More than a decade ago, I planned a trip that became the foundation for our love of travel. It was a big one—our first major adventure overseas—starting in Belgium, with stops in Paris and Cognac, France. Paris was my dream come true, full of art, culture, and incredible sights. Cognac, on the other hand, was all about Raun. I wanted him to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially since he’s such a fan of Hennessy.

Looking back, this trip was so much more than a vacation. It was the start of something special—something we’ve carried with us ever since.

The journey from Paris to Cognac was an adventure in itself. We hopped on a train for a three-and-a-half-hour ride through the French countryside, with a quick transfer before boarding a local train to Cognac. Watching the world blur past from the train window felt peaceful and exciting all at once.

When we arrived, we checked into Hôtel Quai des Pontis, a charming spot right on the banks of the Charente River. The place had just the right mix of old-world character and modern comfort, and it felt like our own little oasis. Everything about the hotel was warm and welcoming, and its location made it easy to explore the heart of Cognac. The staff went above and beyond—they even lined up our cognac tours and made dinner reservations.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was dinner at L’Atelier des Quais, a cozy restaurant with stunning views of the Saint Jacques Bridge and Chateau Cognac. From the moment we arrived, it felt special.

Let me tell you about the food—it was amazing. I ordered the Chilean Sea Bass, and I still remember how fresh and flavorful it tasted. It was one of those meals where every bite made me pause just to enjoy it. We also tried steak tartare for the first time here. We knew what it was going in, but we weren’t sure how we’d feel about raw steak. Turns out, it was delicious! The flavors were so bold and unexpected, and it’s a dish that stuck with us. Between the great food, the friendly service, and the stunning sunset, the whole evening felt magical

The next day, we dove headfirst into what Cognac is famous for—its world-class cognac distilleries. We started with a tour of Hennessy, and I’m pretty sure Raun was in heaven from the moment we walked in. As soon as our guide opened the door to the barrel room, the rich aroma of aging cognac filled the air. Raun had this look on his face like, “Is this real life?”

We learned about the region’s history, the soil, and the grapes that make Hennessy so iconic. Then, we took a short boat ride to their tasting room, where Raun got a big surprise: a chance to taste their XO. Let me tell you, his smile said it all.

Next up was Martell. The tour was just as fascinating, with a little more focus on the artistry behind their process. We ended the visit with another XO tasting, which Raun thoroughly enjoyed. He even brought home a set of Hennessy cognac glasses as a little memento of the trip.

When we weren’t touring distilleries, we wandered through the town itself. Cognac is full of history, with its cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and little shops. It felt like we’d stepped back in time, and we loved soaking in the slower pace of life.

That trip wasn’t just about seeing new places—it was about creating memories we’d talk about for years to come. It’s where we realized that travel isn’t just about the places you go; it’s a way to connect, explore, and savor life together. Cognac gave us so much more than amazing food and delicious cognac—it gave us moments we’ll never forget.