I've been traveling to paper museums, and this particular museum is not necessarily the best for…read moreexplaining making paper, but its exhibition space is devoted to the art of paper. The particular exhibition April to December 2018 anticipates the centenary of the end of World War I, which will be commemorated November 11. The paper sculptures of WWI soldiers and the women they left behind are in the exhibition space. Not to be missed is the 12-minute film (English subtitles) created from these paper sculptures in a masterful stop action animated film. It is charming as well as tragic. A nice small boutique includes colorful graphics from the era when the factory rolled out cigarette papers after it became fashionable in 1850 France to "roll your own." The machinery on the first floor of the mill is signed, and there are some English translations. One sign notes the "master of the paper," Jacques Brejoux, who is in residence at another historic mill in the countryside: Moulin du Verger. He is still actively working on handmade paper and book restoration. (Call for an appointment to tour that mill.)

From the owner: Aux sources du papier Depuis 1988, ce musée retrace toute l'histoire du papier, et l'évolution des…read moretechniques industrielles de la papeterie dont la Charente fût longtemps le centre majeur. Installé dans l'ancienne papeterie J. Bardou (papier à cigarettes) construite sur la Charente, il présente sur deux étages et sous forme d'expositions temporaires diverses collections autour de ce thème. Un service documentaire et iconographique est à la disposition de tous, il suffit de demander.

From the owner: Un lieu de référence sur le cognac Au cœur du vieux Cognac, avec plus de 1600 m2 d'exposition…read morepermanente sur 2 niveaux et plus de 800 objets et documents, le musée des arts du cognac est un lieu vivant de référence sur le cognac et les industries associées. En plus de ses collections permanentes, il offre également un fonds documentaire informatisé.

From the owner: Un musée au parfum enivrant Au premier étage de la parfumerie La Saponaire, c'est une…read moreimpressionnante collection de flacons à parfum, de boites à poudre et d'étiquettes qui s'offre à la vue du visiteur depuis 1990, année de son inauguration. C'est le premier du genre en Europe qui met en valeur plus d'un millier de flacons signés des plus grands artistes (Lalique, Dali, Cocteau...). Neuf pays y sont représentés. C'est un musée particulièrement intéressant car chaque parfum est associé à l'histoire de sa création. Il a été primé par le Comité et le Ministère du Tourisme.

The story of Hennessy Cognac is one of horticulture/botany, art, fashion, politics, advertising,…read morelegacy, world events, and luxury. The list goes on, but it's a lot more than that--especially Asian people getting flushed faces from enjoying this nectar of the gods on a normal weekday or at your cousin's wedding. I spent 1 day in Cognac, France, and most of it was at Maison Hennessy which was an amazing experience. You must absolutely do a tour/tasting. The gift shop brought "take my money" feelings because everything just looked beautiful. You will want to buy a bottle or two, so hopefully you have room in your check-luggage. The tour starts in the lobby where you're brought on a short boat tour across the river to 2 of their warehouses, one which is was converted into a historic exhibition of the cognac's creation, the other which has hundreds of old barrels holding the aging liquor. The coolest part was the well-protected demijohns holding elixir from the 1800s, which is used to make Hennessy Paradis. The tour ends with a tasting and you will just be happy. If you're a lover of fine cognac and drinker of Hennessy, a visit here should be on your bucket list!

Hennessy is the H in the luxury superconglomerate LVMH and that powerful and wealthy branding is…read moreapparent in every single part of the experience here. For 20 euros you walk step by step through the process (with a lot of expensive and well produced media, as well as a knowledgeable guide) and witness how the company used branding and innovative marketing to capture a worldwide market in days long before the internet existed to help you do just that. At the end of your tour you'll also be given a guided tasting of some cognac and an opportunity to buy some varieties not available elsewhere. Worth a visit if you're anywhere in the region.

From the owner: La Rochelle,ancien port d'émigration Ce passionnant musée est installé dans un ancien hôtel…read moreparticulier, l'Hôtel Fleuriau. Les Fleuriau étaient d'importants armateurs au XVIIIè siècle et possédaient une plantation à Saint-Domingue. Racheté par la ville, il est devenu musée en 1982 et abrite une collection de 1200 œuvres (peintures, sculptures, cartes) évoquant la vision française de l'Amérique, la présence française aux Antilles et le rêve amérindien.