More than just a wine bar, Volupia serves beer and is also a restaurant and delicatessen, set beside the Loire river.

This extraordinary location is the perfect spot to discover the region's wines in a troglodyte cellar dating back to the 17th century, or – weather permitting –, on a sun deck that resembles a small guinguette (riverside café with a dance floor) on the banks of the Loire river.

With its selection of 60 Loire Valley wines and around 20 beers, not to forget its regional produce, this rustic but lively bar has something for everyone!

As night falls, the multicoloured fairy lights add to the setting's magical and romantic feel, leaving guests with a night they will never forget. Surrounded by nature, this fun spot is a great place to have fun and unwind!

Discover this historic monument and birthplace of King François I.

The Château de Cognac passed into the hands of a certain Baron Otard in 1795, and thus escaped destruction during the dark days of the French Revolution. The Baron was instantly taken by the site, its unique heritage and the exceptional ageing conditions for its eaux de vie (a clear, colourless fruit spirit) provided by the château's thick walls. Today, you can explore this unique place and home of the Baron Otard cognac house with a visit to the historic cellars and rooms built in a variety of architectural styles. Venture into the 12th century cask room and vault, and discover the traces of a king who loved to entertain.

Baron Otard continues this tradition of hospitality, organising seminars, gala dinners and marriages within the château's walls. Owned by the Bacardi-Martini group (Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose vodka, and others), the château is filled with a range of fragrances, from orange peel to dried apricot. A series of experiences are available to uncover more of the château’s past, such as the Prestige experience, which ends with a tasting of a VSOP and XO Gold cognac. Or bottle your own cognac – the Héritage Royal, a deluxe XO! – on the Heritage experience, and add your own personalised label. 

From May, discover our cocktail bar Le Lys, nestled in the heart of the Château de Cognac, which invites you to discover its terrace and its cocktails based on BARON OTARD and D'USSÉ cognacs. Receive your groups for private parties and events throughout the season. The bar will host afterwork events, DJs, live music and other activities from May to October. 

Everyone knows Montaigne and his famous “essays” but have you visited his home?

Come and explore a château with an important historical past close to Bergerac and Saint-Emilion. The castle’s Tower is where, from 1572, Michel Eyquem de Montaigne spent “most of the days of his life, and most hours of the day” meditating and reflecting on his famous essays. During the visit you will learn various anecdotes from the life of this great man, his work and philosophy as you explore the different parts of his Tower: the Chapel, the Room with the thick walls, the closet and study.

Opposite the Tower sits a 19th century château designed in a medieval and Gothic Revival style by Pierre Magne, a lawyer who served as Finance Minister under Napoleon III. The current owners, the Mähler-Besse family, offer visitors a warm welcome to their home and its period furniture. Enjoy a stroll through the lush park that surrounds the Château, and why not try the treasure hunt, a favourite with kids and school children alike.

Aside from its rich history, the Château also has a 19 hectare (47 acre) vineyard. Michel de Montaigne enjoyed wine, particularly that produced by his vines. The Montaigne terroir enjoys perfect geological and climatological conditions thanks to the clay-limestone soil. Today, in addition to a red wine, the vineyard produces a dry and sweet white wine. End your visit with a wine tasting, lunch in the banqueting hall, or an occasional gourmet meal.

No visit to Château Bélingard is complete without a visit to its terrace for a spectacular view of the vines: what could be more romantic than watching the sunset in such a stunning setting?

Your visit continues indoors, with a visit of the family home to explore its history and that of its Monbazillac and Bergerac terroir. The château’s long history is reflected in its name, derived from the Celtic ‘belen garten’ – the garden of Beleen – the god of sun and war. Walk in the footsteps of Celtic druids as you wander down a path to a mysterious rock carved into the shape of a 3,000 year old sacrificial altar.

Returning to the present day, head for the terrace to contemplate the stunning view, or in the summertime enjoy a platter of cheese and charcuterie to the sound of music. Guided tours are also available for those keen to learn more about winemaking and wine, with a guided tasting included. Or for a more hi-tech approach, explore the château’s history and discover how its wines are made with the aid of a touch screen tablet. On loan from the château, this device reacts to interpretation panels along a discovery trail.

Push open the doors and soak up the calm, elegance and sophistication of this special place.

Outside, head down to the Charente river and explore the Respectful Garden, which uses biodiversity to achieve a perfect balance between man and nature. For some quality time with friends and family why not visit the lounge bar or book into the boutique hotel with its swimming pool and spa.

Or explore the timeless Cognathèque where you can savour a cognac, enjoy a cigar or play chess beside a roaring fire.

Finally, treat yourself to an extraordinary meal in the château's gourmet restaurant, where the chef prepares dishes inspired by the Château de l’Yeuse and its Respectful Garden.

The village of Hautvillers is known for its vineyards and buildings bedecked with wrought-iron signs associated with the village’s flagship activity: champagne production.

Legend has it that the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon, interred in the village’s Abbey Church, was the first to discover the in-bottle method that added the fizz to wines from Champagne! Aside from its connection to Dom Pérignon, Hautvillers is a must on any visit to Champagne as it makes an excellent starting point for any exploration of the Marne Valley and its vineyards.

No visit to Champagne would be complete without a stop in this village,  and as you explore its narrow lanes you’ll come across the delightfully picturesque restaurant Au 36, aptly located in a street named after the famous monk. Here you’ll be able to sample a range of champagnes and a wide selection of regional produce. Some of the specialities on offer from the Champagne region include white blood sausage wrapped in puff pastry, lentillons de champagne (a local variety of small red lentils), beetroot mousse, and pink-biscuit macaroons with raspberry jam.

As well as its focus on local specialities, this restaurant seeks to demystify wine and make it accessible to a wider audience, organising tastings to help you find your preferred champagne style. Enjoy the wide selection of champagnes on offer in a different, but equally cosy setting, to suit the time of year: inside in winter, or on the garden terrace in summer. And opt for the restaurant's tasting menu to sample 2 or 3 flutes of champagne and familiarise yourself with the different grape varieties that the region has to offer.

Noilly Prat, in Marseillan, can trace its history back to 1813 and is considered to be the birthplace of vermouth in France. Each year, over 60,000 visitors are captivated by this stunning location and its fabulous cocktail bar.

The historic building contains numerous ageing cellars filled with wooden vats, casks and oak barrels. The brand’s most iconic vermouth, Original Dry, is a blend of mistelles (grape juice with added alcohol) and aged dry wines macerated with around 20 herbs and spices, but the recipe remains a secret to this day. Other versions include Extra Dry and Noilly Prat Amber and Noilly Prat Rouge, two more subtle vermouths featuring a wider range of spices such as nutmeg, cocoa beans and bitter orange. At the end of your visit, and after exploring the new Noilly Prat museum, you will have a chance to taste these four French vermouths in the Sainte-Anne cellar. A Masterclass is also available for vermouth fans keen to create their own cocktail.

Why not make a Dry Martini “shaken, not stirred”, the favourite drink of 007, aka James Bond?

For a wine tour with a difference why not visit Château Malherbe, with its stunning view of Fort de Brégançon and the Mediterranean, and hire an electric mountain bike with a GPS containing four pre-programmed trails.

Anyone can hire a bike, but be sure to reserve a day ahead as numbers are limited. Or if you prefer to explore on foot, choose from one of the four hiking trails. The estate was once a farm attached to the nearby Fort, and visitors can discover this history and the special characteristics of its two terroirs, Malherbe and Pointe du Diable.

And to make your visit even more special, be sure to order a picnic the day before you arrive. Your hamper will include AOC cheese, local charcuterie and seasonal fruit, all organic and the perfect match for the Château’s wines. A special treat for cyclists and walkers alike!