Ban de la Distillation
The premier event for Cognac distillation in the Grand Cognac region
2026
About Ban de la Distillation
Grand Cognac, in the Charente region, is hosting the 4th edition of the Ban de la Distillation, an event celebrating the start of the distillation season and highlighting the expertise that has made this French heritage treasure world-famous.
Ban de la Distillation — edition 2026
From Friday, October 23rd to Sunday, October 25th, 2026, the 4th edition of the Ban de la Distillation will feature 70 activities across the Grand Cognac region, including distillery tours, tastings, exhibitions, concerts, escape games, and workshops.
For its 4th edition, the Ban de la Distillation brings together cognac houses, producers, cultural venues, and local stakeholders over three days to celebrate the start of the distillation season. Most activities are free and require advance booking.
Highlights Ban de la Distillation 2026
- 70 activities over three days, most free with reservation
- Vernis Rouge concert at Les Abattoirs de Cognac · Friday, October 23rd
- Tours of cellars and stills at major cognac houses
- "Distiller le monde" exhibition at both Cognac museums
- Ban de la Distillation Banquet at the Hôtel Chais Monnet · Saturday, October 24th
Programme Ban de la Distillation 2026
The program is organized around six main categories of experiences:
1. Distillery and Cognac House Tours: Rémy Martin, Martell, Courvoisier, Grand Marnier, Cognac de Luze, Domaine Pasquet (organic cognac), Domaine Landreau, Cognac Braastad, and Maison Laurichesse will open their doors for tours of vineyards, cellars, and stills, followed by tastings.
2. Tastings and Food Pairings: Food and cognac pairing workshops by the stills, chocolate and cognac tastings (Maison Raynaud, Domaine de Vitis), the Ban de la Distillation Banquet at the Hôtel Chais Monnet (Saturday evening, October 24th), the Parcours des Saveurs at Logis de la Mothe featuring creations by chef Damien Castagna, and Ferrand Cognac tasting masterclasses (October 23rd and 24th).
3. Family Workshops and Immersive Experiences: Escape game at the Château de Bouteville, the "Au milieu des dinosaures" immersive virtual experience about the region's origins, the Cognac Olympics (team games), and creative workshops (barrel stave painting, tote bag printing).
4. Culture and Heritage: "Distiller le monde" exhibition at both Cognac museums (Maison du Négociant/MAH and Musée des savoir-faire du Cognac), "Robert Doisneau et Rémy Martin. Regard sur le cognac" exhibition, and the "Le Singe et l'Argile" exhibition and Planctonarium at the Fondation d'entreprise Martell, plus a scenographic tour of the Porte Saint-Jacques.
5. Concerts and Evenings: Vernis Rouge concert at Les Abattoirs de Cognac (Friday, October 23rd), "Cognaçao Musica" blending music, theater, and tastings at the Pinard distillery, and La Nuit du Cognac organized by the Young Farmers of Segonzac.
6. Exploring the Region: River cruises on the Charente, electric scooter rides through a "Villages de Pierres et de Vignes" certified village, and the "Les Itinéraires du Temps" digital trail featuring historical reconstructions in virtual reality.
Prices Ban de la Distillation 2026
Practical information — Ban de la Distillation
The Ban de la Distillation takes place at various sites across the Grand Cognac territory (Charente), in Cognac and surrounding towns. All activities must be booked in advance online; most are free, while times and prices vary by location.
The detailed program is published on the Grand Cognac website. For information: Destination Cognac, 05 45 82 10 71.
Alcohol consumption is restricted to adults only, upon presentation of a valid ID.
From October 23 to 25, 2026, thousands of visitors will be able to take part in 70 different activities, most of which are exclusive to the event: tours of historic distilleries, unique tastings, exhibitions, concerts, escape games, walks, workshops, and more. It is a convivial occasion for all food and drink enthusiasts and families looking for new discoveries.
The start of the distillation season
Autumn marks the beginning of the distillation of eaux-de-vie in Charente. The Ban de la Distillation signals its opening, much like the 'ban des vendanges' marks the start of the grape harvest, showcasing the expertise of producers, local stakeholders, the wine industry (Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, etc.), and cultural actors.
A growing event
The 3rd edition brought together over 5,000 visitors for more than 60 activities and workshops. In 2026, the program features 70 events spread across the entire Grand Cognac territory, ranging from cellar tours to exhibitions, and from concerts to family-friendly trails.
Booking your activities
Concerts, shows, lectures, meet-and-greets, exhibitions, and tour circuits: most activities are free, but all require prior booking via the online ticketing system indicated in the Grand Cognac program. Alcohol consumption is restricted to adults only, upon presentation of a valid ID.
Where does it take place — Ban de la Distillation
Ban de la Distillation in brief
Other festivals near Cognac
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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