A taste of Cognac
The Charente river winds through the Cognac region, beneath warm stone bridges and vibrant, overhanging trees. With eateries and vineyards nestled along the banks, it’s a foodie adventure in waiting and, besides, where better to sip Cognac than Cognac?
Le Boat offers self-steered boats from its base in Jarnac. You’re given full instructions on how to cruise before you set off along the river to Saint-brice. From there, climb to L’yeuse restaurant and hotel, where your efforts will be rewarded with a Cognac mojito and savoury choux bun bites.
After a gentle night’s rest back on board, make your way to tasting time in Cognac. Local distillers insist that’s around 11am, when your taste buds are least polluted by other flavours. At La Maison Rémy Martin, you’ll enjoy a range of tasting options and learn that, much like Champagne, Cognac is a type of brandy that must be made in its own region to qualify as being authentic, as well as how to distinguish the age by the acronyms on the bottle (hint, XO is the top-shelf blend).
The beauty of the Charente river is that you can meander from town to town, stopping wherever whets your appetite. In Bourg-charente, try the bistro at Michelin-starred La Ribaudière and don’t leave without cycling to the Domaine Pautier pineau (dessert wine) vineyard. Or peruse the tiny market in Châteauneuf-sur-charente for cheeses and juicy strawberries and enjoy dining on deck. When you arrive back in Jarnac, grab a bottle of Hine’s (official Cognac supplier to the Queen) British-inspired ‘Homage’ blend Cognac. What a perfect way to toast goodbye to a wonderful trip!
BOOK IT From £202 for a one-cabin boat, sleeping up to three, for three nights (leboat.co.uk). Bordeaux is the nearest airport and transfers to Jarnac cost from £164 per person (holidaytaxis.com). For more information and to book, visit atlantic-cognac.com. Bethan Rose Jenkins