Explore COGNAC COUNTRY

With charming towns, atmospheric abbeys and - of course - brandy galore, rural Charente is a delight 

- ALICIA MILLER

Set inland from the Bay of Biscay and north-east of wine city Bordeaux, Charente is a rural French department with a seriously delicious export: cognac. From the stone-fronted buildings of its photogenic towns to the vineyard-striped surrounding countryside, the celebrated aged brandy factors into almost every visit. However, there's much else to draw a holidaymaker to the region, including its rolling hills, waterside adventures and historic sights - all just a train ride from Paris too.

Bottoms up!

Made from grapes and aged for many years before blending and bottling, cognac brandy is one of the most elegant and refined of the world's dark spirits. The region's vineyards are dotted across a broad area, from north of La Rochelle into the Dordogne, but the finest tipples come from the 'Grand Champagne', centred around the Charente commune of Cognac. In the pretty cobbled old town on the Charente river, many buildings are used for cognac production by the biggest name in the business: Hennessy (hennessy.com). Join one of its immersive tours, and sample a selection of the smooth, fruity spirits for yourself.

Enchanting architecture