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Any Questions?
Things You May Wish To Know
Do you collect guests from the airport?
Yes, we collect from airports at Poitiers, La Rochelle or Limoges. We also collect from Angouleme which is our nearest TGV station. During 2007 we will not make an extra charge for this service.
Will you collect on days other than Saturdays?
Yes, we can collect on other days but it is important that you check with us before you book your flight.
Can we get cheap flights to the airports you collect from?
Yes, Ryanair fly from Stansted to Limoges, Rochefort and Poitiers. Their cheapest flights are usually those booked in advance and it pays to check their website frequently for special offers. As you will know there are other airlines offering cheap flights from regional airports. You can also fly Ryanair to La Rochelle from Southampton.
What about the TGV option to Angouleme?
You can take the Eurostar TGV from London Waterloo, or Ashford. Change at Lille (the simplest option since you only need to change platforms), or at Paris, when you need to change stations. As always it's a good idea to look out for special offers as prices vary.
Can I hire a car in Jarnac?
Yes Europcar have cars for hire in Jarnac. You will need a full English drivers licence.
Can I hire a car at the airport?
Yes, Hertz and Avis operate from the airports we collect from. The combined cost of air fares and car hire can often be cheaper than driving from the Channel ports.
I don't drive - how easy is it to explore the area?
We are in an enviable location because the town is well equipped to welcome visitors and many of our guests choose to spend most of their time here. Naturally, since you have come all this way you may want to venture further. Using public transport is very easy, you can take the bus to Cognac and Angoulême from the Place du Château (less than five minutes walk from the house). It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the station, (we will save your legs and take you there). Once a week or so we will be happy to take you further afield. Take a look at our links page for links to the SNCF rail routes and timetables
What is the food like?
First, it's gluten free. It is also home made, (so if we serve a crème caramel it comes freshly made out of the kitchen, not out of a plastic pot). We use free range local produce wherever possible. We also like to offer our guests a choice, so you won't have to eat fish if you don't like it and you can choose a dessert to suit your mood. We have only ever had one complaint about the food; "the portions are too large" Take a look at our sample menu page or contact us if you want to know more.
Will this holiday be suitable for children?
Yes, we think so. Jarnac is a "station vert de vacances", a recognised status in France for good, green holiday locations. There is a swimming pool close to the river, (with three pools). There is also a summer activity programme "Sports Actif" which runs throughout the school holidays and many of the activities offered are free of charge. Contact us if you want a family holiday and we will be happy to answer your questions. We don't have any rooms especially for children but we do have a large family room.
Are there fixed times for meals?
We really do our best to be flexible. Breakfast can be taken at any time before eleven. We like to tidy bedrooms before lunch so if you plan to rise very late, we prefer it if you let us know. Lunch is a moveable affair and we will do our best to fit in with your plans. We serve dinner at around seven o'clock and this meal normally lasts for the greater part of the evening.
Are there any special events locally?
Yes there are many. Cognac holds "Blues Passion", with four days of blues and country music, and the Coup de Chauffe is Cognac's street theatre festival. In September there are horse race meetings at Jarnac's hippodrome. There are weekly street markets in nearby Cognac and Angoulême. Other events include a large brocante fair and a "foire au puces" (antique and flea market) in the town, which fill most of the streets, a boat race event and a terrific firework display on July 14th. Take a look at our links page for further information or give us a call.
What does it cost?
A week's stay at La Belle Demeure costs £475 per person, with an additional £75 charge when there is single occupancy of a room.
Do you make any additional charges?
No.
If you have a question not listed here, email us at info@glutenfreeinfrance.com.
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