Do you collect guests from the airport?

We collect our guests free of charge from Angoulême, our nearest airport and TGV station. We are happy to arrange collection from airports at Poitiers, La Rochelle, Limoges or Bordeaux. There is a modest additional charge for this service.

It is important that you check with us before you book your flight if you would like to be met at the airport.

Can we get cheap flights to the airports you collect from? 

Yes, budget airlines fly from many regional UK and Irish airports to Angoulême, Limoges, La Rochelle, Poitiers and Bordeaux. The cheapest flights are usually those booked in advance and it pays to check their website frequently for special offers.

What about the Eurostar TGV option to Angoulême? 

You can take the Eurostar and TGV from London or Ashford. 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 driving licence.

Can I hire a car at the airport? 

Yes, most major car rental companies operate from the airports. 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). 

What is the food like? 

First, it’s delicious. 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 where possible. We also like to offer our guests a choice, so you won't have to eat fish if you have an intolerance, or simply 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 an open air swimming pool close to the river. 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 Passions", 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 and the brilliant “Circuit des Remparts” in Angoulême. 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, a boat race event and a terrific firework display on Bastille Day. Take a look at our To See & Do page for further information or give us a call.

What does it cost?

A week's stay at La Belle Demeure costs 600 Euros or pound sterling equivalent.

If you have a question not listed here, email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it