Ferries:
Every time we drive down we change our minds about the best way of getting there! St Malo is the nearest port (4-5 hours' drive), though on the whole we do Dover-Calais (8 hours' drive). The peripherique around Paris (leave at the Bordeaux exit) is no longer the nightmare it used to be. We have frequently used the Tunnel which, although a bit more expensive, is exceptionally efficient and painless. We quite often have George, our Great Dane, with us and the Tunnel is the best option for him and doubtless for small children too. There is also Newhaven to Dieppe with motorway all the way now.

A word in your ear: don't worry when ferries appear to be fully booked. There is always a crossing. Extra ferries get put on in peak season and there are thousands of client cancellations. We have been back and forth 4 or 5 times a year for 15 years and we have never booked more than, say, 3 weeks in advance.

www.condorferries.co.uk
www.poferries.com
www.seafrance.com
www.eurotunnel.co.uk
........... and lots of others.

Airports:
Your nearest airport is La Rochelle; flights from Stanstead. Bordeaux is an hour along the motorway; flights from Gatwick.

Car hire: the one we use is lgnadalocation@wanadoo.fr, but there are dozens of others.

www.easyjet.com
www.britishairways.com
www.ryanair.com
www.flybe.com

Trains:
The French high-speed train, the TGV, comes in to La Rochelle.

http://www.eurostar.com/
www.voyages-sncf.com

Bonne route !