Welcome to Charente
A land steeped in history and home to Francis I, the Renaissance king of France and great patron of the arts in the mid-1500s. This is the land of cognac, escargot, and simple, fragrant ingredients, where long, sun-drenched summer days unfold in peaceful seclusion, far from the busy tourist trails and well-worn guidebooks. Quiet and unknown to many, this hidden gem is cherished by those who discover it, guarding its tranquil beauty like a secret. Here, life is undeniably sweet."
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OUR LOCAL VILLAGE
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Just a 5 minute drive from Puy Vidal you will find the historic and charming village of La Rochefoucauld en Angoumois boosting the magnificent renaissance jewel that is Château de La Rochefoucauld. An 11th century staple of French heritage overlooking the Tardoire river.
In La Rochefoucauld you will find everything from boulangeries, butchers, artisanal chocolate shops, and cafes.
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How to Reach our Gates
Our nearest train station is Gare Angoulême, located just 1 hour and 50 minutes via Paris Montparnasse Train Station.
For guests attending our workshops and retreats, we offer complimentary pick-up from Gare Angoulême, just 18- minutes from the Château.
OUR NEAREST CITY
ANGOULEME
Just a 18 minute drive from Puy Vidal you will find the International capital of comics, designated creative city by Unesco, Angouleme boosts of a uniquely creative community of young artists working in various digital arts and pushing the boundaries of storytelling through animation. Also the location of Wes Andersons latest film "The French Dispatch" - 2021.
Charming cafes, eclectic restaurants, fancy boutiques and shopping staples as well as our famous covered farmer market Les Halles complete this cities offerings.
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Getting to Château de Puy Vidal | A Travel Overview for International Guests
Your Journey to Château de Puy Vidal begins with a sense of adventure and anticipation. Upon arriving at either Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports in Paris, you'll transfer to Gare Montparnasse, a bustling train station hub in Paris City center. From there, you can catch a direct train to Angoulême, our closest city. If you're traveling within Europe, we recommend considering Bordeaux or Limoges as alternative entry points. Both cities offer closer proximity to the château.
For participants in our creative studio and retreats, we offer personalized pick-up shuttles from Angoulême, ensuring a seamless transition from the bustle of travel to the serenity of the château. Let your experience begin the moment you step off the train, as we take care of the rest.
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MAILING ADDRESS
Château de Puy Vidal
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld en Angoumois
France
SOCIAL MEDIA
Transfer from Airport | Gare Montparnasse to Gare Angouleme
FROM CHARENTE TO THE WORLD
COGNAC
The home of world famous brands like Hennessy, Remy-Martin, Martell, Camus, & Courvoisseir. Tour the distilleries that line the Charente river and learn what is it about this brandy that has captivated people for centuries. Visit Château du Cognac the birth place of Francois I renaissance king of France and experience their ancient cave, banquet halls, stables and distillery. After your tour, have the regional favorite cocktail a "Cognac Schwepps".
Just a 40 minute drive from Château du Puy Vidal .
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Gare Montparnasse
When arriving at either CDG or Orly, you can easily transfer to Gare Montparnasse, Paris' main train station, by taxi. Taxi fares are fixed, costing between €53 - €58 from Charles de Gaulle and approximately €35 from Orly. For added convenience, you can pre-book a car service like BT Transfers, which offers personalized pickup for an average fare of €80. Other public transportation options are available please see this site for more details: Getting to & from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport
Pro Tip:
Plan for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes between your flight arrival and your train's departure from Gare Montparnasse. Allow extra time for baggage and possible traffic delays. Trains tend to fill up quickly, so missing one could result in a long wait for the next available seat.
Our Nearest Train Station
Angouleme
We highly recommend taking a direct train from Gare Montparnasse Paris to Gare Angouleme as this is the fastest way to get to us. Book your train tickets in advance for better rates and better seat assignment. We recommend you use the website below as this is the official site for SNCF trains.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT SNCF.COM/EN
Driving to the Chateau | A Quick Guide
Pro-Tips for Traveling on French Trains
Boarding your Train
We know taking a train in a foreign country can be a little intimidating. Here are some tips to prep you for your journey down to Chateau du Puy Vidal.
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When boarding your train, please note that your train track, train number, & train car can be a bit confusing. Your train track assignment will be displayed on a digital overhead board about 15-30 minutes prior to train departure.
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Make sure to confirm your assigned train track with your train number. The most common train to Angouleme is (TGV N°XXXX To Bordeaux Saint-Jean)
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Your train number and your train car number are listed on a small digital display by the side of each train car door.
Additional Train Tips
If you have any additional questions regarding your journey to the Château please email us at admin@ladyofthechateau.com. We email an comprehensive travel guide to all of our workshop and retreat guests upon booking.
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If traveling with several pieces of luggage, try and choose a seat that is in the lower deck of the train. This will make it easier for you to get off the train.
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Train delays do occur, so be sure to check train numbers and do not rely on the departure time of your train.
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The French like to practice the art of quiet travel/commuting by maintaining a peaceful atmosphere when in public and specially on trains. We recommend silencing your cellphones and using your inside voice during your train ride.
Nearby Attractions
Discover the charm of the region surrounding Château de Puy Vidal. Just 5 minutes away, the village of La Rochefoucauld boasts the stunning Château de La Rochefoucauld and quaint local shops. An 18-minute drive brings you to Angoulême, a UNESCO Creative City known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and lively market. Explore the scenic Charente River and the renowned Cognac vineyards, just 40 minutes away, where you can tour distilleries and savor local brandy.
Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the culture of this area.
Renting a Car in France
If you’re planning to reach the Château by car and want to fully immerse yourself in the region around us, we recommend renting a vehicle, especially if you're a partner joining a workshop or retreat participant.
Car rental agencies are conveniently located at major airports and train stations. Right outside the entrance of Gare Angoulême, you’ll find EuropCar, Avis, and Hertz.
When booking your rental, please specify that you need an automatic transmission, as manual is the default option.
Here’s an idea of the drive times to the Château:
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From Paris city center: approximately 5 hours
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From Bordeaux: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
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From Gare Angoulême: just 18 minutes
Driving in France
Driving is relatively easy and safe in France. Roads are calm and easy to navigate. There are large pleasant highways that are that are the most efficient way to travel long distances.
Roundabouts are widely used in France instead of traffic lights. Simply yield to oncoming traffic and stay calm! The best part- if you miss your exit, keep going around again, and again, and again.....
Road regulations and speed limits are tightly enforced- pay attention to the speedometer to avoid a ticket waiting for you when you return home!
Car Rental Agencies close at odd times; french lunch hours, weekends, holidays, etc. Make sure to confirm your pick-up time is during a time they are open. 24/7 drop -off boxes are available at all agencies.
LIG | Limoges - Bellegarde
Château de Puy Vidal is conveniently located just a 50-minute drive from Limoges Regional Airport. While we do not provide shuttle services, car rentals are readily available at the airport for your convenience.
BOD | Bordeaux – Mérignac
From the Bordeaux Airport, you can reach the Château by car in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Gare Saint Jean in Bordeaux city center to Gare Angoulême in as little as 35 minutes.
CDG | Roissy Charles de Gaulle
This is France's largest airport, serving a wide range of international destinations. Located about 20 kilometers north of Paris city center, it is easily accessible by car, taxi, RER (metro), and bus. The journey to central Paris takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or car, and about an 1.5 hours by public transport.
Visit this site for more information on public transport option to and from CDG
Direct trains to Angoulême from Terminal 2 are available in the early mornings and late afternoons. Be sure to check the train schedule before booking your flight if you'd prefer to avoid traveling into Paris.
center to catch the train.
ORY | Orly
Orly Airport primarily serves European destinations, with 50% of its routes located within Europe. Situated about 10 kilometers south of Paris, the airport is easily accessible by car, taxi, RER (metro), bus, and other transportation options. Travel time to central Paris is approximately 30 minutes by car and between 20 minutes to 1 hour via public transport.
Visit this site for more information on public transport option to and from Orly
There are no direct trains from Orly to Angoulême. To reach Angoulême, you'll need to use ground transportation—such as a taxi, shuttle, bus, or metro—to Gare Montparnasse in the city center.
By Plane
FIND BEAUTY WITHIN
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PUY VIDAL