Hotel Chais Monnet and Spa, a five-star Michelin-starred property in Cognac, France, offers a serene escape with luxurious amenities and direct access to world-famous cognac houses. The hotel, set in a former 19th-century distillery, features 92 rooms, a Michelin-star restaurant Les Foudres, a rooftop bar, and a spa with an indoor/outdoor pool. Guests can explore the historic town of Cognac, birthplace of King Francis I, and visit renowned cognac producers like Hennessy and Maison Brillet.
Hotel Highlights and Accommodation
The hotel seamlessly blends industrial history with contemporary luxury. The Premier Room includes a queen-sized bed, patio, and a walk-in shower. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views and cognac-inspired cocktails. Breakfast at La Distillerie Brasserie features fresh pastries, eggs, and fruits. The Michelin-star Les Foudres restaurant serves a six-course menu by head chef Mathis Debize, with dishes like mango and tomato appetisers and catch of the day.
Cognac House Tours and Local Experiences
Guests can arrange personalised tours of cognac houses. At Hennessy, a boat trip and virtual reality experience highlight the cellars dating to the 1700s. Maison Brillet offers a cocktail-making masterclass and pear-based Belle de Brillet brandy. Maison Delamain features chocolate pairings, and House of Hine, holding a Royal Warrant since 1962, offers cheese pairings. A walking tour of Cognac reveals 15th-century architecture and the Porte Saint-Jacques gateway.
Dining and Activities Beyond the Hotel
Local restaurants include Poulpette, serving white fish with potatoes and broth, and Restaurant du Chateau in Jarnac, with seared hake and smoked beef fillet. Le Colibri offers budget-friendly alfresco dining with beef tartare. The Charente River provides strolling paths, and the Jardin Public park is ideal for relaxation. The hotel can organise river cruises, bike rides, and museum visits.
Travel Logistics
Nightly rates start from €320 per room. Direct flights from Manchester Airport to Bordeaux with easyJet take 90 minutes. Bordeaux airport is 90 minutes from the hotel by car or taxi. Alternatively, take a train from Bordeaux to Angoulême (40 minutes) then to Cognac (40 minutes), a 15-minute walk from the hotel. A hire car is recommended for exploring vineyards and cognac houses.
