meal, make discoveries or simply relax : care-free holidays as the seasons pass, with the assurance of welcoming hospitality, complete with a quality label.”
Map and touristic leaflet available at : Étapes du cognac Maison des Viticulteurs - 25, rue Cagouillet - 16 100 COGNAC.

email : contact@cognacetapes.com
http://www.cognacetapes.com

In search of the winegrowers and local distillers
A list of cognac and Pineau des Charentes producers who sell direct to the public and offer visits to their distilleries and "chais" is available from the Tourist Office. Many will show you around - ask about it.