Bal Harbour

C O U R T E S Y O F FA R I D M A K H LO U F D E S T I N AT I O N C ÔT E AT L A N T I Q U E , P H I L I P P E VAU R È S A N D S I XQ UAT R E D E U X ; C H A R E N T E S TO U R I S M E WHEN TO GO April through October is peak season; even then, of course, expect few crowds. Don't dismiss a winter visit, per French Promise's Haslett. "The South of France in winter is wonderful; sitting by a fireplace, nursing a drink? Cognac works well that way," he says. Grape Escapes' Hallett agrees, noting that it's the season for la bonne chauffe, or when the final distillation takes place. "Smaller producers still use the traditional method, a naked flame heating the copper pot still and you can go off-piste to witness that," he adds, noting Raison Personnelle, Frapin, and Domaine du Chêne among those to consider. WORTHY SIDE TRIPS Even ardent cognac lovers won't usually make a simple pilgrimage to this town, but instead combine it with one of the appealing areas nearby. Angoulême, for example, a short sail down the Charente river, is nicknamed Ville de l'Image, for its association with comic books—many studios produce video games and manga comics there, and it's festooned with murals as a result. Bordeaux, of course, is just 90 minutes' drive or a quick helicopter jaunt away, if you'd like to compare and contrast wine and cognac. Perhaps the most intriguing add-on, though, is a day trip to the coast, in and around the town of La Rochelle. Book lunch there at Christopher Coutanceau's two Michelin–star restaurant, says Haslett. "It's a lovely bistro overlooking the water, and he serves moules frites like you've never had before in your life." The historic seaport in La Rochelle April through October is peak season with few crowds, but the South of France in winter is also wonderful. Bluefin Tuna at Restaurant La Rochelle; the Angoulême Comic Book Museum BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M

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