Visit Citadelle Gin Distillery

If you’re traveling through the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France and have an interest in spirits, a visit to the Citadelle Gin distillery offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of craft gin-making. This 1.5-hour tour, costing just $18 per person, combines history, craftsmanship, and a chance to taste some of France’s best gins—all set in the picturesque Château de Bonbonnet. With a rating of 5 out of 5 from 33 reviews, it clearly hits the mark for many visitors.

What really makes this tour stand out is the deep dive into the unique process of French artisanal gin production, especially given that Citadelle is credited as being the first French craft gin. Plus, the blend of guided storytelling and tastings makes it both educational and fun. One small consideration is that, at just 1.5 hours, it’s relatively brief—so if you’re after a more extensive distillery experience, you might want to pair this with other visits in the area.

This experience suits a wide range of travelers—from spirits enthusiasts and design lovers to those simply curious about French craftsmanship. Whether you’re visiting Cognac or Bordeaux, this tour adds a flavorful stop to your itinerary, especially if you’re eager to learn how a world-famous gin is brought to life.

Key Points

• Authentic French Spirit: The Citadelle Gin is the first of its kind in France, offering a glimpse into pioneering craft distilling.
• In-Depth Tour: Learn about the cathedral-style distillery, infusion process, and aging techniques.
• Tasting Experience: Sample four different gins—Original, Jardin d’été, Rouge, and Cornichon—poured straight and with tonic.
• Beautiful Setting: The Château de Bonbonnet and its summer garden provide a scenic backdrop for your visit.
• Family-Friendly: Free entry for under 18s, making it suitable for families or groups with varied ages.
• Practical and Accessible: The tour is wheelchair accessible, offers multiple languages, and can be booked flexibly with free cancellation.

The Tour Itself: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Arrival

The tour begins at the Société Protectrice des Animaux de Cognac S.P.A., making it easy for visitors to find, thanks to the recognizable château. The guide, easily identified by their sailor top uniform, will greet you and lead your group to the distillery. The central location helps set the tone for a relaxed, friendly experience.

The Distillery Tour

What sets Citadelle apart is its “cathedral” distillery, a term that refers to the impressive, large-scale yet artisanal setup they maintain. During the walkthrough, you’ll see their Charente stills and get a detailed explanation of the maceration technique—the process of infusing botanicals and citrus to give their gin its signature flavor profile.

The guide will also reveal how they control every aspect of production—from the juniper fields directly in front of the castle to the orangery where citrus and aromatic plants are grown. This hands-on approach highlights their commitment to quality and authenticity, making the process transparent and engaging for visitors.

Insights into Production and Aging

You’ll learn about the patented infusion process, which is a key part of Citadelle’s uniqueness. The tour explains how they balance tradition and innovation—a key factor in their accolades, including awards from prestigious spirits competitions and the distinction of being voted the best French gin.

Visitors often find the explanation of the aging process of gin particularly interesting, as it offers insight into how flavor develops over time. This knowledge enhances appreciation for the complexities behind each sip.

Tasting Session

The highlight for many is the tasting of four gins—Original, Jardin d’été, Rouge, and Cornichon. Visitors can sip the gins straight to appreciate their nuanced aromas, then try them with tonic, especially Bordeaux tonic, to see how the flavors open up with mixers. Several reviewers noted that the tasters were high-quality and well-balanced, with one enthusiast mentioning they “repacked with two bottles, despite not usually liking gin.”

The Summer Garden and Atmosphere

The summer garden is a delightful place to relax after the tour, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the views and reflect on what you’ve learned. The setting is picturesque, adding a visual element to the experience.

Deep Dive: Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

While the price of $18 is modest, the value lies in the educational content and unique insights into French craft gin. Visitors consistently praise the passion of the guides—with many, like Emma, earning special mention for their humor, professionalism, and ability to make complex processes accessible.

The reviews echo the tour’s appeal: “A beautiful experience, with excellent explanations,” and “A top-notch visit with passionate team members.” The tasting component is especially appreciated, with one reviewer remarking that they enjoyed the delicious gins even though they didn’t initially like gin.

Timing and Accessibility

At 1.5 hours, this tour fits well into a busy travel schedule, and its wheelchair accessibility makes it inclusive. You can reserve your spot in advance with flexibility—booking now and paying later, or canceling up to 24 hours before without penalty.

Who Should You Bring?

This experience is great for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, families, and even those who aren’t usual gin drinkers but want to appreciate the craftsmanship behind a well-made spirit. It’s also a charming add-on for visitors already touring Cognac or Bordeaux.

Final Thoughts

The Citadelle Gin distillery tour offers a perfect blend of education, authenticity, and tasting pleasure. Its focus on craftsmanship and quality makes it stand out from more commercial or superficial distillery visits. The scenic setting, combined with knowledgeable guides and tastings, provides excellent value for the modest price.

If you’re interested in French spirits, artisanal production, or simply want a fun, informative experience, this tour should definitely be on your list. It’s a chance to understand what makes Citadelle Gin a standout product while enjoying a relaxed walk through the process with some great drinks to finish.

For those craving a memorable, well-rounded distillery experience in France—where history, craftsmanship, and flavor come together—this is a compelling choice.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families or children? Yes, it is free for under 18s, making it family-friendly, though children should be supervised during tastings.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, which is a comfortable length for most travelers.

Can I book the tour in my preferred language? Yes, the tour is offered in English, French, and Spanish, with live guides for each language.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the experience is accessible for wheelchairs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the visit.

What is included in the price? The tour, a detailed explanation of gin production, and tastings of four different gins are included.

Are there any extra costs? Not for the tour itself; however, purchasing bottles during or after might incur additional expenses.

What is the meeting point? The meeting point is near the château, easy to recognize, and the guide will be wearing a sailor top.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking outdoors and indoors.

Can I cancel my reservation? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or just looking for an interesting cultural activity, the Citadelle Gin tour provides an engaging, flavorful way to experience French craftsmanship. It’s a perfect stop to add some taste and tales to your journey in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.