Eurostar
runs a service from St Pancras to St Jean Station, Bordeaux
(changing at Paris or Lille). If possible try and get a train
that stops at Libourne as this station is on both the route
south to Bordeaux and the line to Bergerac. It might not be
obvious from the rail websites but worth persevering as it can
save a couple of hours off the journey. This is also the most
enviromentally friendly way to travel with very low carbon emissions
compared to flying.
There's also a coach service from Victoria
Coach Station straight through to Bordeaux. From there you
can take a local train (regular services throughout the day)
to Bergerac. Younger students can take advantage of special
rail deals for the under 26s. Check out the links below. These
deals are also available for older students, but are more expensive.
Perhaps the most economical way is to travel
by car with friends or partners. Last year we had several students
who arranged car-sharing. If you are interested in this option
tell us and we'll try to put you in contact with like-minded
students. Of course you'll be needing a method of crossing the
channel. If you look at our links page you'll find links to
the sites of the main ferry companies.
You can drive down from the ferry ports in one day or you can
take longer over the journey and make it part of the holiday.
Which ever way you're traveling, let us know when you book and
we'll give you as much information and advice as possible, including
the best car routes. For people travelling from Dover via Calais/Boulogne
using ferries or the tunnel click on the link below for a suggested
route, bypassing Paris to the west. If you take a different
crossing, pick the route further down.
Our nearest airport is at BERGERAC.
A coach or mini-bus (dependent on numbers) will be there to
meet the Saturday flights from FlyBE;
Ryanair;
and Transavia,
and Jet2
and return you at the end of your stay. Flight prices can be
low if you book early enough. So we strongly suggest you book
your tickets as soon as your place on the course is confirmed,
and watch out for special offers.
BRITISH
EUROPEAN(FlyBE)
fly direct from Southampton. This is could be a good substitute
for London-Stansted, particularly if you live to the south of
the capital. You can get a train from Waterloo
or Clapham
Junction to the airport, which has it's own station on the
Waterloo-Southampton route.
UK customers - why not use a Ryanair
Credit card or a FlyBE
card to pay for the summer school and claim a free flight
to Bergerac Airport ? - just an idea. You have to pay taxes
and charges on both these offers but it could still work out
significantly cheaper)
BORDEAUX
AIRPORT
Check out the links page for flight information from British
Airways, FlyBE,
and BmiBaby
to Bordeaux, but if you choose to fly there you'll have to find
your own way to Bergerac.
There is a coach service ferrying travelers between Bordeaux
airport and the railway station, Gare St Jean, from there you
can take a local train (regular services throughout the day)
to Bergerac station, where we'll meet you.
TOULOUSE
AIRPORT
Another option is Toulouse airport served by British
Airways, FlyBE,
AirFrance, Easyjet
and BmiBaby
(British Midland). Car hire is also available at both airports.
If you're traveling from the UK but outside the South-East area,
BmiBaby
fly to Bordeaux and Toulouse from Manchester, EMA (East Midlands
Airport) and Cardiff.
Please give us information about your travel plans on the
booking form.
CAR HIRE
Car hire is available at Bergerac airport from the major car-hire
firms. We are based deep in the country and having your own
transport can add considerably to your enjoyment of the holiday,
particularly for those accompanied by spouses or partners. The
car journey between Bergerac and Chateau Monteton takes about
45 minutes.
TRANSFERS
We can only guarantee to pick up those who arrive on the first
Saturday and return the following Saturday at Bergerac Airport
(or station). A coach or mini-bus (dependent on numbers) will
be there to meet the Saturday flights from FlyBE
and RYANAIR.
Our intrepid driver, Simon, will attempt to collect students
arriving at different times, but we can't promise anything.
Sorry.
GET TO KNOW OUR INTREPID DRIVER SIMON (HE'S THE ONE MEETING
YOU AT THE AIRPORT)
SEE SIMON ON WORKING LUNCH (BBC site)
