Maison Courvoisier ‘reborn’ after restoration
Campari Group-owned Maison Courvoisier has emerged from a multi-year restoration project that aims to honour almost two centuries of history.
The vision for the restoration is said to have been ‘nourished’ by Courvoisier’s savoir-faire and understanding of nature, and was carried out in collaboration with architecture and interior design agency, Gilles & Boissier, alongside a team of local and international artists and artisans.
Together they have filled the five-story building with ‘exceptional’ designs that highlight the surrounding vineyards, terroir, and rich landscape of the region.
Curated thanks to thorough archive research by Courvoisier’s in-house historian, Isabelle Vignon, a stylish red lounge bar tells the narration of founder Félix Courvoisier’s story and those that followed his legacy, and immerses guests in a ‘cabinet of curiosities’, with each element ‘meticulously’ chosen to create an intimate atmosphere.
Elsewhere, the Cognac tasting room is adorned with a piece that illustrates endless vineyards and iconic landmarks, created by etching artist Francois Houtin, as well as a subtly selected marble with low-contrast veins and muted tones that was purposefully chosen by Gilles & Boissier to preserve the colour of the Cognac during tasting, ensuring a unique sensory experience.
Meanwhile, the dining room is the centrepiece of the château, intended to entertain guests for exclusive Cognac-pairing dinners devised by special guest chefs. Described as ‘grandiose yet inviting’, a monumental palissandro marble table stands at the centre, alongside carved wood wall panels by artist Zoé Ouvrier.
Over the course of the restoration, agency founders Patrick Gilles and Dorothée Boissier played with the overarching theme of Cognac in their own style. For example, the corridor on the second floor subtly nods to the now aged eau-de-vie in Courvoisier’s Paradis as the hand-painted walls go from a bright sunny hue to a warm, deep amber colour indicating the passing time.
“We undertook this project with great pride and a determination to harmoniously blend together the château’s rich French heritage with the excellence of the brand,” the designers said. “We worked to elevate and honour what was already there at the maison, while introducing a new relevancy and energy that reflects the values of Courvoisier and its commitment not only to build on the legacy of the past but also to look to the future for inspiration and clarity of purpose.
“Exceptional levels of detail have been considered in every element of the design including a bench carved from a magnificent piece of wood from the cellar, testifying to Courvoisier’s deep attachment to their roots.”
This newly revitalised brand home will aim to be a beacon for global inspiration, innovation and education for Courvoisier.
Furthermore, the restoration is said to symbolise the brand’s determination to enhance Cognac on the global stage.
Vignon noted: “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, all passing through this house.
“The restoration of the maison seeks to rejuvenate its soul with a contemporary touch, and we look forward to welcoming esteemed friends from around the world.”
The château is set to welcome guests from October 2024.
In addition, adjacent to the maison is Courvoisier’s visitor centre, which will be open year-round. Here, guests can taste Cognac from the master blender’s select barrels, and will be given the opportunity to syphon a bottle of the master blender selection themselves, complete with a custom label.
Augustin Depardon, managing director of the House of Cognac and Champagne at Campari Group, said: “Standing proudly on the Charente River, Maison Courvoisier is a piece of French history that was in need of revival after years of unuse. 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.”
Last month, Courvoisier Rouge Luxe launched in UK.
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