BY CAR

The most frequently asked question we get is from people saying "How long does it take to get to you?" A difficult one to answer, as it's almost like asking "How long is a piece of string?" It very much depends on which ferry port you are coming from, how fast you want to drive, how many stops you want to make and for what duration, and on what roads you want to travel ­ motorway or national roads.

Anyway, as a rule of thumb, allowing for two short stops and averaging a reasonable speed, allow 7-9 hours.

Coming from Calais, Dieppe or Le Havre we recommend that you head for Rouen, Evreux and Chartres followed by Orleans, Vierzon, Chateauroux and Limgoes. From Limoges take exit 36 on the A20 and follow the D704 south to St Yrieix and Hautefort. (see detailed directions from there).

From Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo, being more to the West, we suggest you head in a South Easterly direction towards Tours, then Chateauroux and continue as above.

BY AIR

The Dordogne region is now served by the low fares airlines of Ryanair (www.ryanair.com Tel UK 0871 246 0000) with a daily service from London Stansted to Limoges or Bergerac and Flybe (www.flybe.co.uk) on the new Southampton to Bergerac route.

In addition Air France and BA fly to Bordeaux from a number of centres, including Heathrow and Gatwick

Fly/drive is therefore now becoming a popular alternative for many, with excellent - and easy - car hire facilities at each of the airports above. Short-break stays are also now an exciting viable proposition. Over the Spring, Autumn and Winter periods we offer a special 3 day all inclusive short-break deals (see Special Deals).

BY TRAIN

Motorail from Calais to Brive overnight is not a cheap alternative but does, of course, avoid the long drive. We are then just 30 minutes away from the terminal. Alternatively, TVG to Angouleme (1 1/2 hours) or Bordeaux (2 hours) with car hire is a possibility or by SNCF to Brive via Paris - See Travel Advice.