While visiting Paris for a long holiday, it is well worth taking some time out from the country’s capital and visiting some of the surrounding regions (yes this does mean tearing yourself away from your Paris hotels). Cognac is a beautiful country-set region with bucket loads of history and culture. Since the 17th century, this region has been home to the majority of the worlds most famous brandies: Courvoisier, Hennessy, Rémy-Martin, Camus, Niartell, Otard, Prince Hubert de Polignac and Renault-Bisquit were all born here. As the world’s first cognac producing region, Cognac attracts dozens of thousands of visitors each year. However, the region and its capital have remained unspoilt by tourism and Cognac is still very much a medieval city. The cobbled streets and ancient architecture along with the lingering aroma of spirits evaporating from oak casks will entice you to spend more than just a day in this historic city; you may consider renting a flexible Apartments Paris in order to get away.

There are plenty of things to fill your days with in this region. You can take one of the distillery tours and taste some of the world’s finest cognac; or go on a few and taste a lot. You can also take a guided barge or small train and learn about the history of this precious region. Visiting this area won’t only suffice the Cognac lovers of the family as there are plenty of original and contemporary activities to be seen and done. On the 5th and 6th of September this year, Cognac will see the return of the annual ‘Coup de Chauffre’. This is a free street festival that welcomes some of the regions best street performers. Expect to see stilt walkers, jugglers, clowns, musicians, dancers, acrobats and puppeteers, dazzling the crowds with their finely-tuned skills. While the event is free for anyone and everyone, make sure to take some loose change as the performers are local talents who practice for months in advance in order to bring a smile to your face. This event will go on for two days and will have absolutely everything to entertain you; performers, music, food and drink stalls (lots of cognac) and much more.

To make the most of your days in Paris and of course, Cognac, it is important that your Paris accommodation is flexible so that you can travel around easily. But you never know; no matter how amazing Cognac is, Paris is a very cultural city that may have you wrapped around its little finger. You might never want to leave!