Page 397 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

3

5

1 Impressive harbour
towers at La Rochelle.
2 Local wines on display.
3 Roman ruins in Saintes.
4 The port in Cognac.
4 5 Miroir-d’Eau in Bordeaux.

Day 5 French comic strips and cartoons from as
far back as 1946. A short drive east, just
Upon arrival in Cognac (p411) wander
the lovely old part of town, gazing up out of town, will take you to the charming
at the half-timbered and local white country mansion Domaine du Châtelard
(1079 route du Chatelard), where you can
stone historic townhouses. By now it’s
probably late enough to indulge in some eat a late lunch on the terrace overlook-
cognac tasting. One of the best places is ing a picturesque lake. Drive down to
the Royal Château de Cognac (www. Bordeaux to be there when the sun sets
on this ancient town.
chateauroyaldecognac.com). For dinner,
savour updated traditional fare at L’Atelier
des Quais (www.atelierdesquais.fr) before Day 7
another cognac as a nightcap in the
tasting rooms at L’Yeuese (www.yeuse.fr). The final day is reserved for Bordeaux
(p400), one of France’s finest cities. This
industrial centre is also famed as one of
Day 6 the best wine regions in the country – so
don’t miss the opportunity to learn more
Pick up some freshly baked breakfast about the drop at the spectacular La Cité
treats from a boulangerie, then sally forth du Vin museum (p400), where tastings are
to Angoulême (p412), a hilltop fortified also on the menu. Stroll off the cobwebs
town that abounds in historical sites, along the revitalized waterfront of River
including a 12-century cathedral – but Garonne towards the famous Miroir d’Eau
the town is now best known as a centre (p401) fountain. Shop for antiques and
for comic book art. Each year, the art is vintage wear along rue Notre-Dame in
celebrated at the noted Festival de la the Quartier des Chartrons. Join the locals
Bande Dessinée. If you’re not in town for for dinner accompanied by, of course, fine
the show, head to Cité Internationale de native wine, at the inviting Le Bouchon
la Bande-Dessinée et de l’Image to see Bordelais (2 rue Courbin).
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