In easy reach of airports and the motorway system and with plenty of safe parking, our residential centre has great value group accommodation for 4 - 8 adults. The Dortoir has one simple price of €35 per person per night, all year round with optional evening meal for just €15 per night. The 8 bed Dortoir has cabin beds with extra wide bunks each with privacy curtain, reading light, double plug socket, storage space and a hanging rail. Towels, bedding and toiletries all provided. The en-suite heated, disabled accessible wet room includes dry change area, 2 showers, toilets & sinks. In addition on site, Astrofarm astronomy centre provides telescopes, piers, mounts, warm room with internet, astrocafe and viewing terrace with electric points and amazing South and West views for astronomy and astrophotography. Studio Alouette Recording Studio provides a fully acoustically treated live room and adjoining control room with resident musician, engineer, producer & technician option, 28 channel analogue desk, instruments, amps & microphones.
What can I say about Astrofarm? It is the ultimate place to relax. In a beautiful picturesque setting in the south of France. My journey was an absolute dream with free airport transaction stress is minimised from the moment you step off the plane. From then you've got it all, sunshine, warm reception, clean and private bunking. From the Astro perspective you really can come and go as you please. The main observing site is away from the bedding area. Very carefully and considered that if you are sleeping you will not hear a thing from observers. I had a very enjoyable stay, I cannot express enough the warm reception and the friendliness on site. Highly recommend. Plus the meals at night time are exceptional, I don't know how these two do it! Spot on.
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Date of stay: August 2016
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An absolutely fantastic short break spent at Astrofarm from the moment I was met at the airport. Andrew and Sue were the perfect people to spend time with, both at night and during the day. Excellent food and conversation set in a beautiful location and nice dark skies made the visit perfect. Astrofarm is an ideal place for seasoned astro-imagers and visual observers alike. There is a wealth of equipment to use, this is a big bonus as you can the travel light on the flight. Additionally having Andrew and his expertise there alongside you, means you can enjoy the wonders of the universe, even if you've never looked through binoculars or a telescope before. I would thoroughly recommend any length of stay at Astrofarm.
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Date of stay: February 2016
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Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After having enough of light polluted skies and cloud I decided that I needed a break somewhere I could unwind and do some astrophotography without breaking the bank. My first thoughts were of somewhere down on the south coast but an astro buddy recommended the Astrofarm in Confolens to me and I decided to give it a go. After a few phone calls and booking a cheap flight from Stansted to Limoges I was all sorted for a week and it worked out cheaper than going to my usual haunt in Dorset. I was collected from my flight to Limoges by Andrew, Astrofarms host and resident astronomer. After I had arrived and showered I was treated to a lovely hearty meal cooked by Sue, the hostess. That set me up for a good nights astro viewing. I was blown away by the Milky way that appeared above me and with some expert help and advice help from Andrew I managed to get some great captures. Most of my my evenings were spent this way, bar the one cloudy night but I was glad of it as I visited the lovely nearby town of Confolens for a wander around and the odd glass of wine. My week went too fast and before I knew it Andrew was dropping me off at the airport and I was on my way home. I will be visiting again over the winter to get in some visual astronomy using the extensive range of telescopes and observatory that Andrew and Sue have on sight as well as trying to capture M42 in all it's glory on my camera. Thank you Andrew and Sue for making my stay so good.
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Date of stay: September 2015
Value
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Trip type: Traveled solo
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Response from Sue D, Manager at Astrofarm France
Responded Sep 17, 2015
Many thanks for taking the time to write a review for Astrofarm. We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay so much and please do let us know if there is anything that would make a future stay even better! We look forward to seeing you again really soon. Best wishes Sue and Andrew
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I went to Astrofarm Farm for 5 nights in August. I really didn't know what to expect ..... I was blown away by the whole concept ...... a mind blowingly amazing experience. The hosts, Andrew the resident astonomer , Sue who manages the B&B / evening meal part of the business were so welcoming, kind and so patient with me, the complete novice. I went as total new I but am returning home a total convert and look forward to joining my local astronomy group. I stayed in the Doctorow the B&B. I also opted for the evening meal too - which was sooooo good - a partnership of amazing astronomer and spot on chef. We ate together on the sunset terrace - wow - what combinations - and an appetiser for the forthcoming night's viewings. Andrew, the resident astronomer has many pieces of equipment which you can use under his guidance - though some of the residents I met had brought some of their own. Andrew is very patient, knowledgable and interesting to talk with about the Milky Way and beyond - yes I firmly believe there is beyond. Andrew was able to get me to use my camera to take photos of the Milky Way ! Leading me to realise that I really do need to learn how to use my camera properly. Astrofarm is situated very near Confolens - a lovely town to vibist after you surface from slumber lands after your night's viewing. During the summer there is kayak/ canoe/ paddle board hire service available. I had my van with me so that was good for day trips.
They have 7 pets: 3 dogs and 4 cats - beautiful & calm like their owners.
Astrofarm was like a haven or do I mean heaven. I loved it there and look forward to going back. I feel better able to use my camera. I want to get out there and start to use my stargazing skills. If you are into stargazing / astronomy then this is the place for you to go. You will not be disappointed. Maybe I have one apology - my enthusiasm and interest just overflowed - full of questions and thoughts about infinity, black holes, TARDIS - I am Whovian ( Dr. Who fan) - Andrew, Sue and the residents were so patiently kind with me.
You've just to go there. It is a centre of excellence for stargazing not a Hooray Henry Booze break. I thoroughly enjoyed and you will too.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astrofarm is an ideal place to develop your knowledge of astronomy with Andrew's expert tutoring. If you can time your trip with one of the courses, consider it as they are great value for money. I stayed here as a solo female and had a very relaxed and comfortable experience. Andrew and Sue are very hospitable and accommodating. There are excellent facilities available in the rooms with a very well stocked kitchen in the hub. There is a supermarket nearby where you can buy food if you wish to cook your own meals. However you can also have a delicious home cooked meal from Sue for the bargain price of 15 euros (2 courses and wine). Most toiletries are also provided so you can travel light! Overall I had an extremely relaxing and lovely time and will definitely be returning. The only I would highlight is that there are several animals on the farm (3 dogs, 4 cats and chickens) so you may need to be cautious if you have any allergies. They are all lovely and friendly however so don't be put off if you're not an animal lover. They may convert you!
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Date of stay: November 2016
Location
Service
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Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We drove from our home 2 1/2 hours away to spend three nights looking at the Persied meteor shower at its height in August. We were not disappointed! Andrew must have special-ordered the weather for our stay, as all three nights were perfect for stargazing.
We saw quite a few meteors flash across the sky and, on our first night, Geoff and Andrew spotted the International Space Station as it flew over. Saw the moon through a small telescope and I got to see Saturn, as well...a sight I haven't seen since I was about 9 years old (I won't say how many years ago that was!).
We were shown how to locate Andromeda and viewed it through our binoculars. The Milky Way was clearly visible with the naked eye after the moon set. A couple of chilly nights for August, but thoroughly enjoyable. Andrew is a font of knowledge on all things astronomical. Geoff got excellent advice on an appropriate telescope to buy and we are awaiting delivery.
The twin room and en suite shower room were very comfortable. Breakfasts were great: choice of croissants, fresh fruit, eggs, toast, etc. all self-serve and available until noon...terrific for sleeping late after late-night star watching.
We opted for dinners with Sue and Andrew all three nights. Sue is a wonderful cook and she and Andrew are gracious hosts. Their dogs, cats and chickens were all delightfully friendly. It's fun to watch the chickens all trotting long behind Sue wherever she goes.
Confolens is a lovely town and the International Music and Dance Festival was on during our stay. We will be back at a quieter time (if there is such a thing in Confolens) to explore the town and surrounding area in more depth. We may even check out one or two of the area restaurants, if we can bear to pass up Sue's enjoyable meals!
Thank you, Sue and Andrew, for a fun mini-vacation. As someone once said, "We'll be back!"
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Date of stay: August 2016
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â For couples, the twin room; for groups, the bunk room; for singles, either. All seem comfortable,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well from the very beginning this trip was very very good the air fares are so cheap and a free pick up by Andrew the resident astronomer and great tutor, Once i arrived at the farm i was met by Sue and the Astro animals and after being shown round it was time to unpack and get ready for the nights observing right from the off andrew was there to help me get the best from the equipment i had taken and offer the use of astro farms extensive range of scopes mounts camer's etc. The sky WOW JUST WOW i have never seen a sky so clear and dark. i was able to get some great images and the extra tuition Andrew gave enhanced my experience. After getting my fill of the night sky i retired to the bunkhouse the bunks are a really good size and the shower room was excellent with really hot water. over the course of the next few days we spent time in Confolens a fantastic town with lots going on including at the time of my visit a market where you buy your food and they cook it for you before sitting by the river with your freshly cooked food and a glass of wine or two, there was a concert and always a cheerful welcome at the sports bar. we had a day at the races watching the Ducati's racing (free) and several trips to the shops etc. I realy enjoyed my 2 trips to St Germain Confolens castle taking pictures of the milky way passing by the Castle ruins. I would recommend this experience to Astronomers / Photographers and any one who would like to try out these activities get a great picture or two without the expense of buying the equipment needed to produce them. Super Stay well done Astro Farm.
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Date of stay: July 2016
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Â If your going as a couple the twin room is very nice.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We'd been travelling through Spain and France with a small telescope, but had heard of Astrofarm and decided that we'd break our camper-van holiday and treat ourselves to a couple of nights of B&B luxury. Andrew and Sue have done an excellent job of converting the farm buildings into a really comfortable 2 bedded room (with en-suite), guests' lounge/kitchen and bunkroom accommodation - which has clearly had a lot of thought put into its design.
There are plenty of telescopes and binoculars scattered around the place, so you don't need to bring your own - as well as the well equipped Observatory in which you can use a variety of the Astrofarm telescopes and imaging systems. The lounge has a well stocked library of astronomy books, but unless you're there for a longer stay, you may not have time to appreciate them. There's a collection of DVDs, mostly astronomy themed, but you'd expect that.
Unfortunately, we arrived at the same time as the clouds and rain, so we didn't get a chance to do any observing; but Sue and Andrew are excellent hosts and the area is one of those beautiful areas of France where there are plenty of good places to go if you are looking for 'daytime' activities rather than 'star watching'. Confolens itself is a lovely little town, and if you're interested in astronomy it's worth making the journey over to Rochechouart as that is close to the centre of a 200+ million year old crater, whose effects can still be seen in the local geology. A visit to the Espace Meteorite Paul Pellas is particularly worthwhile,
I think it's fair to say that this is definitely intended as a place for people interested in astronomy, and although it can cater for couples, it is set up with dedicated amateur astronomers (whether as individual or groups) in mind. For people like us, it thoroughly deserves five stars.
Food - I nearly forgot the food. The breakfasts are great; croissants (nom), plus cereals, eggs, fruit, toast (proper toast in a toaster), and on one of our nights, we went for the evening meal option - and would heartily recommend it. Sue, we were sooo impressed by the chicken, and we're really embarassed that we forgot to mention it.
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Date of stay: June 2016
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yet another trip to Astrofarm,once more,an amazing welcome from Sue,Andrew,the dogs,cats and chickens.My choice of timing was bad as the moon was full "work commitments on my behalf).But I got a couple of nights imaging in using the brand new observatory and guidance systems.The food was absolutely brilliant as usual (get Sue to make you an omelette ! Fresh golden yoked eggs).When the skies were not good we relaxed with beautiful food,wine,wonderful local produce,and I came home after one on one instruction in autoguiding and post processing of astro images from Andrew. Get booking up,even if the skies are bad you get expert tuition,a no brainer in my opinion.
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Date of stay: March 2016
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just 40 minutes from Limoges Airport is Confolens and a new B&B; the Astrofarm. A B&B where breakfast is served up to mid-day; perfect for when you have been stargazing all night until the sun rises. A B&B where fleeces, scarfs, hats and gloves are provided; allowing you to "travel light" with Ryan Air.
The twin bedded room had it's own ensuite bathroom with a superb hot shower and shutters over the windows means that after an all-nighter you will sleep soundly.
The Hub has tea, coffee , hot chocolate etc and is a great place to "chill" or catch up with the latest news using the fast and free wifi. You'll eat well here too, as Sue is an excellent cook, forget the unhealthy fry-ups, you'll enjoy home cooked French food using local fresh ingredients...that said, if like me, you have a sweet tooth and need your fix of mars bars etc, Andrew has a daily run to the supermarket so you can purchase your "fix" of crisps and chocolates! At breakfast, the scrambled eggs are super, the eggs coming from the resident hens who have the run of a huge field! I had an awesome time, with two and a half clear nights that allowed me to find 68 Messier objects in my small scope, with 27 being completely new to me...the skies are simply stunning; you'll have few problems star-hopping. Andrew and Sue are great hosts and whatever the weather, you'll have a superb time. Thoroughly enjoyed my 5 days here and will return.
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Date of stay: March 2016
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Confolens area.
LOCATION
FranceNouvelle-AquitaineCharenteConfolens
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
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Which popular attractions are close to Astrofarm France?
Nearby attractions include 13 Bees Beekeeping Taster Sessions (2.0 miles), Chateau de St Germain de Confolens (2.6 miles), and Piscine Communautaire de la Tulette (1.9 miles).