How to Get Here
Where
Château de Puy Vidal
72 Lieu Dit Puy Vidal
16110 La Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois
France
Closest City
Angouleme
2 hours South West of Paris City Center via High Speed Train
Getting to Angoulême
By Train
Choose a train departing Paris between 12PM-2 PM for a smooth arrival. Direct trains from Gare Montparnasse to Angoulême take approximately 2 hours.
Paris Montparnasse City Center to Angoulême: The direct high-speed TGV train is the easiest and fastest option, taking about 2 hours.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Angoulême: Limited direct trains are available - Early Morning and Evening direct train 3.5 hours.
Our pick-up shuttles will meet you at Angoulême Station anytime after 2 PM to bring you to the Château, an easy 18-minute drive away.
By Car
If you prefer the scenic route, driving from Paris takes about 5–6 hours. Navigation apps work well in the countryside. There’s space for parking at the Château.
Arrival at the Château
Check-in
We suggest arriving at the Château in the afternoon between 2–5 PM, allowing you to settle in before dinner. You’ll be welcomed with light refreshments and shown to your room. We recommend grabbing lunch beforehand in Angoulême or en route, as we do not provide lunch on arrival day.
Group Pickups
We’ll arrange group pickups from Angoulême station whenever possible. Otherwise, taxi service or rental car options are available and can be booked in advance.
Onsite Parking
Available for driving guests. If you’re staying offsite and renting a car, check agency hours carefully. Early arrival or late departure stays aren’t possible at the Château, but we’re happy to suggest nearby hotels.
Departure from the Château
Checkout is before 12 PM, with group transfers to Angoulême station coordinated to match train schedules back to Paris or onward. If you need a taxi or earlier/later departure, please let us know ahead of time.
The earliest train departs from Angouleme at 6:30 AM directly to Charles de Gaulle Airport—perfect if your flight departs in the afternoon.
For those heading back to central Paris, we recommend direct trains departing between 9 AM-12 PM to enjoy your breakfast, and have a relaxed departure.
Shuttles
On departure day begin as early as 5:30 AM.
Past Guest Recommendations & Questions
Arrive in Paris Early!
We recommend arriving in Paris 1–2 days before your retreat to unwind, explore, and ease into the experience. Enjoy the art, food, and magic of the city before heading to the Château. Stay tuned for our Paris Recommendations Guide!
What to Pack
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
Renting a Car
If you plan to explore the Charente countryside, renting a car is highly recommended. Scenic drives through vineyards, historic villages, and picturesque landscapes are truly unforgettable!
For non-painting partners joining a retreat, a car is essential for independent exploration while participants are immersed in workshops. Attractions like the Cognac distilleries, Romanesque churches, and charming local markets are all within a short drive.
Avis, Hertz and Europcar are conveniently located near Angoulême Train Station for easy rentals. This means you can take the train from Paris to Angouleme and pick up your car upon arrival! Make sure to book in advance for availability.
Pick up easily at Angoulême Station:
Art Supplies
Please bring your brushes, pencils, and sketchpad. Everything else will be provided in our fully equipped Art Studio, including various types of easels, pochade boxes, french easels, large student-grade oil paint tubs for sharing, palettes, canvases, solvents, aprons and more.
Looking for a great brush set? We love the Eclipse set by Rosemary & Co—a favourite among artists worldwide.
Booking your Train
Trains to Angoulême run frequently throughout the day, making it convenient to find a time that works for you. We’re here to assist you every step of the way—feel free to reach out with any questions.
When to Book
Plan Ahead: Book your train 2–3 months in advance when tickets first become available. Early booking ensures better prices and flexibility.
Choosing the Right Train
Go Direct: Select a direct train from Paris to Angoulême (~2 hours).
Preferred Departure Time: Trains between 12 PM and 2 PM align best with Château arrival.
Opt for TGV InOui Train: Premium high-speed train with more spacious seats, and amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and offer different classes (First and Second Class).
Tickets tend to be slightly pricier but offer more flexibility. These are easier to change or cancel. For this reason, we recommend these trains.Avoid OUIGO Train: A budget-friendly version. Tickets are a bit cheaper but come with restrictions like fewer amenities (no onboard food cart or Wi-Fi), limited baggage allowance (extra luggage requires a fee), and tighter boarding policy (you must check in at least 30 minutes before departure).
These tickets are difficult to change or cancel. For this reason, we recommend avoiding Ouigo if you can.
Helpful Tips
Seat Selection: If you have heavy luggage, choose a lower-level seat on double-decker trains.
Stay Informed: Download the SNCF app for e-tickets, real-time updates, and platform info. Reserve tickets directly via the official SNCF website.
Our Video Guide
Additional Help?
If you're traveling from regional airports or train stations not listed here, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Email us at retreats@ladyofthechateau.com, and we’ll be happy to assist you with personalized guidance.
