What can we look forward to?
Chez Douçoise offers a complete experience of enjoying, creating, and experiencing art. Whether you enroll in an art course, stay in one of the suites, or combine the two, it's sure to be an original arty expenence. This beautiful old house, dating back to the 15th century, is located in the charming medieval
village of Confolens (Charente), in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwest France. It's beautifully situated on the river Vienne, with a large private waterfront terrace.
Owner Henriette van der Does, artist and art psychotherapist, is busy giving this property a complete makeover, leaving no square inch untouched. She's adding a modern twist to a
medieval setting while preserving as many original details as possible. A combination of color, comfort, history, and humor, along with industrial accents, is woven into a unique style where you'll immediately feel at home.
We're currently renovating, but we'd love to show you where we're heading.
Follow this website for current updates regarding the opening of the Chambre d’hôte, the gallery, and the start of the courses.
For more information, please fill in the contact form from now on.
What can we expect?
Bed and Breakfast
Chez Douçoise will soon offer four comfortable suites with private bathrooms. The suites consist of a sitting area and a sleeping area. Some suites can accommodate 3 or 4 people, with a sofa bed added.
Each room has its own color palette, giving it a unique character. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in the rooms, a ceiling fan for hot summers, and free
Wi-Fi. Towels are provided, and breakfast is included.
Chambre Turquoise (river side, 1st floor)
Chambre Bleue (village side, 1st floor)
Chambre Rose (river side, 2nd floor)
Chambre Blanche (village side, 2nd floor)
Art course
Art courses will run from Saturday (4:00 PM arrival) to Saturday (11:00 AM departure).
Participants can reserve rooms during the courses.
Guests can enjoy table d'hote three times a week.
This is a three-course menu that can be reserved separately on the day itself.
This is not included in the room rate.
Table d'hôte
Guests can join the table d'hôte three times a week.
This is a 3-course menu that can be reserved separately on the day itself.
This is not included in the room price.
Discover Chez Douçoise
How to get to Chez Douçoise
🚗 By car
From Amsterdam, it is approximately 935 km (about 10 hours) by car. The fastest route is via toll
roads (peage). The smaller Route Nationale is toll-free but takes considerably longer.
🚆 By train
A comfortable option is the TV via Paris:
From Paris, travel to Angouléme, Poitiers, or Limoges.
From there, you can continue by train to Ruffec, Bellac, or St. Junien. Pick-ups from these stations are available (from €25-€45), or you can take a taxi.
✈️ By plane
There are direct flights to:
Bordeaux (approx. 2 hours' drive from Confolens)
Limoges (approx. 1 hour's drive, sometimes with a stopover)
In summer, also to Bergerac or from the UK to Limoges/Gatwick.
Renting a car is recommended to explore the region.
The environment
Activities
The Confolens Music Festival (68th) is
from 10 to 16 august 2026
A yearly and special celebration of music and dance where you also learn about chant, dance and percussion.
This is a special time in the village
Chez Doucoise is located in the centre of town so you will hear music playing until late every night. Our Windows are double glazed and our walls are very thick but if you are looking for peace and quiet, than try and avoid this week. We would love to welcome you another week!
Canoe, SUP and pedal boat rental
Vélo-rail, tourist train and museum
Cinema Le Capitole
Recommended: download the ‘Ville de Confolens’ app
Swimmingpool de la Tulette
Open air swimming pool with slides, diving boards, paddling area for small ones and life guards. Open in the high season (june, july august)
Contact
Do you have a question, would you like to book or simply find out more?
Leave your message using the form below