Homeland of Cognac Itinerary
Experience the best of French culture on the Homeland of Cognac Road Trip! Starting in the beautiful city of Ars en Re and ending in the charming city of Angouleme, this 353 km route winds through some of the most picturesque towns that France has to offer. The journey begins in La Rochelle, known for its cobbled streets, gothic architecture and stunning harbour. Then, take a drive to Rochefort, a quaint town with a rich maritime heritage and a multitude of museums to explore. Moving on, Saint Trojan les Bains is a great place to relax, with its beautiful beaches and stunning views. Further along the route, Saintes is a must-visit, with its ancient Roman ruins, stunning basilica and plenty of great restaurants. Finally, the road trip ends in Cognac, the home of the world-famous brandy.
The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the roads are in good condition and the scenery is at its peak. Be aware that some parts of the route have curvy roads and some parts are quite narrow, so you will need to take extra care. Despite this, the journey is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget.
The Homeland of Cognac Road Trip is sure to provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. So why not take a break from the everyday and explore some of the best that France has to offer?
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number of days
366 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Ars en Re
Distance 366 km
Driving time 9.5 h
Pace: slow
84.3 kWh
Airports
LRH
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RCO
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Welcome to Ars en Re, a charming French commune located in the department of Charente-Maritime, part of the Poitou-Charentes region. As the starting point of the Homeland of Cognac Road Trip, Ars en Re is the ideal destination for travelers looking to explore the rich history, culture and stunning landscape of Charente-Maritime.
Visitors to Ars en Re can explore the historical centre with its beautiful buildings and monuments, including the 16th century Church of Notre Dame and the 18th century Town Hall. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine, with a range of restaurants, cafés and bars.
For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is La Rochelle-Ile de Re Airport (LRH), located just a short drive away. There are a range of car hire companies located at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip.
From Ars en Re, travelers can explore the beautiful coastline, including the islands of Oléron and Ré, as well as the stunning Cognac vineyards, charming villages and historical towns. With so much to see and do, Ars en Re is the perfect place to start your journey along the Homeland of Cognac Road Trip.
1
Ars en Re
- La Rochelle
Distance 44 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
11.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Ars en Re to La Rochelle, a journey of 39 km that will take you less than an hour. Start in Ars en Re, and make sure to admire the historical sites and the scenic road. As you drive, be aware that the road may become narrow in sections. As you move on to Saint Martin de Re, you will be charmed by the beautiful harbor and the old fort. From there, you will move on to La Flotte, where you can visit the ancient church and the quaint harbor. Finally, your journey will end in La Rochelle, where you can explore the old port and the old city walls. Along the way, you will find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. For more information, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
La Rochelle - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
La Rochelle
- Rochefort
Distance 52 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: slow
12.0 kWh
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Embark on a road-trip from La Rochelle to Rochefort, passing through Fouras, and explore the beauty of the French countryside! This 51km drive will take you less than two hours, and you will have the chance to admire some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.
Start your journey in La Rochelle, a coastal city with a rich history, and visit the old harbor and the towers that have been standing there since the 13th century. Then, drive to Fouras, a charming seaside resort, and take a stroll on the beach.
Continue your journey to Rochefort, a city renowned for its history and architecture. Here, you can visit the Corderie Royale, a shipbuilding yard built in the 18th century, and the Royal Rope Factory, which is now a museum. Make sure to drive slowly, as some sections of the road will be narrow.
More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road-trip!
Rochefort - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Rochefort
- Saint Trojan les Bains
Distance 109 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: slow
25.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Rochefort to Saint Trojan les Bains road trip! This 105 km journey takes less than three hours of driving and will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of France. Start your journey in Rochefort and make sure to take in the stunning views of the harbor. Then, make your way to Saint Denis d'Oleron, where you can explore the old town and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. As you continue your journey, you will find yourself on winding roads and narrow roads. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Finally, you will reach Saint Trojan les Bains, where you can take a dip in the thermal baths and explore the old town. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Saint Trojan les Bains - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Saint Trojan les Bains - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Saint Trojan les Bains
- Saintes
Distance 78 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: modest
20.2 kWh
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Are you ready to explore the historical sites of South-West France? Then let's take this 77km road trip from Saint Trojan les Bains to Saintes! Along the way, you'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the region, such as Saint Savinien. This charming small town is home to a number of interesting historical sites, including the impressive 11th century Church of Saint-Savinien. The drive should take you less than 2 hours, and you'll be able to enjoy the narrow roads of this picturesque region. Don't forget to take a break and explore the local attractions, such as the ancient châteaux, the picturesque villages, and the beautiful countryside. And if you're looking for more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find it in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get on the road and explore South-West France!
Saintes - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Saintes
- Cognac
Distance 27 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
7.1 kWh
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Start your journey from Saintes, France, a charming city located on the banks of the Charente River. With its Roman ruins, historical sites and scenic views, the city is the perfect starting point for your road trip. Drive for 27 km, and in less than one hour you will reach the city of Cognac, the home of the famous cognac brandy.
In Saintes, visit the famous Saint-Eutrope Church, the Roman amphitheater and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, where you can admire the beautiful stained glass windows. For a breathtaking view of the city, go to the top of the Tour de Guet.
In Cognac, visit the House of Martell and the House of Hennessy, the two oldest cognac houses in the world. Learn about the history of cognac and the process of distillation. Visit the town's main square, the Place François 1er, and admire the impressive architecture.
On your way to Cognac, be sure to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Charente region. Keep your eyes open for the stunning views of the vineyards, the fields and the small villages.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Cognac - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Cognac
- Angouleme
Distance 57 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: slow
13.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip from Cognac to Angouleme and explore the beauty of the Charente region! Enjoy a scenic drive of 55km and take in the sights of the countryside. On the way, make a stop in Chateauneuf sur Charente to discover the historical sites of this ancient village. There you can find the ruins of an old castle, the 13th century church and the old houses. Don't forget to take a walk along the banks of the Charente river to admire the stunning views. After your visit, continue your journey to Angouleme, a city rich in history and culture. Here you can explore the old city walls, enjoy a stroll around the pedestrian streets and visit the beautiful Cathedral. Make sure to check out the local markets and shops for some souvenirs. This journey will take you fewer than two hours, so you can take your time and make the most of it. For more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Angouleme - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipédia
Angouleme - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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Angouleme
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Angouleme is the perfect ending point for a road trip around France's "Homeland of Cognac" region. This charming French town is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is filled with history and culture.
Start your visit to Angouleme at the old town, where you can walk the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the impressive Gothic-style Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. After that, visit the Angouleme Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Comics, where you can admire the works of many famous French comic creators.
The city also has many great restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine. There are also many bars and pubs where you can sample local cognac.
If you're looking for something a bit more active, take a stroll around the banks of the Charente River or explore the many parks and gardens in the city.
The city is well connected, with the Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport (BOD) located just a short drive away. From there, you can easily get to Angouleme via car or bus.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled road trip, Angouleme is the perfect destination for your next vacation. With its rich history and culture, it's the perfect way to end your "Homeland of Cognac" road trip.
Angouleme - France - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Homeland of Cognac at a glance
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Start:
Ars en Re
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End:
Angouleme
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Distance:
366 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (LRH),
Rochefort-Saint-Agnant (BA 721) Airport (RCO)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Experiencing the Homeland of Cognac Road Trip is an enchanting voyage that invites travelers to explore the rich tapestry of France's landscapes, heritage, and gastronomy. The journey spans approximately 353 kilometers, commencing in the charming village of Ars en Ré, known for its iconic black and white church spire, and concludes in the city of Angoulême, celebrated for its International Comics Festival. Along the way, the route weaves through historic towns and regions synonymous with maritime traditions and the storied production of cognac.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- La Rochelle: A historic port city that boasts the three medieval towers guarding its old port, La Rochelle also enthralls visitors with its aquarium, one of Europe's largest, and its vibrant market scene.
- Rochefort: A town with a rich naval heritage, Rochefort is home to the Corderie Royale and the replica of the historic frigate Hermione.
- Saint-Trojan-les-Bains: Located on the Île d'Oléron, it offers serene beaches and the quaint `Petit Train` tour through picturesque landscapes.
- Saintes: A treasure trove of Gallo-Roman history, Saintes invites you to discover the Arch of Germanicus, the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, and the Saint-Eutrope Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Santiago de Compostela route.
- Cognac: Synonymous with the world-famous spirit, Cognac is a must-visit for connoisseurs, offering distillery tours and tastings at renowned houses like Hennessy, Martell, and Remy Martin.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for this Road Trip is during the summer months when the Charente-Maritime region comes alive with festivals, the vineyards are lush, and the Cognac houses open their doors for extended visits.
Potential Risks:
Drivers should be prepared for some challenging driving along winding country lanes and through historic town centers with narrow streets. However, these Roads are well-maintained and offer an authentic French driving experience.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
The Homeland of Cognac Road Trip is both affordable and accessible, perfect for those looking to indulge in cultural enrichment, unwind on sun-kissed beaches, and savor the delights of French cuisine and spirits. Notably, the region's gastronomy is complemented by the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters and the local Pineau des Charentes aperitif.
A good choice for:
Embarking on the Homeland of Cognac Road Trip is more than a mere vacation; it is a journey through the heart of French heritage. With each kilometer traveled, you'll piece together the storied narrative of France, from the salt marshes of Île de Ré to the comic murals of Angoulême, all while being captivated by the allure of the French `art de vivre.`
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