No visit to the Charentes or neighbouring Charente-Maritime area is complete without learning more about its most famous export, Cognac – an amber brandy that derives its name from the region it comes from. Cognac houses here include world-famous names such as Rémy Martin and Hennessy, with many local growers selling their grapes to them for blending.

The local growers are usually family-run businesses that also offer tours of their vineyards and distilleries. At Ernest & Louis, located near the rolling hills of Saint-Martial-Vitaterne, hop on an electric bike to explore the company’s vineyards on an audio tour. Whether you’re a Cognac aficionado or a novice, you’ll enjoy learning about the humble Ugni Blanc grape's journey from harvest and double distillation in copper pot stills to aging for at least two years in French oak barrels.

The Charentes, France: the ultimate itinerary, from Cognac to chateaux