A practical guide to arrival times, trains, flights, and retreat logistics —
so you can book with confidence.
Where is the Lady of the Chateau?
We are located at Chateau de Puy Vidal just two hours south of Paris by High Speed Train.
Our Address:
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois
France
When should I arrive?
Arrival Day is the start of your retreat
Check-in begins: 2:00PM – 5:00 PM.
Most guests book a train departing Paris Montparnasse between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
The direct train from Paris Montparnasse → Angoulême takes ~2 hours.
When you arrive at Angoulême station, our driver meets you and brings you to the château (an 18 minute drive).
Lunch is served on arrival day between 2:30 – 3:30 PM.
If you arrive later in the window, we ask that you please try to arrive before the welcome circle that starts around 6:30pm.
When does the
workshop begin & end?
Workshops formally begin on Arrival Day in the late afternoon or evening (after check-in).
On Departure Day, checkout is by 12:00 PM.
Breakfast is served between 8:30 – 9:30 AM.
Guests depart as early to 5:45am from the Chateau to catch the 6:25/6:35 AM direct train to Charles de Gaulle Airport. This train arrives at CDG around 9:45 AM.
If flying internationally, we recommend booking flights departing after 12:30 PM to allow proper airport buffer time.
For International Travelers
Step 1: Fly into Paris
We recommend booking your international flight into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
CDG is Paris’s largest international airport and offers the most direct long-haul routes from the United States and abroad.
If possible, choose a flight that arrives in the morning or early afternoon. This allows you plenty of time to comfortably transfer into central Paris for your onward train to Angoulême.
Once you land, collect your luggage, pass through passport control, and follow signs for taxis or rideshare to begin your journey into the city.
Paris will be your threshold — the first breath of France before you continue on to the château.
Step 2: Transfer to Gare Montparnasse
We strongly recommend taking an official Paris city taxi from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) directly to Gare Montparnasse in central Paris (Left Bank).
There is a flat rate of €65, and the journey typically takes 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic. It is the simplest and most comfortable option after an international flight — door-to-door service with no metro stairs, transfers, or hauling luggage through crowded stations.
While CDG does have a train station, direct trains to Angoulême are limited to two per day, and don't often line up with flight arrivals.
Gare Montparnasse offers frequent, straightforward, direct TGV trains to Angoulême — making the onward journey significantly smoother.
We recommend allowing at least 2.5 hours between your flight arrival and your train departure to account for customs, luggage, and traffic.
Step 3: Take the TGV InOui Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême
We recommend booking a TGV InOui train (rather than OUIGO).
The journey is direct and takes approximately 2 hours from Gare Montparnasse to Angoulême.
While OUIGO trains may appear cheaper, they come with stricter luggage limits, mandatory early check-in times, and limited flexibility for changes. After an international flight, the added ease and flexibility of an TGV InOui ticket is well worth it.
Why TGV InOui:
Direct train
~2 hour journey
Greater flexibility if plans shift
More generous luggage allowance
Train tickets are typically released 4–5 months before travel dates.
We recommend booking directly through the official SNCF website or app.
Step 4: Angouleme Train Station to Chateau de Puy Vidal
We offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off from our local train station of Angouleme just 18 minutes from the Chateau . Once you've finalized your travel arragement reach out to us via email and we will arrange our driver to pick you up and drop you off.
If you’re driving, detailed directions will be provided upon booking. We’re easily accessible from major French cities, making your journey as smooth as possible.
What Time Train Should I Book?
Arrival Day:
We recommend booking a train arriving in Angoulême between 1:30 and 4:30 PM.
Departure Day (flying home):
Option 1: 6:25 AM direct to CDG (ideal for afternoon flights).
Option 2: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM trains back to Paris if staying in the city.
We arrange transfers to match your train time.
Your Arrival in Angoulême - Will Someone Meet Me at the Station?
Yes — we coordinate our driver to pick you up whenever your train arrives.
On Arrival Day, our driver meets you at Angoulême train station and brings you directly to the château.
On Departure Day, our driver begins as early as 5:30 AM to accommodate morning trains.
If you are staying offsite, we’re happy to assist with car rental arrangements instead.
From the moment you arrive in Angoulême, you are in our care.
I Didn’t Receive My Acceptance Email — What Should I Do?
Our booking system (Youli) sometimes sends emails to Spam or Promotions.
Search your inbox for: Lady of the Château Retreats or Youli
If you still cannot find it, email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com and we will resend it immediately.
Should I Arrive in Paris Early?
If possible, yes.
Many guests choose to spend 1–2 nights in Paris before traveling to the château.
It helps with jet lag and turns your retreat into a fuller European experience.
We will soon be releasing our Paris Recommendations Guide.
What Should I Pack?
Comfortable daywear
Warm evening layers
Some fresh changes of clothes for evenings- to get out of your painting clothes
Shoes with good traction for gravel, slippery surfaces, or muddy garden areas(ideally waterproof for when it rains)
Swimsuit (pool & hot tub)
One fabulous elegant outfit for our final dinner
Journals are recommended to record your thoughts during your retreat
Universal power adapter (Type C/E)
For painting workshops:
Bring your brushes, pencils, and sketchbook.
All other studio materials are provided unless stated otherwise.
