La Rochelle & Cognac
La Pallice, for La Rochelle
by coach & on foot
After an approximately 30-minute drive from the pier to the city of La Rochelle, you will enjoy a guided walk through the city centre, passing places of interest such as Saint-Sauveur Church and the old harbour with its two distinctive towers.
Along the way, you will learn about the trading and military past of the city whilst soaking up the enchanting atmosphere. Wandering the narrow streets paved with ancient stone slabs and cobblestones, you will take in vaulted passages, arcades and porches.
You will then have some free time to explore the sights independently.
Next, a short transfer will take you to Château de la Peraudière, the Normandin-Mercier family-owned cognac house, founded in 1872. The current manager and cellar master is Edouard Normandin, the 5th generation of master blender.
This exceptional estate offers a perfect ageing for cognac with a natural regulation of humidity and temperature. Their cellars benefit from the cool Atlantic climate, perfectly suited to maturing the unaged alcohol eau de vie. This ancestral tradition dates back more than a hundred years and continues uninterrupted today.
Normandin-Mercier is recognised as part of a long list of famous cognac names and traditions. At the end of your visit, you can enjoy a tasting of cognac and the local Pineau des Charentes, a fresh and fruity aperitif wine infused with cognac.
Following your tasting, you will rejoin your coach for the return journey to the port.
Why book with us?
Plan ahead, pay later
Pre-register for your experiences online before you sail and they’ll be added to your shipboard account, with nothing to pay until the end of your cruise (or at regular intervals on longer voyages).
Competitive prices
Enjoy great-value experiences without the worry of arranging everything independently.
Protected if plans change
If we’re unable to visit a port, you’ll receive a full refund for any affected experience. And if itinerary timings change, we’ll work with our local partners to minimise disruption.
Local expertise you can trust
Our experiences are operated by experienced, responsible local partners with the appropriate insurance and expertise.
Complete peace of mind
If your experience is delayed returning to the ship, our onboard team will be kept informed and will make the necessary arrangements.
We’re with you every step of the way
Our dedicated Destination Experiences team is on hand to help you choose the right experience and ensure everything runs smoothly from ship to shore and back again.
Save up to 10% on Destination Experiences
Book early and save when booking on My Ambassador Sailing or the Ambassador App compared with our on-board prices.*
*Savings are compared with the on-board price and apply to selected Destination Experiences on My Ambassador Sailing or the Ambassador App up until three days before your departure date.
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