As the summer crowds start to fade and the season shifts in the Charente, Cognac enters one of its most inviting periods. With pleasant temperatures and clear skies, it’s an ideal time to explore the region, with the boutique Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa offering an elegant base from which to discover this picturesque town.
The medieval streets of Cognac take on a particular charm in the autumn light, with local producers and traditional markets offering a taste of the region’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. Days can be spent wandering along the riverbank, long afternoons visiting the historic distilleries and exploring the surrounding vineyards – on foot, by bike, or behind the wheel of a vintage 2CV.
The autumn months are particularly lively for events, with the Coup de Chauffe (just taken place between 4th – 6th September) street festival with theatre, circus, music and outdoor performances throughout the city. This is followed by Festival Polar (16th – 18th October), a celebration of crime and thriller culture featuring author talks, film previews and book signings, before the LEC Festival (19th – 22nd November) bringing literature lovers together for the European Literature Festival.
As the distillation season begins autumn offers more intimate access to the region’s most celebrated Cognac houses. From 23rd – 25th October, Le Ban de la Distillation marks the start of the annual distillation season with a three-day celebration of Cognac craftsmanship, featuring distillery tours, tastings and live music – an ideal experience for Cognac lovers and connoisseurs alike.
Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century cognac distillery in the centre of the town, Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa is surrounded by some of the most prestigious and beautiful cognac houses. Alongside Michelin-starred dining and a superb wellness spa, the hotel’s Bar & Rooftop 1838 showcases a collection of over 300 of the finest cognacs. From wellness retreats to gastronomic escapes, the hotel has curated a selection of offers and new experiences for an autumn getaway:
- Rooftop Bar 1838 offers sunset views over Cognac through to the end of September with the cocktail & sunset package, which includes hotel credit to spend at the hotel’s bars and restaurants
- Indulge in the gastronomic stay package, featuring a culinary experience with a tasting dinner at the Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant, Les Foudres
- For those seeking rest and recovery, the three-night Wellness Retreat includes full spa access and rejuvenating activities
- Furry family members are invited too, with the hotel’s new pet-friendly package VIPET experince featuring a specially curated gourmet menu for your pet, served at La Distillerie
Guests at the hotel can also enjoy two exclusive experiences with local cognac houses. Discover pear Cognac at Maison Brillet through the Belle de Brillet & Rémy Martin: Le Cognac Autrement package or explore unique cognac and cheese pairings with the Do You Cheese Frenglish? experience at Maison Hine. For an even more personal insight into the region’s Cognac heritage, the hotel can arrange private tours and tastings at the renowned houses including Rémy Martin, Hennessy, Delamain and many more.
About Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa:
Nightly rates at Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa start from €320 per room Flights from London to Bordeaux or La Rochelle. For more hotel information please visit www.chaismonnethotel.com/en/
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