Perched on the banks of the river Charente between Angouleme and Saintes, the town of Cognac is located on one of the main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostella. Also, the town lends its name to one of the most popular brandies in the world, also known as the eau de vie. True cognac must be manufactured in certain locations around the town and made according to exact regulations.

The old town of Cognac boasts a medieval quarter known as “Vieux Cognac,” which stretches along the river from the Saint Leger church all the way to the Tours Saint Jacques. The old town here is also home to many other interesting buildings from the 15th through the 18th centuries, including the Chateau des Valois, the Saint Gobain glassworks and the Musee des Arts du Cognac. In addition, many of the narrow cobbled streets boast sculptures of the salamander – a symbol for King Francois I.