River Cottage, La Bordeliere.

There are many ways to get to France, air... ferry... train,

By Car

This entails driving in your own car to your chosen cross channel ferry operator and then down through France at your own pace. Click here to get some quotes.
P&O Ferries, click for prices
Sea France Ferries, click for prices
Norfolk Lines, click for prices
Brittany Ferries, click for prices


Another comfortable way of crossing the chanel is to use Eurotunnel. More expensive than the ferries, they are still worth considering as they have a bigger timetable. Eurotunnel. Click here to get a quote.

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Driving in Europe

Information and advice on road safety equipment and the European requirements for driving on the Continent.
Please note that you will require at least the following motoring equipment to legally drive in Europe.
Flourescent Jacket.... To be kept in the car and easily accessible... a Euro150 fine if you can't produce it!! This is a NEW law, so be careful!
Headlamp adaptors Your vehicle’s headlamps are specifically designed for driving in the UK on the left hand side of the road. Consequently, when driving in Europe on the right, you will dazzle oncoming drivers, which is dangerous and illegal. When driving at any time, day or night – this must be prevented by adapting your headlamps.
Warning Triangle, Two needed for some countries. If your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident, you should place a warning triangle 50-150 metres behind your vehicle to warn approaching traffic. The use of hazard lights alone is NOT sufficient in certain situations, for example an accident on a blind corner.
GB Plate These are required by law to indicate country of registration.
Spare Bulbs All lamps, including lenses and reflectors must be in working order, even during daylight hours. Failure to be in a position to replace a blown exterior bulb could result in an on the spot fine.
First Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher The European Good Samaritan Law requires every driver to stop and provide assistance when encountering an accident or incident, providing it is safe to do so. This may require a first aid kit and/or fire extinguisher and it is therefore advisable to carry these when driving in Europe.
Be Safe, Be Legal

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By Train

in these days of environmentally friendly living and indeed ash cloud disruption, a lot of people are taking the Eurostar/TGV to Poitiers, click here for information, and then hiring a car for the last bit - just 40 minutes' drive. A car is essential for staying at River Cottage as there is so much to do locally and regionally.


or you could cycle?

The quickest way is by aeroplane!

Today there are lots of flights from the British Isles and Northern Europe going to airports situated reasonably close to River Cottage, Limoges aeroport is our favourite, but you can also fly to Poitiers, La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Paris. Once you land it's around a 60 minute (Limoges, Poitiers) drive by hire car to your final destination. Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Flybe, BMI Baby, Jet2 all fly to one or other of the local airports.

Hire Car

This is a personal choice, but best to book your hire car with your flight as most airlines have preferred Hire Car partners, and the savings can be up to 30%. For example Ryan Air and Hertz.

Reciprocal Health Care

IMPORTANT. Whilst you're organising your travel arrangements, ensure you have an EHIC! The free government European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to free or reduced price medical treatment in any EU country (or Swiss) public hospital due to reciprocal arrangements between nations. You can and should order one free on the web. It can often get you quicker treatment and stop you needing to pay an excess on your travel insurance. Click here, EHIC

Foreign Money

Maximise your foreign travel money and get the best exchange rates by clicking here Exchange Rates

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Any questions?