From the US you can fly directly to Bordeaux via Paris or other European cities, depending on the airline. You will need a car to access St. Vivien. You can rent a car at the Bordeaux airport (Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, and the like). The drive from Bordeaux to St.Vivien takes approximately 1 hour, but may take longer depending on traffic—and there is traffic during peak hours!

Another alternative is to take the fast train (the TGV) from Paris to Bordeaux (3 hours and 30 minutes) and rent a car from the St. Jean train station in Bordeaux. You can also take a local train from Bordeaux to Velines during rush hours. Velines is 4 km from St. Vivien—great for guests visiting you and if you don't want to take your car into Bordeaux. Please note, there is no car hire in Velines!

From the UK, the once fabulous Buzz now owned by Ryanair has great cheap flights to Bergerac from Stansted airport (40 minutes from central London by train). Bergerac is a much easier destination for getting to the house, is nearer (40 minute drive) and has less traffic. Car hire is available at the airport if you book in advance. American travellers who think of doing this— beware that the luggage allowance is much less than for the usual US flights—you’d have to leave stuff in London or travel light! Check with Ryanair on details.

If you are coming from the UK, you could also take the train to Paris, and connect to the fast train down to Bordeaux.