Cognac
The château de Cognac, the cradle of François 1er, was originally a fortress built in the 10th century. It then became the secondary residence of the Valois family after Angoulême, and was rebuilt in the 15th century. In 1494, it was the birthplace of François de Valois, future King of France under the name of Francis I. He lived in the Château for 5 years.
Throughout his life, Francis I remained extremely attached to his region of birth that he visited often, the great pomp of his entrances being generally followed by sumptuous banquets and feasts.
The Château, purchased in 1796 by Baron Otard, Mayor of Cognac and Member of Parliament for the Charente, is today home to the renowned Cognac of the same name.
Visitors will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic quarters of this elegant and very French town, reputed throughout the world thanks to the eau-de-vie which bears its name. Admire such sights as the many houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the St-Léger Church, the Récollets Convent, the François 1er Park and, of course, the Cognac Museum.
Additional Information
|