Carré Cointreau (Cointreau Distillery) - Image 1
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Carré Cointreau

4.8
·1k reviews·Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, France

Discover the heritage and craft of Cointreau, an iconic orange liqueur, through engaging tours and hands-on cocktail making.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Experience the full tour before crowds build.

CrowdMedium
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Carré Cointreau (Cointreau Distillery) - Image 1

Carré Cointreau

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Experience the full tour before crowds build.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the heritage and craft of Cointreau, an iconic orange liqueur, through engaging tours and hands-on cocktail making.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"A wonderful English-language tour by Alex! We had a great time learning about the history of Cointreau and how it is made."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Online Easily

Secure your spot for the 'Zest to Shaker' tour by booking online in advance. :admission_tickets:

🍸 Cocktail Fun Guaranteed

The 'Zest to Shaker' tour includes a fun cocktail-making session. Be ready to taste!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cointreau Story

The Cointreau Story

Discover the rich history and heritage behind this iconic orange liqueur, from its origins to its global recognition.

Behind-the-Scenes Production

Behind-the-Scenes Production

Witness the fascinating process of Cointreau creation, including the unique orange varieties used and the bottling area.

Cocktail Making & Tasting

Cocktail Making & Tasting

Get hands-on experience crafting your own Cointreau-based cocktails and savoring the delicious results.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tickets for Carré Cointreau tours, especially on weekends, can sell out. Booking online is easy and recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Consider the 'Zest to Shaker' tour for a hands-on cocktail experience.

Understand the Cointreau Difference

Cointreau is a premium triple sec, distinct from other orange liqueurs due to its brandy base and aging process. Learn about its unique flavor profile and how it elevates cocktails during the tour.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Experience the full tour before crowds build.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer tour groups, more intimate experience.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @an.d.r.ew #hellqueencocktails #hellqueen #triplesec #cointreau #grandmarnier #orangeliqueur #margarita #drinktok #drinks #drinksoftiktok #cocktailtiktok
@hellqueencocktails
14.4K likes • 434.6K views

🎯 Book Online Easily

Secure your spot for the 'Zest to Shaker' tour by booking online in advance. :admission_tickets:

🍸 Cocktail Fun Guaranteed

The 'Zest to Shaker' tour includes a fun cocktail-making session. Be ready to taste!

Grand Marnier - what is it, and how should you drink it? 🍊 Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur, just like triple sec, Cointreau, and Curacao liqueurs. The difference is that Grand Marnier is Brandy-based instead of neutral-spirit based, and it's aged in oak barrels, giving it an amber hue. Create a more complex cocktail by swapping out any other orange liqueur with Grand Marnier. Try it in the Cadi...
@garys_wine
14.1K likes • 551.3K views
Carré Cointreau 🍊 @cointreau @cointreau.fr Distillerie à Saint-Barthelemy-d’Anjou #angers#distillerie#france#saintbarthelemydanjou#orange#carrecointreau#cointreauangers#cointreauangersfrance#cointreau
lannajeade
15 likes • 422 views

📸 Photo Restrictions

Photography is not allowed in the bottling area, but you can capture memories elsewhere. :camerawithflash:

🗣️ English Tours Available

Excellent English-language tours are offered, making the history and production accessible. :microphone:

A LA UNE 👉Le Carré Cointreau, vous avez visité ? 👋NOUS SUIVRE 👉 @storyvan.fr 🎬VOS QUESTIONS❓@pit_schaff @lechatvoyageur60
storyvan.fr
15 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Online Easily

Secure your spot for the 'Zest to Shaker' tour by booking online in advance. :admission_tickets:

🍸 Cocktail Fun Guaranteed

The 'Zest to Shaker' tour includes a fun cocktail-making session. Be ready to taste!

📸 Photo Restrictions

Photography is not allowed in the bottling area, but you can capture memories elsewhere. :camerawithflash:

🗣️ English Tours Available

Excellent English-language tours are offered, making the history and production accessible. :microphone:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the informative and engaging tours at Carré Cointreau, with guides like Alex and Richard receiving special mentions for their expertise and friendly demeanor. The 'Zest to Shaker' tour, featuring cocktail making and tasting, is a particular highlight, offering a fun and interactive conclusion. While some find the marketing aspect a bit prominent, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and enjoyable atmosphere.

"A wonderful tour in English hosted by the very capable Alex. Interesting to learn about the different oranges, the history and the marketing. Great fun to make some cocktails afterwards."

Fiona McAngus

"A wonderful English-language tour by Alex! We had a great time learning about the history of Cointreau and how it is made. At the end of the tour some of us bravely volunteered to make the cocktails for the group. Very informative and fun visit. Thanks Alex for a fantastic tour!"

Anne-Marie O'Brien

"Very nice tour! Our guide was very good! Richard, if I remember correctly…"

Per Lindgren

What People Like

Engaging and knowledgeable guides
Fun cocktail making
Informative history and production

What People Dislike

Slightly too much marketing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Carré Cointreau is located in Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, near Angers, France. The best way to reach it is by car, as public transport options can be limited. If driving, use GPS coordinates or the address provided on their official website. Parking is generally available on-site.

While direct public transport to Carré Cointreau can be challenging, you can take a train to Angers and then a taxi or ride-share service to the venue. Check local bus routes from Angers, but be aware they may not run frequently or directly to the distillery.

From Paris, the fastest way to reach the Angers region is by TGV high-speed train, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. From Angers, you would then need to arrange local transport to Carré Cointreau.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices can vary, but they are generally considered good value for the experience. Booking online in advance is recommended, and you can check the official Carré Cointreau website for current pricing and package details. Reddit

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets for Carré Cointreau tours in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or during peak season. This ensures you secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Carré Cointreau website for the most up-to-date information on tour schedules and operating hours before your visit.

Yes, Carré Cointreau offers different tour experiences. The 'Zest to Shaker' tour is popular as it includes a hands-on cocktail-making session. Other tours focus more on the history and production process. Reddit

Yes, you can typically purchase Cointreau and other related products at the Cointreau distillery shop. It's a great opportunity to buy your favorite orange liqueur as a souvenir or gift.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The 'Zest to Shaker' tour is an immersive experience at Carré Cointreau that guides you through the history and production of Cointreau, culminating in a fun, hands-on cocktail-making session where you get to create and taste your own drinks. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted in most areas of Carré Cointreau, allowing you to capture the ambiance and displays. However, please note that photography is typically restricted in the production and bottling areas for operational and safety reasons. Reddit

The duration of a tour at Carré Cointreau can vary depending on the specific tour package chosen. The 'Zest to Shaker' tour, for example, usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, including the cocktail-making portion.

Yes, Carré Cointreau offers tours in English, ensuring that international visitors can fully enjoy and understand the presentation. The guides are often praised for their capability and engaging delivery. Reddit

Cointreau is a premium triple sec, distinguished by its use of a brandy base and aging in oak barrels, which gives it a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to triple secs made with neutral spirits. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Carré Cointreau primarily focuses on the distillery tour and cocktail experience. While there might not be a full-service restaurant on-site, they may offer light snacks or tasting accompaniments. It's advisable to check their website or contact them directly for current offerings.

The area around Carré Cointreau, particularly in Angers, offers a variety of dining options. You can find traditional French bistros, cafes, and restaurants serving local cuisine. Plan to dine in Angers before or after your visit for a wider selection.

📸 📸 Photography

The distillery grounds, the Cointreau museum displays, and the cocktail-making area offer great photo opportunities. The exterior architecture and any orange groves (if present) can also be picturesque. Remember to respect any 'no photo' signs, especially in production areas. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally prohibited in the operational production and bottling areas of Carré Cointreau. This is a standard practice for safety and operational reasons. Always adhere to the guidelines provided by your tour guide. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Carré Cointreau is primarily an adult-focused distillery tour, families can still find aspects to enjoy. The visuals of the production process, especially the automated bottling lines, can be captivating for children. The 'Zest to Shaker' tour, while involving cocktails, often has a lively and engaging atmosphere that can appeal to older children or teenagers interested in mixology. Reddit

It's important to note that the tasting portion of the tour is for adults. However, the historical exhibits and the story of the brand can be presented in an engaging way. Consider the timing of your visit to avoid peak crowds, which might make the experience more comfortable for younger visitors. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially in areas with machinery. Reddit

🍸 Cocktail Enthusiasts

🥂 Couples & Friends

Carré Cointreau offers a sophisticated and enjoyable outing for couples and friends. The informative yet engaging tours provide a shared learning experience, followed by the fun and social aspect of the cocktail-making session. It’s a perfect blend of culture, education, and a bit of indulgence. Reddit

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the history and production, and then team up or compete in creating delicious drinks together. The tasting element adds a celebratory touch, making it a memorable activity for a date or a get-together with friends. Consider booking a tour that includes the cocktail making for the full experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Cointreau: From Oranges to Liqueur

Carré Cointreau offers a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous process of creating their renowned orange liqueur. The tour highlights the importance of bitter and sweet orange peels, sourced from specific regions, which form the aromatic heart of Cointreau. You'll learn how these peels are macerated to extract their essential oils, a crucial step in developing the liqueur's complex flavor profile. TikTok+1

The distinction of Cointreau lies in its brandy base, setting it apart from many other triple secs that use neutral spirits. This brandy base, combined with a precise blend of sugar and water, undergoes a careful distillation process. The aging in oak barrels further refines the spirit, contributing to its signature amber hue and smooth finish. Visitors often express surprise at the depth and quality achieved through these traditional methods. TikTok

Beyond the technical aspects, the tour emphasizes the heritage and branding of Cointreau. You'll discover the story of Édouard Cointreau and his vision for a superior orange liqueur. The marketing and global presence of Cointreau are also touched upon, showcasing how this French spirit has become a staple in bars worldwide. It’s an educational journey that deepens appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every bottle. Reddit

The 'Zest to Shaker' Experience: Crafting Cocktails

The 'Zest to Shaker' tour at Carré Cointreau is a highlight for many visitors, offering a hands-on and interactive experience. This segment of the tour is designed to be fun and educational, allowing participants to step behind the bar and learn the art of cocktail creation. Guides often provide demonstrations and tips on technique, making it accessible even for beginners. Reddit

Participants get to mix their own Cointreau-based cocktails, using fresh ingredients and guided by the expert staff. This is where the knowledge gained about Cointreau's flavor profile comes into play, as you learn how it complements other spirits and mixers. The satisfaction of creating and then tasting your own expertly crafted drink is a memorable part of the visit. Reddit

This interactive element is frequently praised in reviews for adding a dynamic and enjoyable dimension to the distillery tour. It transforms the learning experience into a celebratory one, allowing guests to directly appreciate the versatility and quality of Cointreau in a social setting. It’s a perfect way to cap off the educational journey with a delicious reward. Reddit

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