Courvoisier Reopens its Maison Following Extensive Renovation
Following a lengthy multi-year restoration, Maison Courvoisier is to reopen the doors of its historic home in collaboration with architecture and interior design agency, Gilles & Boissier.
When it was originally constructed in 1857, the maison — which lies in the center of Jarnac and directly faces the Charente River — was inspired by Paris’ ‘Pavillion de Flore’ at the Louvre Museum, a building that held significant importance to founder Félix Courvoisier. Today, following the refurbishment, the maison is set to continue its role as a beacon for innovation, education and inspiration in the field of Cognac.
Alongside Gilles & Boissier, Courvoisier worked closely with both French and international artists to create a space that’s at once welcoming and intriguing.
“Standing proudly on the Charente River, Maison Courvoisier is a piece of French history that was in need of revival after years of unuse,” said managing director of the House of Cognac and Champagne at Campari Group, Augustin Depardon. “Maison Courvoisier has been an iconic part of the Cognac region’s fabric since 1828, and we are proud of its legacy. This restoration project was about respecting and paying homage to our past, while setting a stage for Courvoisier’s beautiful future.”
As an international design studio known for high-end projects, Gilles & Boissier utilized its French heritage and vision to combine Courvoisier’s savoir-fair with the impressive history and quality of the terroir.
Those lucky enough to visit will discover a stylish red bar lounge that was curated by historian Isabelle Vignon and a Cognac tasting room that features artwork from François Houtin. The dining room, a spectacle in its own right includes a palissandro marble table and wooden paneling from Zoé Ouvrier makes the ideal spot for pairing dinners.
[See also: Gleneagles Marks 100th Birthday with Glenfiddich Whisky Collab]
Art has played a key role throughout the entire refurbishment with works from French artists like Anne-Charlotte Saliba, François Houtin, Lilian Daubisse and Carole Descordes, with some international additions such as Molly Gambardella from the US and Veronique Van der Esch from Belgium. The selected artists were given considerable autonomy, producing works that conveyed what Maison Courvoisier’s DNA meant to them.
“We approached this project with pride, blending the chateau’s rich heritage with the brand’s excellence,” said Gilles & Boissier. “Our goal was to honor the maison’s legacy while infusing new energy that reflects Courvoisier’s values and future vision. Every detail, including a bench carved from cellar wood, reflects the brand’s deep-rooted history.”
Content from our partners
[See also: The Most Exclusive Scotch Whisky Experiences]
While this refurbishment certainly marks the beginning of a new chapter for Courvoisier, access to this historic sight is set to remain exceptionally limited. There will be tours and tastings available throughout the year, however, the opportunity for an overnight stay looks to be an exclusive privilege reserved for esteemed customers.
“Our legacy is built on rare, exceptional cognacs maturing in our cellars,” said Maison Courvoisier’s master blender, Thibaut Hontanx. “The recent restoration provides a perfect backdrop that complements the distinctive character of our blends, much like the Maison itself.”
