Charente

Centered around the town of Cognac, the area combines ideal climatic conditions with centuries of experience of double-run distilling in copper stills particular to the Charente.

A Slow Path to Perfection Lennox Morrison 2011

Bebel attracts a five-star clientele and its drinks list, which has more than 60 cocktails, contains many high-end and rare spirits: the Donna Prugna features cognac from Charente in south-west France, 10-years-aged tawny port, and ginger beer, and you'll find drinks featuring cognac from Grande Champagne and Italian choice vodka from the region of Ghemme.

10 of the best cocktail bars in Berlin 2011

Solar power in Langueme is part of a renewable energy project sponsored by the French region of Poitou Charente.

Senegalese Villages Turn to Solar Power 2011

Cognac houses set up alongside the Charente because of the river's direct access to the sea.

A Slow Path to Perfection Lennox Morrison 2011

That is why Fatick's regional government partnered with Poitou Charente in 2008 to develop a renewable energy project in Senegal to give light to villages such as Langueme.

Senegalese Villages Turn to Solar Power 2011

This gift-buying season, however, traditional wool-lined slippers from the Charente are popping up in boutique windows as the latest in cozy chic.

All Aboard for le Cinéma Français Lennox Morrison 2011

In the villages and hamlets of the Charente, however, some locals find slippers—of varying provenance—so comfortable that they do indeed wear them all the time.

All Aboard for le Cinéma Français Lennox Morrison 2011

A red-roofed settlement lost in the green hills of the southern Charente, around 500 kilometers from Paris, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne's main feature is not immediately visible.

Visiting Charm-Guaranteed French Villages Lennox Morrison 2011

In the Charente, a largely rural region several hours' drive southwest of Paris, slipper-making has been a local endeavour since the 17th century.

All Aboard for le Cinéma Français Lennox Morrison 2011

On leaving Cognac, I drive through swathes of Ugni Blanc vines, dotted with red-roofed farmhouses and villages of pale local stone, bathed in the intense light for which the Charente is famed.

A Slow Path to Perfection Lennox Morrison 2011