How to reach our gates
Where We Are
Château de Puy Vidal
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois
France
Closest City
Angouleme
2 hours South West of Paris via High Speed Train
Plan Your Journey
Book Your Train Early
Reserve your train 2–3 months in advance when tickets first become available for the best prices and flexibility.
Choose the Right Train
Recommended: TGV InOui
Direct from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême (~2 hours)
Departure between 12 PM–2 PM for smooth château arrival
Spacious seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets
Easier to change or cancel
Book directly via SNCF website
Not Recommended: OUIGO
While cheaper, these trains have limited amenities, strict baggage limits, require check-in 30 minutes before departure, and are difficult to change or cancel.
Helpful Booking Tips
Heavy luggage? Choose a lower-level seat on double-decker trains
Stay organized: Download the SNCF app for e-tickets, real-time updates, and platform info
Flying into Paris? Both Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly airports work equally well — we highly recommend transferring by taxi to Gare Montparnasse in Paris to catch the TGV high-speed train to Angoulême.
While CDG does have an SNCF station, the trains that reach Angoulême from the airport are very limited and often require multiple connections and longer travel times. For this reason, most travelers choose to head into Paris and depart from Gare Montparnasse, where frequent direct TGVs make the trip to Angoulême easy and fast (about 2 hours).
Orly requires a short shuttle, taxi, or metro connection into the city to reach Montparnasse, but the overall travel experience is similar to arriving at CDG.
Need help? Email us anytime at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com.
Getting to Angoulême
By Train
Direct high-speed trains from Paris Montparnasse to Angoulême take approximately 2 hours. Our shuttle pickups meet you at Angoulême Station anytime after 2 PM for an easy 18-minute drive to the château.
By Car
Prefer a scenic drive? Paris to the château takes about 4.5-5 hours. Navigation apps work well in the countryside, and parking is available at the Chateau.
Arrival at the Château
Arrival Day | Check-In between 2–5 PM
Arrive in the afternoon to settle in before dinner. You'll be welcomed with light refreshments and shown to your room.
Please note: We provide lunch on arrival day between 2:30pm 3:30pm.
Getting from the Station
We arrange group pickups from Angoulême station for all of our retreats - if you are staying offsite during one of our retreats we can assist you with your car rental pick in Angouleme.
Departure from the Château
Departure Day | Check-Out anytime before 12 PM
We coordinate group transfers to Angoulême station to match train schedules. Shuttles begin as early as 5:30 AM for early departures.
Recommended Trains
To Charles de Gaulle Airport:
The earliest direct train departs at 6:25 AM—perfect if your flight from Paris leaves in the afternoon.
To Central Paris:
Direct trains departing 9 AM–12 PM let you enjoy breakfast and have a relaxed departure.
Going somewhere else? Let us know in advance we can help you plan.
Prepare for Your Stay
We Recommend: Arrive in Paris Early
If at all possible in your itinerary - stay 1–2 days in Paris before your retreat to unwind and explore. Enjoy the art, food, and magic of the city before heading to the château. Stay tuned for our Paris Recommendations Guide!
What to Pack for your Chateau retreat & workshop
Comfortable clothes + a warm layer for evenings
Sturdy walking shoes
Journal or sketchpad
One glam outfit for our final dinner
Swimsuit (for pool & hot tub)
Universal power adapter
Art Supplies (for those attending a painting workshop)
Please bring your brushes, pencils, and sketchpad. Unless stated in your specific retreat - everything else is provided in our fully equipped studio: easels, pochade boxes, french easels, student grade oil paints, palettes, canvases, solvents, aprons, and more.
Looking for quality brushes? We love the Eclipse set by Rosemary & Co—a favorite among artists worldwide.
Staying offsite? or Want to Explore the Countryside?
Renting a car opens up the beautiful Charente region—scenic drives through vineyards, historic villages, Cognac distilleries, Romanesque churches, and charming local markets are all within easy reach.
For non-painting partners, a car is essential for independent exploration.
Easy car rental: Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are located at Angoulême Train Station. Take the train from Paris, then pick up your car upon arrival. Book in advance for availability.
How to book your train | Video Guide
Additional Help?
Email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com, and we’ll be happy to assist you with one on one guidance.
