Traditional cooperative cheese dairies known as fruitières à Comté have been a Jura fixture for hundreds of years. Today, four “fruitières vinicoles”, or wine cooperatives, operate on similar lines, pooling resources to support an entire sector.

An enduring bond with and passion for the product is the hallmark of the Jules Gautret brand, whose mark of excellence can be found in each of its bottles of cognac and Pineau de Charentes.

Stubborn and adventurous, Louis François Jules Gautret was only 21 when he founded his cognac house in 1847. In 1959, the Jules Gautret brand joined the Océalia cooperative to share its values of daring, adventure, terroir and sharing with a wider audience. But its family spirit remained as strong as ever. Meticulous attention is still paid to the choice of terroirs, and distillation is always carried out with respect for these exceptional products, including manual cutting, barrels from the best Charentais cooperages and five customised ageing cellars. All combined with the know-how of 270 talented and passionate winegrowers.

Caves Jules Gautret is a major centre for the production and ageing of cognac, Pineau and Charentais wines, and serves as the local short supply-chain sales network for exclusive products in both Charentes departments. Six tasting experiences are offered by the St Sulpice de Royan and Siecq sites, available from April to September, and by appointment all year round. White, rosé, red, fruity, tannic or acidic, there’s something for everyone. And kids will love the tasty organic grape juice under the brand Respectu Terrae.

Both sites also offer a wide range of activities, from a tasting workshop for new vintages to a women’s night, cold meats and cheese pairing, and the famous “10 divine dishes”, where guests sample 10 dishes, each served with a different wine.

At Caves Jules Gautret, good things never have to end. When leaving the stores, interactive terminals suggest recipes based on the wines you purchased. And visit the“La gazette” section of their website to find seasonal recipe ideas and continue the fun you had in-store from the comfort of your own home.

La Flow Vélo® is a 290km cycle path that runs from Thiviers to Île d’Aix and offers cyclists a leisurely cycling trip through the Périgord and Charentes countryside.

The route consists of approximately 10 stages packed with a wealth of cultural and historic sights.

Once past Angoulême, and heading towards Saintes and Rochefort, you can stop off in the heart of Cognac’s wine region. In the town itself you’ll find trading houses – maisons de négoces – from some of the most famous names in the world of cognac, while out in the vineyards, winemakers and cellarmasters invite you to discover their family traditions.

Be sure to get off your bike and uncover the secrets behind the “l’eau-de-vie of the Gods” and the know-how behind its distillation before you set off to explore the charms of the Charentes from the comfort of your saddle.

Stunning Domaine d’Ognoas, with its rich built heritage, forest and vines, is the perfect destination for wine lovers, all year round.

On the banks of the Charente, behind the silhouette of the 19th century château with its modern extension, the Courvoisier cognac house holds the secrets of a time-honoured savoir-faire.

Come and visit this remarkable destination and discover the amber-scented universe of cognac on an introductory tour. Wander through the museum and the aging cellars before wetting your lips with a shot of spirits.

The range of à la carte tasting options includes the Café Courvoisier experience, a powerful but delicate blend of chocolate, VSOP and XO cognacs and coffees specially made for the occasion with a local roaster.

You’ll soon agree, the pleasure of the senses at Courvoisier is best savoured in small sips... Just one of the thousand ways to discover Charentes!

With its iconic beret, famous pepper and countless “frontons” – courts where Basque pelota is played – the Basque Country has always been a land of tradition and character. Delve into the heart of this heritage during a visit to the Irouléguy wine region.

In the south west of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, nestled in the shadow of the Pyrenees, sit 250 hectares of vines that span 15 communes. In valleys beside the border with Spain, the white of the traditional houses stands in sharp contrast to the greenery of the countryside, surrounded by herds of goats and water that flows from the mountain peaks. Here you can almost sense the Basque soul as it echoes from one mountain to the next.

This natural paradise is also home to an extensive network of local artisans and producers. From AOC Ossau Iraty cheese to AOC Kintoa ham, this wine region proudly represents the very best of Basque gastronomy. The area’s towns and villages serve as a shop window for local handicrafts, with hand stitched espadrilles, colourful household textiles and Navarre pottery competing for attention alongside chocolate and soaps. Located on the Santiago de Compostela route, these villages also contain some stunning buildings, such as the Porte de Saint-Jacques, a gate classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and St-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church, listed as a historic monument.

First planted here in the Middle Ages to quench the pilgrims’ thirst, vines have since gained a firm foothold on the mountain terraces. This distinctive topography is ideal for organic, manual viticulture. All year round, 17 independent producers as well as the Irouleguy winemaking cooperative welcome you (between Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port) and tell you all about this ancient know-how. Thanks to a sensory trail, discovery path and tasting areas, wine estates and other Vineyards and Discoveries (“Vignobles et Découvertes”)  certified facilities welcome visitors in the best conditions and explain the specificities of the vineyards.

In 2023, the Irouleguy winemaking cooperative won the “Outstanding Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies in the “Promotion of a terroir” category.

But to get a real sense of the Basque spirit that flows through this south-west corner of Nouvelle-Aquitaine you need to spend some time in the region. Hotel Arcé, which has been in the same generation for five generations, offers the very best in local hospitality, whether you stay for a weekend break or dine in its excellent restaurant. One thing is certain: you will return home enchanted by this special destination and with a deep appreciation for all that the Basque Country has to offer.

The mystery is in full swing in Jurançon! Come and try to solve try a special investigation on board a camper van or by car or electric bike, following one of three circuits (soon to be four) that criss-cross the vineyards of Béarn.

The vineyards of Jurançon offer a warm welcome to any wine detectives thirsty for adventure at the foot of the Pyrenees, beneath the terraces of the Château de Pau – the birthplace of Henri IV – and historic site of Nouvelle-Aquitaine!

Armed with a roadbook, set off to meet the region's winegrowers so you can conduct your investigations on the ground. You'll gather precious clues on a series of visits while having a fun time chatting to – and enjoying tastings with – the local producers.

Enjoy this Best Of Wine Tourism activity and get ready to explore the Jurançon vineyard with your magnifying glass!

The Bordeaux wine region is synonymous with the good life and craftsmanship, as well as being home to hidden treasures that you can discover at your own pace and in tune with your every desire.

Explore the vineyards and the surrounding picturesque villages on foot, by bike or with a private driver, (re)discovering the local heritage and gastronomy. Enjoy a picnic among the vines, dine in the restaurant of a Michelin-starred chef or take a wine-themed workshop… the choice is yours!

And, to take full advantage of this delicious getaway punctuated with tastings and private meetings with winegrowers, why not stay in a delightful guest room in the heart of a Grand Cru Classé?

Have a great, convivial time with your partner, friends or whole family.