Château de Cognac (Baron Otard)
Château de Cognac
A medieval castle where King François I was born, now the Baron Otard Cognac cellars, where you can visit both the historic halls and the cellars
The Château de Cognac was built between the 10th and 15th centuries. In 1494 King François I of France was born here. The castle later served as a prison, and from 1795 the Otard family used it as a cognac cellar, where its thick walls keep the temperature and humidity stable and ideal for ageing. Tours visit the Knights' Hall, royal halls and underground cellars, followed by a tasting of Baron Otard cognac. Advance booking is required, and the visit takes about 1 hour. The château is beside the river, next to the Saint-Jacques city gate, within walking distance.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–18:00 (seasonal)
Nearby sights
- Gabare Cruise on the Charente
- Old Cognac & Saint-Léger Church
- Hennessy Cognac House
- Musée des Arts du Cognac
- Martell Cognac House
- Camus Cognac House
- Rémy Martin Cognac House
- Courvoisier, Jarnac