a stimulating heritage !

A city of art and history since 2012

For most people, the word “cognac” inevitably makes them think of the famous local product and it’s true that the city owes its reputation to the beverage. But it’s not the only element. The birthplace of François I has a rich history and a heritage that goes way beyond the world-famous spirit.

Places not to miss

The quays of the Charente and the Saint Jacques Towers

The Saint Jacques Towers and the river Charente

By granting many privileges to his “favourite town”, François I initiated a flourishing salt trade in Cognac, thanks to the river Charente.  From then on and particularly with the development of the eaux-de-vie trade, the quays of the Charente became the nerve centre of the city.  The two curtain towers (Tours Saint-Jacques or Porte des Ponts) are the most visible remains of what had been the medieval walls of the city.  A medieval bridge, demolished in 1855, opposite the towers, gave access to the other bank of the Charente.

The Château of Cognac

Visite de la ville de Cognac à la lueur des lanternesThe Château des Valois, destroyed in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th, owes its fame to the fact that it was home to a royal, princely family.  King François I first saw the light of day here in 1494.  Essential visits include the “Salle du Casque”, the tower of Count Jean and the superb vaulted salon called the “Salle des États”.  The château belongs now to the Otard cognac House.

Saint Léger church

In 1031, the disciples of Saint Benedict founded a priory with a modest church and conventual buildings.  Around 1130-40, they built the current church in the form of a Latin cross with cupola.  The Romanesque façade was opened in the 15th century to enable the installation of a flamboyant rose window.
Can you recognise the signs of the zodiac and the works of the months of the year on the doorway?

Saint Léger church

Maison de la Lieutenance

La maison de la Lieutenance est la propriété des cognacs Prunier. Le momunent est ouvert au public avec une boutique dédiée à leurs produits.

La Maison de la Lieutenance

The House of the Lieutenancy is set at the start of rue Grande, the main street of the city from the Middle Ages to the mid-19th century.  Of medieval origin, the building was reconstructed in the 17th century by Pierre de Lacombe, lieutenant general of the town.

The sculpted pieces of wood, visible on the façade, probably date from the 15th century and were reused during replacement of the half-timbers.  The door, flanked by pilasters as well as the interior improvements (fireplaces, paintings) date from the 17th century.

Despite these modifications, the House of the Lieutenancy still shows the characteristics of a house dating from the end of the Middle Ages with its ground floor in hewn stone and half-timbered elevation with corbelling.

The Public Park, Town Hall and Art and History Museum

The park is the result of two purchases by the City of Cognac to create a municipal museum and a town hall: l’Hôtel Otard de la Grange in 1889 and l’Hôtel Dupuy d’Angeac in 1921-2.  The park of Cognac, listed in 1943, has elements that are typical of the English garden – pagoda, orangery, grottos, sinuous lines.

Folie of public park in Cognac

Town Hall of Cognac

The project of remodelling the park (7 ha) was given to Edouard André, a famous Parisian landscape gardener in 1892.

Art and History Museum of Cognac

André was trained as a gardener at the Natural History Museum in Paris. He created many gardens in France and abroad and specialised in 19th century English gardens, notably sunken gardens with grottos and waterfalls.

Torula compniascensis

Many first-time visitors to Cognac are surprised by the blackened walls of the buildings.  This is due to a microscopic fungus called Torula Compniascensis that lives off the evaporation of cognac (the famous Angels’ share).
Wherever cognac has been stored, you’ll find it!

Les toits de Cognac noircis par le Torula Compniacensis

coeur

A favourite of ours !

Rue Henri Germain

Its former name (rue de la Grille) came from the prison that used to be there.  The hollyhocks show how much it has changed since then …

The most characteristic house in this street is the Eclopart, and you would never suspect, from the bricked-up doorway what this Renaissance home must have been like.

Rue Henri Germain à Cognac

Cognac City of art and history

Bearing the logo “City of art and history”, Cognac has on offer offbeat suggestions to discover its history and heritage – forget those boring, interminable visits and try our original, quirky concepts for all the family, year-round !

Discover the fall winter collection of City of Art and History.

“Laissez-vous conter Cognac” : a collection to consume without moderation !

We love !

Dedans-dehors un livret pour découvrir les patrimoines cachés de cognacInside – Outside (Dedans-Dehors), hidden heritage. Twenty photos by Julia Hasse that show us what we don’t normally see, what’s hidden behind the facades of buildings – elements of architecture or decoration, inner courtyards, gardens … A true immersion in the diversity and wealth of the city’s hidden heritage.
On sale at the Cognac Tourist Office.

Walks through Cognac

Two signposted tours for the pedestrian to visit the major sites :

  • The King’s tour, through the old town, takes the visitor back to the time before eaux-de-vie, when salt was the main commercial activity
  • The Belle Époque tour takes the visitor through the 19th century urban development in line with the city’s growing economic importance.

Free tours in Cognac and its area

Discover the old town of Cognac on your own, for a romantic stroll in the paved streets or with children to discover its secrets ! {…}

Guided Tours

Discover the guided tours of Destination Cognac ! Cognac Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, associations and craftsmen suggest you a beautiful programme. Guided tours of different {…}