Built in 1810 on the banks of the Charente, a few kilometres from Cognac, the Château de Bagnolet has been one of the Hennessy House’s properties since 1841; it is here that the brand welcomes its most distinguished guests, as well as prominent figures visiting for special events.
Its name derives from a natural spring, which suggests the existence of baths in ancient times.
A bit of history…
It was the Augier family who built this château in the style of Louisiana colonial houses, with a central square pavilion flanked by two smaller pavilions, facing an English-style park that slopes gently down towards the river.
In 1841, Irène d’Anthès-Hennessy, wife of Auguste Hennessy, fell head over heels in love with a magnificent property, the Château de Bagnolet.
Auguste Hennessy subsequently purchased it, and the couple moved in with their children. The château became the epitome of a certain 19th-century way of life: Auguste Hennessy organised numerous hunting parties. Receptions and concerts followed one after another, whilst the dining table welcomed international guests. Bagnolet thus became the embassy of the House of Hennessy.
Many prominent figures were hosted there, including General de Gaulle, Deng Xiaoping’s daughter, the Prince of Bulgaria and the Duke of Kent, as well as leading figures from the worlds of film and music such as Lauren Bacall, Alain Delon, Oliver Stone, Robert Mitchum, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and Mstislav Rostropovich.
The park was redesigned by a landscape architect in 1910.
The winter garden forms a glasshouse housing a botanical collection, notably hibiscus, bougainvillea and citrus trees.
The ‘Allée du Silence’ winds its way down towards the riverbanks, whilst the ‘Allée Auguste Hennessy’ is an arboretum featuring, in particular, yews, maples, Japanese spindle trees and silver lime trees.
Among the ornamental features, the Temple of Love and the Fountain of the Angel and the Fish are particularly noteworthy.
A pergola is covered in wisteria, trumpet vines and roses.
Reserved for private receptions and the brand’s guests, the estate is also open to the public during the ‘Rendez-vous des Jardins’ and ‘Journées du Patrimoine’ events.
Château de Bagnolet
Rue de Boutiers,
16100 Cognac
Tel.: 05 45 35 71 62
https://www.france-voyage.com/villes-villages/cognac-2778/chateau-bagnolet-12364.htm
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