SOLD OUT
Join us for a week of colour, creativity, and inspiration in the French countryside. This intimate artist retreat at La Cour de Husson offers the opportunity to spend five days working closely with artist Viktoria Maliar, exploring the expressive possibilities of oil pastels in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Surrounded by the fields, villages, vineyards, and changing light of the Charente, you’ll begin the week by looking outward. Working with still life and landscape, Viktoria will introduce you to the fundamentals of oil pastels, from building images with simple shapes to understanding composition, colour, and value. The landscape around La Cour de Husson becomes part of the experience itself, a source of subjects, colours, textures, and ideas to take back into the studio.
As the week progresses, the focus turns to portraiture. Over two dedicated days, you’ll explore the structure of the face, develop your drawing, and gradually introduce colour to create expressive portraits with confidence and character.
Throughout the retreat, Viktoria will combine demonstrations with plenty of hands-on practice and individual guidance, giving you the freedom to experiment, ask questions, and develop at your own pace. Whether oil pastels are completely new to you or already part of your practice, the week is designed to help you build your skills while discovering new ways of seeing and making.
And, as with all our retreats, the experience extends beyond the studio. You’ll stay in our luxury gîtes in the heart of the Charente countryside, with delicious plant-based meals prepared for you throughout your stay and plenty of time between sessions to swim, wander, read, talk, or simply enjoy being here.
This is a week for slowing down and giving yourself the time and space to make art, learning new techniques, looking more closely at the world around you, and leaving with new skills, new ideas, and a collection of work that captures your time in the Charente.
What’s included
Tuition and workshops with the renowned contemporary artist Viktoria Maliar
6 nights stay in luxury accommodation with full use of gardens & swimming pool
Daily breakfasts and lunches
3 evening meals cooked using seasonal local ingredients, and plentiful local wines
What you’ll be doing
The retreat is all about making art with oil pastels. The first half focuses on still life and landscape — partly because the location itself is so picturesque it practically asks to be painted. The second half shifts to portraits, since that’s something most people want to get better at.
Day 1
Introduction to oil pastels and working with shapes
Day 2
Landscape and composition
Day 3
Colors and values
Day 4
Portrait part 1: structure and drawing
Day 5
Portrait part 2: adding color
Your tutor
Viktoria Maliar was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1988. After completing her Bachelor’s in Architecture, she moved to Berlin to study art at the Weißensee Academy of Art, graduating in 2019. Since 2024, she’s been living and working in Dresden.
She works mainly with oil pastels on paper, wood, and canvas, a medium that’s often overlooked. Her approach brings out its range and depth, offering a different way of looking at what oil pastels can do.
Accommodation
La Cour de Husson is nestled in the beautiful rolling fields and cognac vineyards of The Charente. Guests will stay in two newly renovated self-contained gîtes (holiday cottages). Please see the prices section for more details on room setup.
The Gardens
The Rooms
Meals
You can expect delicious homemade freshly cooked plant-based food whilst staying at La Cour de Husson. Breakfasts feature sticky homemade cinnamon buns, layered yoghurt and compote pots, fresh fruit, spiced masala beans on toast, and much more. Take a look at the images below to get an idea of what will be on offer.
“Throughout the week there will be lots of opportunities to share our learnings over food and time to share what has been created during the day.”
What our guests say
I went to La Cour de Husson for an art retreat they hosted. It was a wonderful experience! Jen and Nick were wonderful hosts! They were incredibly helpful during both the planning of the trip and during the retreat itself. All the meals they prepared were delicious! The gites were lovely and comfortable and quite frankly giving me interior design ideas (if I can somehow recreate the feeling of living in a cottage in the French countryside at home). Highly recommend it!
If you want to feel completely looked after and cared for, this is the place to be. From the very beginning, Jen and Nick could not have been more warm and welcoming, meaning we could truly relax and enjoy our escape to the stunning French countryside.
Everything about our stay was perfect. The interior is beautifully designed and well thought through. You can tell the hosts have poured their hearts into renovating the gîtes to an exemplary standard.
The food was absolutely exquisite – every meal featured a beautiful and generous selection of inventive dishes using fresh ingredients, many of which were sourced from the neighbouring area. So not only are Jen and Nick the friendliest hosts you could wish for, but they are incredibly talented in the kitchen too.
We spent much of our trip plotting our return – we can’t wait to come back with our families to show off this gem we are so pleased to have discovered.
La Cour de Husson is such a beautiful place to stay! I was there for an art retreat and absolutely loved my time there. The gites were very well renovated and very comfortable (I’d love to live there) and the public space and landscape was so beautiful and picturesque. As part of the retreat we got three meals each day and the food was absolutely incredible. Nick and Jen are the nicest people ever and they were amazing hosts. Plus, they have an adorable pup! I would absolutely stay again and recommend to anyone.
My stay at La Cour De Husson was a wonderful experience. Nick and Jen are great hosts, very helpful and friendly and was their adorable pup Betty.
The gites are a delight, tastefully decorated and full of charm. The vegan food they prepared for our stay (art retreat) was delicious. I am looking forward to returning soon.
Prices
● Limited to 5–9 places
● Payment plan available
Large Double
€2800
€2300pp if you bring an artist friend to share with
5 days tuition with Viktoria
6 nights accommodation
Large double room
Shared bathroom
Small Double
€2600
€2100pp if you bring an artist friend to share with
5 days tuition with Viktoria
6 nights accommodation
Smaller double room
Shared bathroom
Twin Room
€3000
€2500pp if you bring an artist friend to share with
5 days tuition with Viktoria
6 nights accommodation
2 single beds, perfect for bringing a friend
En-suite bathroom
Bring a partner
€899
Bring your other half or a friend with you to enjoy a week relaxing at La Cour de Husson
6 nights accommodation
Food & drinks
Excluding art workshops
FAQs
How do I get there?
Depending on where you’re traveling from you can fly into the following airports:
Poitiers – 50 minute drive
Limoges – 1 hour 20 minute drive
La Rochelle – 1 hour 45 minute drive
Bordeaux – 2 hours drive
If you are travelling by train our local main station is Angoulême (there are direct trains to Paris & Bordeaux from here)
You can pick up car hire from all of the airports and train stations as there is no public transport beyond these locations.
Travel to the retreat is the responsibility of the guest.
Our address is: La Cour de Husson, 5 Route de Husson, 16140 Charmé, France
What do I have to bring with me?
The materials list for the retreat:
Pastels:
- – Mungyo GALLERY oil pastels, set of 48 colors
- – Sennelier or Paul Rubens HAIYA, set of 48 colors
Papers:
- – Hahnemühle Britannia SATIN paper block, A4/A3
- – Clairefontaine PaintOn paper block, A3 (Naturel, or another light tone)
- – Optional: Clairefontaine PastelMat paper block, A4 (Colors set No. 1)
- – Talens ArtCreation sketchbook, A5/A4
Additionally:
- – Silk paper (or similar) for covering the artworks
- – Cardboard folder (or similar) for transporting the works
A few weeks before the retreat, Viktoria will create a Telegram/WhatsApp group where she will post the materials list once again, and all the guests can ask questions there.
How do I get there?
Depending on where you’re traveling from you can fly into the following airports:
Poitiers – 50 minute drive
Limoges – 1 hour 20 minute drive
La Rochelle – 1 hour 45 minute drive
Bordeaux – 2 hours drive
If you are travelling by train our local main station is Angoulême (there are direct trains to Paris & Bordeaux from here)
You can pick up car hire from all of the airports and train stations as there is no public transport beyond these locations.
Travel to the retreat is the responsibility of the guest.
Our address is: La Cour de Husson, 5 Route de Husson, 16140 Charmé, France
What do I have to bring with me?
The materials list for the retreat:
Pastels:
- – Mungyo GALLERY oil pastels, set of 48 colors
- – Sennelier or Paul Rubens HAIYA, set of 48 colors
Papers:
- – Hahnemühle Britannia SATIN paper block, A4/A3
- – Clairefontaine PaintOn paper block, A3 (Naturel, or another light tone)
- – Optional: Clairefontaine PastelMat paper block, A4 (Colors set No. 1)
- – Talens ArtCreation sketchbook, A5/A4
Additionally:
- – Silk paper (or similar) for covering the artworks
- – Cardboard folder (or similar) for transporting the works
A few weeks before the retreat, Viktoria will create a Telegram/WhatsApp group where she will post the materials list once again, and all the guests can ask questions there.
Zachary Chudley
3 weeks ago
Thrilled to have made it to the inaugural Seasonal Table event, what a great night it was. Superb atmosphere and a lovely mix of local and out-of-town guests.
The food was top-notch; beautiful canapés to start, followed by a 3-course meal. As a non-vegan I can safely say the standard of food was up there with some of the best gastro meals I have had.
To anyone eyeing up their Seasonal table events, go for it! We had a lovely evening chatting away until the late hours amongst the most beautiful scenery. The homemade cocktails certainly helped!
Stephen Warren
3 weeks ago
Returning for a second stay at this vegan culinary retreat was just as magical as our first experience.
The food by Chef Ritchie was nothing short of extraordinary. Every meal was beautifully prepared, bursting with flavour creativity, and fresh ingredients.
What truly sets this retreat apart is the attention to detail and genuine care shown by owners Jen and Nick, who are also fabulous cooks.
Beyond the exceptional food the retreat offered a peaceful space to relax, reconnect, and recharge. The atmosphere was serene, the accommodation was ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and every aspect of the experience felt thoughtfully designed.
We can confidently say this retreat continues to exceed our expectations. We’re already looking forward to our next visit.
Thank you Jen and Nick.
Steve and Lou.
Xx
Daniel Joseph
3 weeks ago
Fantastic week at David Shilliglaw's art retreat. Beautiful quiet rural location, gorgeous walks, runs and swims near bye. Stunning farm building and accommodation (and very comfy beds!). And delicious vegan food. Great hosts and a great great trip. Thank you!
Sarah Hannevik
4 weeks ago
Nick and Jen have created a beautiful experience at La Cour de Husson! They have modernized and beautifully styled most of the property but left some rustic parts which remind you of the working farm it used to be. Beautifully made and presented vegan food! I am not vegan but enjoyed everything they served us - especially the mushroom bourguignon, heirloom tomato tart and tofu tacos! The room was immaculate, shower was fresh - I slept so well. Highly recommend La Cour de Husson. The pool was lovely and refreshing as well.
Katrin Adler
4 weeks ago
Our stay with Jen and Nick in La Cour de Husson was absolutely brilliant! The flats are really cosy and stylish, but not over-decorated. (We want a rose-coloured bathroom at home now too!) There are loads of fascinating books on the shelves and information on walks in the area. The pool and the outdoor lounge area are the absolute highlight. We were there for an
art retreat and spent loads of time outdoors. It was brilliant! The vegan food is also exceptional! It was cooked with such care and was absolutely delicious! I’m already missing it so much! Jen and Nick are such lovely, caring hosts who looked after us brilliantly! We’ll definitely be back!
Simon Bottrell
4 weeks ago
Such a warm and genuinely friendly experience from arrival to departure. Jen and Nick really pour their hearts into every detail. I was one of 5 lucky souls to enjoy an art retreat led by the inspiring David Shillinglaw, using the open sided barn as our studio space. We could all thoroughly immerse ourselves in creativity without anything else to think about, as our hosts delivered fantastic vegan food to fuel our journey. Outdoor dining, beautiful location and exceptional living spaces made for a week of joyous connection that I will never forget. Thanks guys xx
Janette G
1 month ago
The perfect and relaxing time I needed.
I stayed at La Cour de Husson between 30 Aug to 4 Sept 2036 to attend an art retreat. The location was perfect and Nick and Jen were wonderful hosts always available if we needed help or advice, but never intrusive.
I traveled on my own from UK and Nick and Jen helped to organize my transport by taxi from Angouleme and back for the start and end of the retreat. We were served 3 delicious vegan meals every day. Very gratifying and tasty food, everyone enjoyed it. The accommodation is very comfortable, clean and tastefully decorated. It's a great place for relaxing with it's swimming pool, large garden and the surrounding countryside.
When I arrived at La Cour de Husson I met with Jen, Nick, the other participants and the artist David Shillinglaw. We had a wonderful time making books and art. We met as strangers but departed as friends having had the best time.
My stay at La Cour de Husson was good value for money and provided the break I needed from my normally stressful life. It's the perfect place to unwind and chill out.
Katie Heaton
1 month ago
We had the most wonderful stay at La Cour de Husson and honestly couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
From the moment we arrived, we were completely blown away by what Jen and Nick have created. The whole place is beautifully designed, with gorgeous interiors that feel stylish but, importantly, still incredibly comfortable and homely. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel relaxed and at home.
The setting is absolutely stunning too - peaceful, surrounded by beautiful French countryside, and a perfect base for exploring the local area. We spent our days visiting the surrounding towns, eating an almost ridiculous number of amazing cakes and pastries, and enjoyed went kayaking on the Charente, which was a real highlight. Dipping your feet in the river in Verteuil-sur-Charente is a must, as is a walk to the closest village Tusson.
And then there’s the food - we’re not vegan, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but the breakfasts and dinners prepared by Jen & Nick were genuinely amazing. Everything was so fresh, creative and delicious that we never once felt like we were missing anything. And our little boy was obsessed with the homemade soy ice cream!
There’s so much to enjoy at the property itself too - the pool area is lovely, the ping pong table provided plenty of entertainment, and there’s lots of space for outdoor activities like yoga or pilates, with mats provided. There’s clearly been so much thought put into making the whole experience enjoyable, comfortable and easy.
A huge part of what made our stay so special, though, was Jen and Nick themselves. They were fantastic hosts - incredibly friendly, helpful and generous with their time. Nothing was ever too much trouble, whether it was booking restaurants, helping us order takeaway pizza, or giving us advice and recommendations for days out. They somehow managed to be there whenever we needed them while still giving us all the space to enjoy the place.
La Cour de Husson is really something special. You can tell how much thought, care and passion has gone into creating it, and it absolutely shows.
We had such a fantastic time and would love to come back. If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful, peaceful, comfortable and a little bit different in this part of France, book it - you won’t regret it.
Victoria Miller
2 months ago
We had an absolutely wonderful week at La Cour de Husson. Jen and Nick are such lovely and friendly hosts, who can’t do enough to help you have a fantastic holiday. They were always ready to help with anything and their food is amazing. We loved the breakfasts! They were also so helpful with recommendations of where offers vegan options when eating out.
The gites are beautifully decorated and equipped with everything you need for a a relaxing and great week, including for our 1 and 3 year olds. The beds were comfy and the everything was of great quality. The swimming pool and area around it are a fantastic place to relax and we loved just spending time in the central courtyard - our girls will certainly miss the adorable Betty. The location is scenic and so peaceful. We were so sad to leave and hope very much to return in the future.
Ashleigh Lennon
2 months ago
Spent a week here on a yoga retreat and it was perfect start to finish! The rooms were spotless and well stocked with everything we needed, the food was so delicious, and the area is stunning. Jen and Nick are wonderful hosts and couldn't do enough to make sure our stay was perfect. Will absolutely be visiting again!
Emma McGowan
2 months ago
We stayed at La Cour de Husson this August in gite 2. Its such a beautiful place to stay. The gites are beautiful and the whole place is just lovely and relaxing. Jen and Nick made us feel so at home. Its in a beautiful part of France. It was very hot when we were there so jumping in the cold river thats only 10 minutes away was just brilliant. As is the pool ;)
I can honestly say Jen and Nick's food is some of the best vegan food I've eaten. Do opt for the dinners as they really added something to our stay. We were lucky enough to visit during the eclipse and had a magical night watching it over the sunflower fields.
Betty is also a fabulous host and I looked forward to her early morning visits whilst having a coffee in the courtyard. We can't wait to return. Thanks Jen and Nick! x
Emma Zurowski
2 months ago
We came for the Yoga retreat and it was exceptional.
The hosts were lovely and the food that they prepared was delicious. There was plenty of it and it was a real treat each day to be served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, plenty of wine.
Each morning we did yoga either in the barn or by the pool which was gentle and relaxing.
The Gites was gorgeous, very clean and tidy with peaceful surroundings and a lovely swimming pool.
There was also a honesty bar and Jen made homemade ice cream which you could purchase.
Don’t hesitate to come stay here and/or book onto a retreat.
Rebecca Clacher
2 months ago
This was our second holiday at La Cour de Husson and this time we came for two weeks! There is so much to do and see within an hour's drive, and of course lots of relaxing pool days too. Although we're not vegan, the vegan breakfasts and the table d'hote option for meals feels really special for us. Our highlights of the holiday this year were paddleboarding and kayaking, river swimming and visits to Angouleme and Saintes. Jen and Nick are the perfect hosts with so much local information to share. Thanks Jen and Nick!
Phil Tatem
2 months ago
Just about the most perfect place & hosts. Beautiful surroundings, facilities, pool and food - WoW...just wow 👌
Hilary Fender
3 months ago
A well planned yoga retreat, in old French farmhouse gites both stylishly and comfortably furnished and fully equipped - catered for in-house with top class vegan food ; relaxing by or swimming in the pool next to the mixed orchard, walking to the local village Tusson (well worth a visit) and enjoying a picnic by the River Charente - dragonflies, butterflies, wild flowers....... Nothing seems to be too much trouble for Jen & Nick to make their guests feel welcome.
Hannah Mulholland
3 months ago
Absolutely incredible! Been back twice now for a culinary retreat with Richie Stainsby. This time we were also taken to a wonderful cognac distillery then to a local riverside picnic. We’ve made some incredible friends there and we can’t wait to return next year!
Sandrine Streitburger
4 months ago
We have been lucky enough to attend the culinary weekend this year and last year at this very special and beautiful place. Jen and Nick are so wonderful, always welcoming and going out of their way to make sure every little detail is perfect. The accommodation is so clean, comfortable and super stylish. The area is quiet and beautiful, perfect for walks through the fields. The little villages all around are like postcards. We loved all the meals by Ritchie Stainsby and the cocktail by Lauren Stainsby but Nick and Jen themselves are also amazing cooks. Jen is a baker of note and Nick is her equal on the savoury side. A perfect combo. We love our stays there and will go back next year. The pool is heaven and perfect for relaxing or a fun game of ping pong. Highly recommend for a holiday, but their retreats are such a treat. Thanks for having us and see you next year (at the latest)
Rhianna Holt
4 months ago
My husband and I went to the culinary weekend retreat and it was absolutely amazing from start to finish! Jen and Nick are wonderful hosts, they went above and beyond the whole weekend and all of the food was just incredible.
The gites and the surroundings are beautiful, a real escape and we didn't want to leave. Already looking forward to our next visit! 🙂
Danielle Byrne
4 months ago
Absolutely perfect! One of the best places we have ever stayed! You would be crazy to pass up an opportunity to stay here! Jen & Nick are wonderful hosts who have thought of everything and their attention to detail is amazing. The food was incredible, the gites have been immaculately renovated, the pool area and ping pong kept the kids entertained and we all loved the ice creams from the honesty bar. A very special place.
Renee K
1 year ago
This place was absolutely beautiful! The housing has everything you could ever need, I wish I could live there. Nick and Jen are so sweet and serve wonderfully delicious meals! It is so peaceful there and I hope to go back someday! Thank you!
Adriana Bates
1 year ago
DO NOT LOOK FURTHER!!!
At La Cour de Husson you’ll find everything you could wish for—and much more. Hosts Jen and Nick are not only highly professional but also incredibly warm and attentive. From arrival to departure we were looked after in their stunning, eco-friendly estate. Natural materials are used throughout, the furniture is carefully chosen, the bedlinen is crisp cotton, and the mattresses are very comfortable.
The vegan food was delicious, made with top-quality ingredients and served in a beautiful, private setting. On warm evenings dinner was served outdoors beneath a sky full of stars. We attended an art retreat led by the renowned artist Carne Griffith, held in an open barn set in the expansive garden beside the swimming pool.
The surrounding countryside is wonderfully peaceful—perfect for a restful night’s sleep—and during the day you can enjoy long walks through the sunflower fields. I highly recommend La Cour de Husson for an exceptional stay. We plan to return soon.
Thank you, Jen and Nick, for a truly memorable experience!
wendy renshaw-lewis
1 year ago
My stay at La Cour De Husson was a wonderful experience. Nick and Jen are great hosts, very helpful and friendly and was their adorable pup Betty.
The gites are a delight, tastefully decorated and full of charm. The vegan and gluten free food they prepared for our stay (art retreat) was delicious. I am looking forward to returning soon.
Kristine Peterson
1 year ago
I went to La Cour de Husson for an art retreat they hosted. It was a wonderful experience! Jen and Nick were wonderful hosts! They were incredibly helpful during both the planning of the trip and during the retreat itself. All the meals they prepared were delicious! The gites were lovely and comfortable and quite frankly giving me interior design ideas (if I can somehow recreate the feeling of living in a cottage in the French countryside at home). Highly recommend it!
Jenna Kornberg
1 year ago
La Cour de Husson is such a beautiful place to stay! I was there for an art retreat and absolutely loved my time there. The gites were very well renovated and very comfortable (I’d love to live there) and the public space and landscape was so beautiful and picturesque. As part of the retreat we got three meals each day and the food was absolutely incredible. Nick and Jen are the nicest people ever and they were amazing hosts. Plus, they have an adorable pup! I would absolutely stay again and recommend to anyone. If you’re able to, I’d recommend renting a car as it is very rural (part of the charm).
Natalie Dawkins
1 year ago
Absolutely fabulous in every way. We had a great holiday here. Jen and Nick are the best hosts and really have thought of everything. We were made to feel incredibly welcome and they were happy to provide info and ideas for the holiday. The food they made us was delicious, and the stay was great. The house was beautifully styled and very clean, and the pool area and honesty bar kept us and two children relaxed and entertained. It has set the bar very high for family holidays.
Ugly Vegan
1 year ago
Alix Rosenberg
1 year ago
We spent a week at La Cour de Husson, staying in the 2 bedroom gite. The location and site are stunning with beautiful grounds and courtyard, a lovely pool area and surrounded by sunflower fields. The gite was beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable and well equipped with so many thoughtful touches. It feels very peaceful and relaxing.
The welcome guide has lots of ideas for exploring the area and we enjoyed wandering around local villages and spending lots of time at the nearby river as well as a day trip to the coast.
As well as the included breakfasts we also arranged an evening meal and a picnic. All the meals were delicious and beautifully presented and really added to the overall experience. This was such a great option for a vegan holiday in the area, some lovely meals included, simple self catering in a very well supplied kitchen and lots of suggestions for eating out. Jen and Nick are such kind and welcoming hosts who provided lots of helpful suggestions. They have created a wonderful vegan experience that feels super relaxing and luxurious. I can't stop thinking about it and when we can go back!
Meg Thomas
1 year ago
I had the most wonderful time on this vegan culinary weekend, a true escape for the senses and soul. As a solo traveller, I felt welcomed from the very first moment. Nick and Jen were absolutely brilliant, thoughtful, considerate, and so genuinely friendly.
The accommodation was beautiful, nestled in gentle sunflower and chickpea fields, with a lovely pool to cool off in under the warm sun. My gite was tasteful and spacious, and very stylish.
Ritchie's food was exceptional, with eight-course vegan tasting menus each evening, crafted with such skill and creativity, accompanied by flowing wine that brought everyone together in laughter and conversation. The cognac cocktails were the perfect touch to warm up our taste buds.
The other people on the course were so friendly and good fun, it felt like a gathering of old friends by the end. Everything was organised seamlessly, leaving me feeling inspired and like a right fatty fatty.
I look forward to returning.
Edwin Seijsener
2 years ago
Gezien op de TV, ziet er goed uit.
I have not had the opportunity to stay with them but the friendly and honest reactions in our communications for sure makes me even more see the Cour de Husson with my own eyes.
Laura Bath
2 years ago
Such a beautiful place where every little detail has been considered. Jen & Nick are quite possibly the best hosts we’ve ever come across. Would recommend in a heartbeat. Can’t wait to go again.
Nick Shackleton
2 years ago
Had a wonderful week's holiday relaxing at La Cour de Husson and exploring the surrounding area. The Gite was perfect in every way, as were the hosts Jen and Nick who couldn't have been more helpful, as well as providing fantastic vegan breakfasts. A truly memorable holiday - we hope to return in the not too distant future!
Alex Blakoe
2 years ago
If you want to feel completely looked after and cared for, this is the place to be. From the very beginning, Jen and Nick could not have been more warm and welcoming, meaning we could truly relax and enjoy our escape to the stunning French countryside.
Everything about our stay was perfect. The interior is beautifully designed and well thought through. The bedrooms and communal areas are modern without sacrificing a homely feeling. You can tell the hosts have poured their hearts into renovating the gîtes to an exemplary standard.
The rest of the property is equally stunning, with a lovely pool area as well as a cosy covered area lit by fairy lights.
The food was absolutely exquisite - every meal featured a beautiful and generous selection of inventive dishes using fresh ingredients, many of which were sourced from the neighbouring area. So not only are Jen and Nick the friendliest hosts you could wish for, but they are incredibly talented in the kitchen too.
We spent much of our trip plotting our return - we can't wait to come back with our families to show off this gem we are so pleased to have discovered.
Gill and Rob Reid
2 years ago
We had such a lovely week at La cour de Husson! We took the train from London which was really straightforward and hired a car from Angouleme for the week. Gite 2 was a delightful space with the comfiest bedding and furniture and everything we needed for a week of mostly self catering. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting but with plenty to keep us and our two boys occupied on site and in the local area too. Jen and Nick added some lovely touches to our stay (an incredible welcome hamper with homemade cakes, welcome cocktails, delicious breakfasts and a picnic) which made the holiday feel quite special. They gave us so much information about things to do in the local area we didn’t have to do much to plan our days out and it was a revelation to travel in France and eat so well! Paddle boarding and kayaking trips on the Charente followed by a relax by the pool were holiday highlights. Vegan or not we can’t recommend a stay at La Cour de Husson highly enough.
susan morrell
2 years ago
Our visit to La Cour de Husson was a dream come true. Actually, it surpassed my imagination. As a vegan family, we thought it might be tough to visit the French countryside. But we had the dreamiest holiday. The beautiful
home, days spent by the pool, epic scenery, even the weather was perfect. And homemade vegan ice cream, come on! Jen and Nick are super hosts and went above and beyond to help us have the best, most relaxed time. We are vegan gîte converts now and we're already counting the days until we return. Merci pour tout!
Helen Palmer
2 years ago
The ultimate gîte experience in France. We travelled as a family of five with young teens. Beautiful, stylish and spacious accommodation with super comfortable beds, all brand new equipment and generous Grind coffee supply with home made delicious baked treats. Plenty of well tendered outdoor space with gorgeous pool, hammocks and fun barn to play in. Endless supply of home made ice cream/sorbet, soft drinks, iced coffees along with delicious vegan breakfasts. So much thought and care into every aspect! The best bit - the hosts! Nothing was too much trouble! Jen even baked a cake for my son’s birthday! This is luxury gîte living. And the local area is fantastic! Within 15 minutes drive, fun lakes, tranquil rivers, beautiful villages and a summer of fun, authentic French experiences - broccantes, bric a brac, Cognac tasting, food markets and endless sunflowers etc. The perfect combination of relaxation and fun. Book while you can. This gem is sure to fill up with returning guests… us included! Helen Palmer, July 2024.
Julian O'Dell
2 years ago
We had the most wonderful week in the beautiful two bedroom gite, which is well equipped, spacious and very comfortable, with two double bedrooms (one huge) and a big bathroom. And the views across the fields are fantastic. Jen and Nick are the perfect hosts…they’re when needed and so attentive. They provided us with breakfast on two mornings and it was absolutely delicious. The pool is clean and fabulous to swim in and the area around it has plenty of loungers and parasols. It is peaceful too. Free parking on site was a bonus. There is only one other gite currently on the site so there are very few folk around making it very quiet and relaxing. Lots of places to visit including nearby villages where there are some great little restaurants and bars. All in all, a brilliant holiday and a place we will definitely rebook in the future. Marvellous.
Lucy Skennerton
2 years ago
We enjoyed the most wonderful week at La Cour de Husson. The Gite was both beautifully presented and absolutely spotless. Jen and Nick (and Betty the dog) are wonderful hosts who have thought of everything and made us feel completely at home. Nothing was too much trouble. This is a very special place within easy reach of idyllic villages and towns. The perfect place for a quintessentially French holiday.
Gary Duarte
2 years ago
Just wanted to say a huge than you to Nick & Jen, our wonderful hosts for a Vegan patisserie weekend! The family and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend long course, it was so much much fun, French patisserie chef Fifi was fabulous, we learned lots of new techniques, ate lots of fabulous vegan meals and - perhaps best of all - got to eat our body weight in Vegan friendly patisserie! I couldn't recommend La Cour de Husson (Beautiful!) any more highly!
Gabriela Lacaci Infante
2 years ago
Amazing experience at this beautiful holiday homes. The house is perfect, has everything you need for a lovely stay. It's beautifully decorated and with all the amenities you would expect at home. We stayed with our baby daughter and the hosts provided a travel cot and high chair.
The grounds and house is absolutely stunning, with a huge garden, great pool, BBQ etc and set in lovely fields. Very quiet, relaxing area but with plenty to do nearby. The hosts are super nice and accommodating. The vegan breakfast was a highlight also.
Loved our stay there and would certainly come again.
Lucy Johnson
2 years ago
Such an idyllic little stay at La Cour de Husson - tucked away in a peaceful but super accessible part of Charente, SW France. Our lovely hosts Jen and Nick could NOT have been more welcoming and hospitable - arming us with all the information and advice we could ever need for our trip! Around every corner there is a truly thoughtful touch - welcoming guests with any kind of need. We felt SO looked after. The gîte itself was stunning - kitted out tastefully and stylishly, treating us to a real slice of luxury inside these stunning historic buildings.
I was personally after a trip where I was able to switch off and relax, but also be able to explore a bit of this fairytale part of France - and this stay really delivered! We were able to find real peace chilling out in the gîte, but also enjoyed fun days out cognac tasting, exploring local towns, eating cake in local villages, going for evening walks through the fields and even visited some historical sites and museums (thanks to Jen & Nick's amazing recommendations!) I honestly barely had to use my brain the whole time - and had no idea how much I needed that!
I cannot recommend La Cour de Husson enough - and can't thank Jen & Nick enough for being such brilliant hosts. We will absolutely be back!
Vivien Jones
2 years ago
We had a fantastic time at La Cour de Husson. . Jen and Nick were super hosts. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A welcome basket awaited us. We had breakfast made for us twice whilst we were there. It was absolutely delicious. The gite was wonderful, had everything you needed. Lovely quiet surrounding. We didn't want to leave. Can highly recommend a visit.
Lauren Marchant
2 years ago
The most stunning farmhouse and perfect holiday let. We hired both gites as a family and had the best time. Jen and Nick were such lovely hosts and went above and beyond to make our stay wonderful. The food is exceptional- I’m going to dream about those breakfasts for a long time. Stylish, beautiful decor and the comfiest beds.
Thank you for the best stay- we will 100% be returning!
Stephanie Hanna
2 years ago
We have just returned from our second stay at La Cour de Husson and we had another fantastic stay. Jen and Nick (and Betty the dog!) are the perfect hosts and always make us feel so welcome. From making sure we have everything we need in the gite to providing expert local knowledge, we really couldn't ask for more. The gite is so beautiful, comfortable and well equipped and the outside space and swimming pool is always a massive hit with our sons! The local area is also excellent and there's lots to do nearby including walks, kayaking, local sightseeing and eating delicious food. Thank you Jen and Nick - we can't wait to return soon!
David Peuaud
2 years ago
Jane and Nick are charming hosts, attentive to make the stay very unforgettable. The cottage is pleasant and well decorated. The area is very pretty with superb sunsets. A visit to Tusson is essential. without forgetting Jane's excellent ones
Herve Queraud
2 years ago
An ideal place to share a spacious, very well equipped and nicely decorated gîte with your family. Very nice touches, a gourmet basket, a homemade breakfast, .... and a cuddly teddy bear in the bed for our little girl!!! Thank you, Jen and Nick for your warm welcome and your availability. See you
jaz Storey young
2 years ago
I had the most amazing long weekend at La Cour de Husson in April for a vegan patisserie course. There was nothing that Jen and Nick couldn't do to make our stay perfect, from cooking us the most delicious meals and snacks to leaving us welcome gifts and providing airport transport. I had the best, most memorable time and couldn't reccomend this place enough!
Catherine Walton
2 years ago
Nick and Jen hosted a vegan French pâtisserie weekend with @thefloatingbaker which was great fun. We learnt how to make a number of French pâtisseries and then went back to La Cour de Husson for a delicious vegan lunch prepared by Nick and Jen. Nick and Jen made everyone feel welcome. Their passion for #veganfrenchlife is clear. Their gîte looked like a fab place to stay and is in a great location.
Abigail Townsend
3 years ago
Cannot recommend highly enough. Our gite was beautiful: well equipped, spotlessly clean, comfortable and stylish. The swimming pool was great: kids loved playing in it, we loved lounging by it. It was really peaceful - you're surrounded by vast sunflower fields - yet interesting towns and cities were easy drives away. Most of all though, we can't praise our hosts Nick and Jen enough. They were welcoming, helpful and generous, and provided us with some of the best breakfasts we've ever eaten. Truly worthy of a 5-star review.
Hélène D
3 years ago
very welcoming hosts, a pleasant and nicely renovated gîte and a vegan place which is quite rare in France and even more so in the countryside to underline it.
Clarissa Ferguson
3 years ago
I can't say enough about my stay at the beautiful French villa; La Cour de Husson. Apart from being an absolutely stunning and peaceful place to stay, the hosts Jen & Nick were so kind and thoughtful throughout. The gite I stayed in was absolute perfection, every detail was thought through, such a comfortable sleep too! (Also extremely clean and I am a tad fussy with that!)
Although Jen & Nick were around if needed it was such a private little haven, honestly I could have just stayed there the whole time and been extremely happy! I read on my private terrace for hours with a beautiful local wine that my lovely hosts suggested I try. However, there are some lovely places to see nearby and there is a book of things you can do too in the gite which I found really handy.
The vegan breakfast was also divine!! It was so delicious, among other things I tried Jens vegan cinnamon buns. For all my fellow vegans out there, just come for those alone! Next time I also want to try the vegan picnic hamper that you can organise via the hosts too.
Without a doubt I will definitely be coming back here again. I felt so comfortable and at home, and there is still so much I would like to do. I genuinely feel like I had a luxury break away from the madness of London.
Thank you so much to Jen & Nick, I hope to see you again next year!!
Anneke De Groot
3 years ago
This is one of our favourites place to stay. The gite is a lovely place, with eye for detail. You can feel and see the love of Nick and Jen (the owners). With a very warm, open and friendly welcome from this lovely couple, your holiday will come in your top 3 for sure.
The surroundings are beautiful and lovely towns and villages to go to.
Jen and Nick made our holiday unforgettable, for so many reasons. And we also love the vegan life.
We hope to visit them again and enjoy everything they have to offer.
And the swimming pool is the best we had in years.
Clément Boriello
3 years ago
La Cour de Husson is a true gem, a place that exudes calm and tranquility, in an absolutely idyllic setting. Imagine an old Charentaise building, perfectly preserved, renovated and furnished with all possible comfort; where you can relax around a magnificent swimming pool, which overlooks fields as far as the eye can see.
Nick & Jane are high-quality hosts who go out of their way to offer you a very high standard of stay (special mention for vegans, who will appreciate the efforts of adapted breakfasts).
The lodgings are extremely comfortable, perfectly equipped, and decorated with great taste, in a rustic and modern mix which totally preserves the authenticity of the atmosphere.
The place is in a hamlet which adjoins a medieval village with many shops (including a very practical grocery store / tobacconist), and 10 minutes from a town which offers all amenities.
The ideal place to visit a region that never ceases to surprise us, for its tranquility, its immediate nature, its historical heritage and even its proximity to the ocean!
Thanks again !
Michele Cardinali
3 years ago
C’est magnifique !
Nestled between cognac vines and sunflower fields is a beautiful relaxing place. La Cour de Hudson. Our hosts welcomed us with a delicious vegan dinner and couldn’t have been more welcoming.
The gite is surrounded by local markets and farm shops. A treasure trove for a foodie like me.
The accommodation itself is sparkling; beautifully decorated and every night was like sleeping in cotton wool. We couldn’t have asked for more than an everyday refreshing swim in the clear blue pool before drinks in the courtyard.
Nick and Jen were perfect hosts and knew best recommendations.
I’ll definitely be returning !
Dawn Wilson
3 years ago
Amazing hosts ! Amazing location! Attention to detail was spot on
Nic and Jen went above and beyond to make our stay perfect !
Will definitely be returning
Itti Olly
3 years ago
La Cour de Husson lived up to my every expectation: a wonderfully restored, historic farmhouse, with mellow golden stone, authentic architectural details, and the scent of roses in full bloom.
The Gite is stylish, tasteful, and simple yet chic, with every convenience. I even had my own private little courtyard - perfect for coffee and croissant in the mornings after a sublime morning dip in the crescent shaped pool!
The wonderfully comfortable beds with gorgeous crisp, white linen ensured a great nights sleep in this haven of peace and tranquility.
Jen and Nick are lovely: perfect hosts, discrete yet on hand when needed. They have done an amazing job of bringing this wonderful old building back to life.
Thank you for a really enjoyable stay!
Top tip: try the delicious vegan breakfast served in the courtyard - I'm now a convert to vegan cuisine.
Erin Moore
3 years ago
My boyfriend and I stayed at La Cour de Husson for 4 days and it was an absolutely lovely experience, from beginning to end. We flew into Paris from NYC and drove to La Cour de Husson from Paris, which was nice. We could have taken the train from Paris to Angouleme, about 2 hours and 45 minutes. From there, we would have rented a car and driven 35 min drive to Charme, where the gite is located. We tried this drive (from the train station in Angouleme to the gite) and it was really straightforward!
What we all loved about staying here is that it felt like no detail was left unnoticed. The gite had everything we needed and was decorated so tastefully-it's the perfect combo of feeling "homey" and also like a hotel. There were fresh flowers and a great welcoming basket of snacks (chocolate, chips, Lotus cookies, cake), all excellent quality, when we arrived. Then we had beautiful breakfast spreads every morning -fresh baguettes, homemade cinnamon rolls, overnight oats, preserves, orange juice, chia yogurt cups, homemade granola-a different combo of the above, each day. They had coffee and tea and options for all: French press, espresso maker, and Italian coffee maker, and non dairy milk. All of it was tasty and we really looked forward to the breakfast every morning.
The rooms are spacious with cute decor and we had plenty of space. We loved the big tub in one of the bathrooms (and plenty of hot water for baths!!!!), and the aromatherapy soap was a nice touch:)
The setting doesn't get more beautiful. It overlooks the countryside, and there is a ton of outdoor space. There's an area to barbecue, including a full-sized grill and table. There's an area to hangout on the hammock and read a book. There's an area for lounging at the beautiful, clear blue pool. It's all so peaceful and picturesque. It's a dream switch up for us city people-all the amenities but in nature!
Jen and Nick, the owners were the most hospitable and gracious, hosts. They left no stone unturned inside the gite and with the meals. They also were super helpful with info and recommendations on what to do in the area, where to eat, and just made us feel at home and comfortable. We went to a local cake and flower shop that they recommended as well as a Cognac tour, about 45 minutes away and enjoyed both. We loved staying here and plan to come back whenever we next visit France.
Jonathan Watts
4 years ago
Such a wonderful place to escape, beautiful accommodation quietly set in open countryside; lovely walks to be enjoyed. Conveniently located for exploring the Charente region. Nearby town Ruffec is convenient for supermarket shopping. So many lovely places to explore nearby (owners Nick & Jen can offer recommendations) I particularly enjoyed the city Angoulême as well as the small local villages nearby which have plenty to offer. Verteuil-sur-Charente is an absolute must! I spent the week with my family, relaxing by the pool, exploring the local area and thoroughly enjoying the peace.
Rie Kitagawa
4 years ago
I spent two weeks at La Cour de Husson. A really enjoyable experience. The place was so relaxing that I forgot the all stress from the city. The room I stayed was stylish and good taste. I loved specially the cute bathroom with a big bathtub. The vegan breakfast was flavorful and satisfying. Jen and Nick who own the place were nice and kind. 5 stars!
Kate Voigt
4 years ago
La cour de Husson is absolutely beautiful, both the accommodation itself and the surrounding areas. Jen and Nick are all incredibly kind, cool and accommodating! Everything was immaculate and considered, the bed was comfortable and warm & the vegan breakfast was delicious. I stayed for two weeks, and each day for breakfast we had differing vegan options from fruit, Bircher, avocado on toast all served with fresh juice and lovely coffee. If you are looking for a serene and beautiful trip to France this place is perfect. It is well deserving of 5 stars. Thank you Jen and Nick for a beautiful stay x
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