Fly and hire a car
Bergerac is the closest airport, around 30 minutes by car. Bordeaux is around 1 1/4 hours by car. Pre-booked hire cars are available.
Getting to Villamblard
Travel to the Dordogne from the UK, Germany, Netherlands and France
The easiest route is usually to fly to Bergerac and hire a car. Bordeaux, Brive Dordogne Valley and Limoges can also work, while guests from the UK and mainland Europe may prefer to drive.
Detailed arrival directions, key collection notes, the Operating Guide and local tourist information are sent by Tim to confirmed guests nearer their departure.
Routes
Common ways to reach the gite
Distances and times are approximate and should be checked before travel. This page is intended for broad travel planning rather than final arrival directions.
Train via Mussidan
Mussidan has a station with trains to Bordeaux and other destinations. The town is around 10 miles from the gite, so guests should plan a taxi or collection before travelling.
Ferry from Portsmouth to Saint Malo
Brittany Ferries operate an overnight crossing from Portsmouth to Saint Malo, followed by a long drive south. Check live route times before booking crossings.
Shuttle from Folkestone to Calais
The Folkestone to Calais shuttle route is practical for guests who prefer to bring their own car, but it is a full-day drive from Calais to the Dordogne.
For confirmed bookings, Tim sends the Booking Form and, nearer to departure, the Operating Guide, arrival details and local and tourist information for the stay.
European travel notes
Planning from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France
Driving times depend heavily on the start point, stops, toll choices and summer traffic. The notes below are planning prompts rather than fixed route advice.
Germany
German guests can compare a road route through eastern or central France with flights into Bordeaux, Bergerac, Limoges or Brive if seasonal connections suit.
Netherlands and Holland
Dutch guests often compare a long car journey through Belgium and France with flights into Bordeaux or Bergerac plus car hire for the final Dordogne leg.
Belgium and northern France
The gite can work as a self-drive Dordogne holiday base for guests travelling south through France, with Villamblard reached by rural roads for the final stretch.
UK
UK guests can compare fly-drive routes with ferry or shuttle crossings. Bringing a car can be useful for markets, supermarkets, restaurants and days out.