Le Château Royal de Cognac
Le Château Royal de Cognac
4.5
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
The Château of Cognac overlooking the Charente river was initially a 10th-century fortress designed to stop Norman invasions, and then in the 15th century became a stately home which was the birthplace of one of France’s most illustrious kings, Francis I. Baron Otard, who had founded its Cognac House in 1795, quickly understands that the thick walls provide exceptional aging conditions for his eaux-de-vie. He purchases the Château, saving it from total destruction The Château of Cognac, which became a historic monument, is now a witness to French history and a Cognac House. We are offering a variety of tours combining two aspects of history: the history of France and the history of Baron Otard cognac up to the present day. Welcome to the Château of Cognac!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
481 reviews
Excellent
267
Very good
165
Average
29
Poor
15
Terrible
5
marilyn36NorthYorks
north yorks7 contributions
Jul 2022
We loved this tour it was excellent from start to finish and our guide Angeline was charming and so informative. She spoke excellent English and answered all our questions. The history of the Chateau is fascinating and how Cognac is made - especially enjoyed the details of the angel's share and the drunken spiders! I am not surprised that Jaycee is very taken with this charming place and producing his own brand.
The tasting was a revelation, even my husband got some of the flavours.He was more interested in the history and the place just resonates with it. Enjoy.
The tasting was a revelation, even my husband got some of the flavours.He was more interested in the history and the place just resonates with it. Enjoy.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and the nice review. We are glad you enjoyed the visit and let Angélie know about your nice comment.
We hope we will have the pleasure to welcome you back to Le Château !
Written July 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Passenger622639
3 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We had a Château and blind tasting tour. Our tour guide Katherine, was absolutely great and she spoke English very well (just as well as our French is limited, to say the least!). She was very knowledgeable about not just the history of the Château and Cognac, but French history too. Her knowledge of Cognac making was very impressive and we learned a lot. She was also very welcoming and great fun. Fantastic customer service and a super tour. Thank you Katherine.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your visit and your review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit, we will sure let Catherine know about it :)
Written June 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mr.Ché
Moscow, Russia1,489 contributions
Nov 2017 • Business
The place is magnificent - 15th or 16th century castle that belonged to a King of France. Getting inside bring in a unique feeling of travelling in time. The history of cognac production is very interesting but I was mostly impressed by the cellar where you could find barrels over 100 years old. See my pictures made with Relonch camera for better imporessions.
The degustation in the end is pretty cool too. What I missed was entertaining part. Apart from the cellar all places are empty and the story told was a bit dull. At the end of the excursion i was a bit bored.
Otherwise all cool!
The degustation in the end is pretty cool too. What I missed was entertaining part. Apart from the cellar all places are empty and the story told was a bit dull. At the end of the excursion i was a bit bored.
Otherwise all cool!
Written December 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comment, we take note of your remarks to improve our visitors' experience !
Written December 27, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sillyoldfool
Southampton, UK57 contributions
Otard is one of the older Cognac Houses and therefore one can expect a bit of history in the tour. Like the story of one of the owners who decided that he wanted to clean the buildings up only to discover the went black again because he was unaware that the balck was a mildew created by his Cognac.
Written July 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robynguy
Melbourne, Australia101 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We only had a short time in Cognac and chose the Chateay Royal because of it’s history. We were not disappointed. We arrived in time for the 2pm tour in English, luckily because it was the only English tour that day. Our guide, Julia, was wonderful and even though it was just the two of us, she gave us as much time and information as we wanted. From the high vaulted ceilings and beautiful staircases, to the graffiti left behind from prisoners of the 18th century, all was fascinating. We also learned about the qualities of cognac as we toured the ancient, cobweb draped cellars with intriguing tunnels and rooms off them. We tasted 2 cognacs at the end. A great tour!
Written April 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your comment and your visit ! We will let Julia know how much you enjoyed your Experience at the Château :)
Written May 4, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dodswoa
St. Albans, UK202 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Starts with a tour of the remains of the historic palace of cognac followed by the usual explanation of how cognac is made and the tasting. Also the museum which is interesting too. We did the XO tasting - which was worth it and the measures are small (but enough) and its ok to drive after - we checked. In the past we have done Hennesey (next door) and Courvoisier which were then just about the drink - but they may have changed. I can thoroughly recommend this but book.
Written September 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comment, we are glad you enjoyed the visit of the Château Royal de Cognac, its cellars, and the final tasting :)
Written December 1, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jammy D
London, UK148 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
Having spent 5.5 hours at Remy Martin the day before, we wanted to do another Cognac house tour, but without the "bells and whistles". This was perfect, as it was almost a 2 for 1!! The start of the tour was about the history of the stunning castle, leading up to the production of the Baron Otard Cognac. Although we had already been told many of the things Chloe was talking about, we did not find the tour at all boring or tedious. If anything it refreshed our memories and enhanced the information we had learned the day before at Remy.
She was very knowledgeable and funny, and we discovered later that her family have a history in the distilling industry, so the whole process of producing Cognac is close to her heart, this came across in her passion for her "story-telling". The tour was finished off with a short tasting, that gave us an insight into another of the main brand Cognacs.
The tour involved a lot of stairs so not for anyone that has difficulty in this aspect.
The price was very reasonable at €10 for the basic tasting of the VS and VSOP, and €20 for the VS, VSOP and XO, then €45 to include the Extra, so not bank-breaking!
A nice afternoon.
She was very knowledgeable and funny, and we discovered later that her family have a history in the distilling industry, so the whole process of producing Cognac is close to her heart, this came across in her passion for her "story-telling". The tour was finished off with a short tasting, that gave us an insight into another of the main brand Cognacs.
The tour involved a lot of stairs so not for anyone that has difficulty in this aspect.
The price was very reasonable at €10 for the basic tasting of the VS and VSOP, and €20 for the VS, VSOP and XO, then €45 to include the Extra, so not bank-breaking!
A nice afternoon.
Written May 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your comment. We feel very lucky to work in such a beautiful place filled with the history of our country. We will definitely let Chloe know how much you enjoyed the tour ! :)
Written June 16, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
michael a
Farnham, UK632 contributions
Jul 2015
This is one of the best tours of a cognac house. The castle is the birthplace of Francois I, (France's answer to Henry VIII). It was a prison for Irish and English soldiers at the end of the 18th century and is really fascinating. The second part of the tour focuses on the taste and production methods for cognac. The whole thing ends with a drink. The basic tour costs 10 euros but you can spend more if you want to taste the very expensive spirits.
Written July 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrapeter
Bude, UK817 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
This beautiful little Chateau was the birthplace of King Francois 1 of France and the tour gives you a basic knowledge of the Cognac making process too.
You get to see the main body of the Chateau and then the cellars where there is graffitti from prisoners dated back to the 1800's but is now where the Eau de Vie is created and mixed for the Cognacs.
Then you get a free taster of the VSOP and the XO Gold.
One word of caution - check the prices that you can get on the ferry on the way, if you are travelling that way, before buying here as it is either the same or sometimes you can get a cheap deal (we had already bought a bottle of the VSOP for £30 on the ferry and it was still £40 in the shop!)
You get to see the main body of the Chateau and then the cellars where there is graffitti from prisoners dated back to the 1800's but is now where the Eau de Vie is created and mixed for the Cognacs.
Then you get a free taster of the VSOP and the XO Gold.
One word of caution - check the prices that you can get on the ferry on the way, if you are travelling that way, before buying here as it is either the same or sometimes you can get a cheap deal (we had already bought a bottle of the VSOP for £30 on the ferry and it was still £40 in the shop!)
Written September 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken L
Greater Palm Springs, CA371 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
I took one of the tours conducted in English at Otard. A stop at the tourist information center in Cognac will help find out times and places where tours are in English. We headed to Otard after a stop at the Musee des Arts for the tour. Otard is in a very old Chateau purchased by Baron Otard. The tour was informative and at the end each participant is given a bit of Cognac to taste.
Written September 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We zouden het chateau graag bezoeken maar vragen ons af of je hond mee mag?
Johanne Zehnne
Cognac, France
Hello, thank you for your question. If you can keep your dog in a bag during the tour that would be perfect. For safety and sanitary reasons we cannot accept big dogs that can walk in Le Château's rooms & cellars.
amadar
Brisbane, Australia362 contributions
Do we need to book ahead for an English tour? What days and times are there English tours?
Could you please give us a website address.
Thank you
JK5148
Bristol, UK3 contributions
.chateauroyaldecognac their website. We didn’t book but in March outside school holidays we felt it was safe to take a chance. English tours are at 2.00 pm, booking is probably the best option in higher season. Have fun!
Annie M
1 contribution
Is it possible for a person using a walker or a cane to go on this tour?
Johanne Zehnne
Cognac, France
Hello Annie, there are a lot of steps in the Château, a walker is not recommended, but you can use a cane. Don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to have more information about the tours.
susanne330
Blue Mountains, Australia
Will you be running tours from 14/12/1016 to 18/12/2016? We will be attending a Wedding on 17/12.
Yolande d
MARSEILLAN3 contributions
Thanks for your question . Yes, The Royal Castle of Cognac is opened every day in December, from 10:00 am to 12:30 & 1:30 pm to 6:pm. M
Paul S
Warwick, UK9 contributions
The time of the tour in English..
Thankyou
Johanne Zehnne
Cognac, France
Dear Paul,
Thank you very much for your interest in the Château de Cognac.
The time of the tours in English depends on the day.
Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail or by telephone so we can arrange a tour at your convenience.
Waiting for the pleasure to welcome you to the Château de Cognac
Paul S
Warwick, UK9 contributions
Could someone let me know what time of the day are the tours given in English. .
fmarcillaud
Rotterdam, The Netherlands82 contributions
Dear Paul, it actually depends on the seasons and busyness in cognac. I know that all guides speak English (as they are prohibited to do both tours). To ensure yourself give them a call +33545368886
philipdamon
Coconut Creek, FL2 contributions
What days and hours are the tours available?
fmarcillaud
Rotterdam, The Netherlands82 contributions
April 1st to June 30th: Every day, including Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays (except May 1st) from 10 am to 12 noon - 2 pm to 6 pm
July and August:Every day, including Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
from 10 am to 12 noon - 1.30 pm to 6 pm
August 31st to October 31st: Every day, including Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 10 am to 12 noon - 2 pm to 6 pm
November 1st to March 31st: On demand
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Claim your listingLe Château Royal de Cognac - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Château Royal de Cognac
- Le Château Royal de Cognac is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun - Sat 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Le Château Royal de Cognac tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Le Château Royal de Cognac tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Le Château Royal de Cognac:
- Au Cœur du Château - VSOP et XO BARON OTARD (From $26.19)
- Au Cœur de D'USSE - Expérience sensorielle (From $38.20)
- Private Day Tour to Cognac from Bordeaux (Van Luxe) (From $818.58)
- e-Scavenger hunt Cognac: Explore the city at your own pace (From $33.83)
- Secret des Chais (From $81.86)
- Hotels near Le Château Royal de Cognac:
- (0.10 mi) Hôtel Quai Des Pontis
- (0.13 mi) Au Pre des Pontis
- (0.14 mi) La Maison de Bastian
- (0.17 mi) Chambres de l'Abreuvoir
- (0.46 mi) Hotel François Premier
- Restaurants near Le Château Royal de Cognac:
- (0.07 mi) L'Atelier des Quais
- (0.14 mi) Le Bistro de Claude
- (0.15 mi) Baan Thaï
- (0.05 mi) La Scala Cognac
- (0.07 mi) Le Pont Qui Bouge
Le Château Royal de Cognac Information
Excellent Reviews | 172 |
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Very Good Reviews | 115 |
Le Château Royal de Cognac Photos | 440 |