The House of Courvoisier, or Maison Courvoisier to use its proper French name, is produced at Jarnac in the Charente region of France. Following an intensive restoration, Maison Courvoisier, the home of iconic cognac brand Courvoisier since 1857, is finally ready to reveal itself to the world.

In collaboration with leading architecture and interior design agency Gilles & Boissier and a team of local and international artists and artisans, this long awaited restoration of Jarnac honours nearly 200 years of history and savoir-faire. Filled with exceptional designs that highlight the surrounding vineyards, terroir and rich landscape of the region, the iconic Courvoisier brand’s eponymous home, is now set to welcome esteemed guests from around the world from October 2024. Importantly, the restoration and reopening of its Maison symbolises the brand’s intent to enhance cognac on the global stage.

Facing the Charente River, the building originally constructed in 1857 was inspired by Paris’ iconic ‘Pavillon de Flore’ at the Louvre Museum—a place dear to the Maison’s founder, Félix Courvoisier. Monsieur Courvoisier was both a visionary and a dedicated host so when he introduced the brand in 1828, he envisioned a warm and welcoming space for friends and family to share his unique vision of ‘Joie de Vivre’. Now, the newly restored home of Courvoisier cognac promises to be an even brighter beacon for global inspiration, innovation and education today.

“We are incredibly excited to unveil the multi-year restoration of our cognac house, a project that honours our storied heritage while embracing the future. This initiative not only strengthens our roots but also enhances our commitment to sustainability and local culture. We look forward to sharing this journey with our community and new audiences alike”, says Ryan George, Senior Marketing Manager at Campari Group SA.

The transformation of the five-story building recreates a magnificent home harmoniously blending the brand’s rich French heritage with the long-established grandeur of Maison Courvoisier.

‘This has been one of the most ambitious, long-term restoration projects undertaken in France. What has been achieved in this remarkable partnership with Courvoisier was characterised by our shared sense of duty to the brand’s history and an intention to elevate and honour what was already part of the Maison whilst introducing a new relevancy and energy’, says architectural and design   rm, Gilles & Boissier, of their integral role in Maison Courvoisier’s overall restoration.

Upon entering Maison Courvoisier, visitors will encounter a stylish red bar lounge immersing guests in a cabinet of curiosities with each element meticulously chosen to create an intimate atmosphere. Curated, thanks to extensive archival research by Isabelle Vignon, Courvoisier’s in-house historian, the room expresses founder Félix Courvoisier’s story as well as the stories of those who came after and who enriched his legacy. The Cognac Tasting Room, adorned with an immense piece by etching artist Francois Houtin, presents a visually impressive black and white scene of the neighbouring landscape illustrating endless
vineyards and iconic landmarks. Elsewhere, a subtly selected marble with low-contrast veins and muted tones was purposefully chosen to preserve the colour of the cognac during tastings to enhance an already memorable sensory experience.

The Dining Room, meanwhile, is the centrepiece of the venerated chateau where its guests are entertained with exclusive cognac pairing dinners designed and prepared by various distinguished guest chefs.

Comments Isabelle Vignon, ‘it has been an incredible journey to explore the brand’s history and honour it in today’s context. Félix Courvoisier and his successors each left their mark on Courvoisier’s legacy as they each crafted a new chapter in our history during their time in this house’.

Maison Courvoisier’s Master Blender, Thibaut Hontanx, remarks proudly, ‘at Maison Courvoisier, we are fortunate to possess a legacy built on some of the rarest and most exceptional cognacs including the classic VS, VSOP, XO, and, the ultimate expression of the House, L’Essence de Courvoisier. And, as they mature gracefully in our cellars at Maison Courvoisier, the recent restoration now provides the most inspired contemporary setting to perfectly complement the highly sought-after and distinctive character of our blends’.

The long-awaited re-opening of Maison Courvoisier heralds an exciting new chapter in the brand’s 196-year history. While access to the Maison itself remains limited, its doors will open for visitors for tours and tastings throughout the year.

So, the next time you find yourself in France be sure to include Jarnac on your list of places to visit. Or, you could simply experience the sensory rewards of Maison Courvoisier’s magnificent restoration with an indulgent, well-deserved sip of the world’s most awarded cognac.