Traveling from Paris to Souillac...HELP!
May 4th, 2012, 06:58 PM
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Traveling from Paris to Souillac...HELP!
My family and I will be spending a few days in Paris in October...then need to get to Chateau de la Treyne which is located at 46200 Souillac. Would like to take a train to Brive and then rent a car & drive to the chateau. Any tips, suggestions, advice? My head hurts trying to figure this all out and anything would be appreciated!!! Thanks so much!
May 4th, 2012, 07:15 PM
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3 months before departure go to http://www.tgv-europe.com/ and buy your ticket, specifying any country but the U.S. Follow directions to print it out, but before printing it, safe it as a PDF. Send yourself that PDF as an attachment, so if anything goes wrong with your printed ticket, you can always reprint it wherever you find a computer and a printer. If ever given the choice of going to the rail-europe site, refuse it.
Rent the car from Brive. Use Autoeurope or Kemwel. If you feel comfortable about having your credit card carry the CDW, look at the basic rates and remember to refuse all insurance when you pick up your car (liability is automatically included in the rental).
Rent the car from Brive. Use Autoeurope or Kemwel. If you feel comfortable about having your credit card carry the CDW, look at the basic rates and remember to refuse all insurance when you pick up your car (liability is automatically included in the rental).
May 4th, 2012, 07:56 PM
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Why does your head hurt? You go onto the www.voyages-sncf.com site and buy tickets at least 3 months out from your travel date, you get the tickets, print them out at home, make sure you take the same credit card with you when you get to France that you used to buy the tickets, and you get to Paris and get on the train. Then you get off and get into your rental car, which you have rented in advance from AutoEurope or Kemwel, being sure to have checked their European sites as well as the US ones, because it is often cheaper to do so. You refuse all CDW charges because your credit card presumably covers you for this. Then you drive to the Château de la Treyne. Voilà.
May 4th, 2012, 10:52 PM
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www.voyages-sncf.com did not work for us recently (credit card problem), we had to use the site I mentioned.
May 4th, 2012, 11:09 PM
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The last time it was claimed that European sites are cheaper, this is what I found out:
"<i>Second, have you checked some of the European AutoEurope sites, like the ones in France or the UK or Italy, where you can often beat the prices shown on the American site?,</i> I checked a rental with autoeurope.fr, comparing their posted price with the contract I currently hold for June 2, 2012 to June 20,2012 from autoeurope.com and would be paying more in euros than I am paying in dollars--my $315 contract would cost more than $550."
It pays to compare.
"<i>Second, have you checked some of the European AutoEurope sites, like the ones in France or the UK or Italy, where you can often beat the prices shown on the American site?,</i> I checked a rental with autoeurope.fr, comparing their posted price with the contract I currently hold for June 2, 2012 to June 20,2012 from autoeurope.com and would be paying more in euros than I am paying in dollars--my $315 contract would cost more than $550."
It pays to compare.
May 5th, 2012, 04:17 AM
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Again, not sure what is the problem. Take the train to Brive, pick up car, drive to Chateau de la Treyne. Nice drive, pretty château.
It's not clear to me how long you will be staying, and whether you want to see any more of the countryside. If you are just going to the hotel, I suspect they would pick you up from the train station in Souillac, only about 10 minutes away. If you want a car, then you will definitely need to get off at Brive, where most of the rental agencies have offices.
It's not clear to me how long you will be staying, and whether you want to see any more of the countryside. If you are just going to the hotel, I suspect they would pick you up from the train station in Souillac, only about 10 minutes away. If you want a car, then you will definitely need to get off at Brive, where most of the rental agencies have offices.
May 6th, 2012, 05:19 AM
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Thank you for the replies. I should have been more specific as to the reasons why I am concerned.
We have one week to visit. We are flying into Paris arriving on October 21st and plan to spend 3 nights. Then on the 24th we would like to take the train to Brive. I have tried to navigate my way on the sites you mentioned, but it's too early to see trains for October. I have searched for trains in general to see the times but am having trouble. Here are my questions:
1. Do you know if there would be trains leaving Paris in the morning that would arrive in Brive in the afternoon?
2. Do you know more specifics about rental car company hours in Brive? Are they right in or within walking distance from the train station?
We would then spend probably 3 nights at the Château de la Treyne...exploring the area. BUT we have to either get back to Paris or maybe Toulouse to get plane home to USA on the 27th. Does this all sound crazy? Any suggestions? Do you know if the rental car could be returned in Toulouse near airport? Thanks for all and any input.
We have one week to visit. We are flying into Paris arriving on October 21st and plan to spend 3 nights. Then on the 24th we would like to take the train to Brive. I have tried to navigate my way on the sites you mentioned, but it's too early to see trains for October. I have searched for trains in general to see the times but am having trouble. Here are my questions:
1. Do you know if there would be trains leaving Paris in the morning that would arrive in Brive in the afternoon?
2. Do you know more specifics about rental car company hours in Brive? Are they right in or within walking distance from the train station?
We would then spend probably 3 nights at the Château de la Treyne...exploring the area. BUT we have to either get back to Paris or maybe Toulouse to get plane home to USA on the 27th. Does this all sound crazy? Any suggestions? Do you know if the rental car could be returned in Toulouse near airport? Thanks for all and any input.
May 6th, 2012, 06:00 AM
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DMuller--
I so understand why you are feeling overwhelmed. I think it would be helpful to tell yourself that you can't make reservations for the train until three months before, so you have plenty of time to make everything work.
Next--
I learned early on to use the German rail site for anyplace in Europe as my reference tool. Again, you still can't reserve your seats, and quite frankly, I've never reserved anything via the German rail site, but this site sure has been the most reliable for me as the reference tool:
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml
I just did a run and the schedule is coming up with the warning that you cannot buy until 92 days before the trip.
I so understand why you are feeling overwhelmed. I think it would be helpful to tell yourself that you can't make reservations for the train until three months before, so you have plenty of time to make everything work.
Next--
I learned early on to use the German rail site for anyplace in Europe as my reference tool. Again, you still can't reserve your seats, and quite frankly, I've never reserved anything via the German rail site, but this site sure has been the most reliable for me as the reference tool:
http://www.bahn.com/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml
I just did a run and the schedule is coming up with the warning that you cannot buy until 92 days before the trip.
May 6th, 2012, 06:06 AM
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Car Rental--There are several agencies right by the rail station in Brive, and of course you can drop off the car at the Toulouse airport. So that's not a problem.
Just take your time and start comparing rentals with their locations. Like many here, I always began with (and usually ended going with) Auto L'Europe: http://www.autoeurope.com/
Just take your time and start comparing rentals with their locations. Like many here, I always began with (and usually ended going with) Auto L'Europe: http://www.autoeurope.com/
May 6th, 2012, 07:03 AM
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There is usually a train leaving Paris/Austerlitz around 10, arriving around 2. But schedules have changed slightly, and in fact the SNCF site, which is the offical French train site, does not seem to be showing all the trains. There is another, more complicated schedule on http://www.intercites.sncf.com/resou...8/FichePdf.pdf
It's only until July,and so I would wait several months before checking times again, but you should be able to get to Brive by early afternoon.
You do realise that this give you only 2 1/2 days in the area, with a fair amount of travel time. And if your plane home leaves on the 27th, you may find it hard to get connections back the same day. (We could never manage to get a train the same day as our flight from Paris-Toronto.)The train will take 4 hours. A flight from Toulouse will be faster, but it's 2 hours drive to Toulouse, plus airport waiting time.
You might also want to have a look at a flight from Brive airport to Orly.
http://www.aeroport-brive-vallee-dor...airlinair.html
But you are doing a lot of travelling for a few days here.
It's only until July,and so I would wait several months before checking times again, but you should be able to get to Brive by early afternoon.
You do realise that this give you only 2 1/2 days in the area, with a fair amount of travel time. And if your plane home leaves on the 27th, you may find it hard to get connections back the same day. (We could never manage to get a train the same day as our flight from Paris-Toronto.)The train will take 4 hours. A flight from Toulouse will be faster, but it's 2 hours drive to Toulouse, plus airport waiting time.
You might also want to have a look at a flight from Brive airport to Orly.
http://www.aeroport-brive-vallee-dor...airlinair.html
But you are doing a lot of travelling for a few days here.
May 6th, 2012, 07:22 AM
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I agree. The proportion of time traveling versus the proportion of time spent in the area is out of whack. Yes, you should be able to get to Brive by early afternoon (don't bother fiddling with the train sites until you're 3 months out from travel; it will just be frustrating and inconclusive), and yes of course you can drop the car in Toulouse, or leave from Brive again. But it's likely to be impossible to get from the area back to Paris on the day you are flying home. Which means it's really hardly worth it to make the trip - you won't have time to see much of anything (and Château de la Treyne, while a lovely property, isn't an ideal base for visiting the Périgord, if that's your intention). There are lovely château properties all over France. Maybe you should pick something closer to Paris and save the Périgord for another trip.
May 6th, 2012, 07:37 AM
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DMuller--Is there a reason you wanted to do the Chateau de la Treyne? StCirq and Carlux have so kindly pointed out (and what I just didn't see--you seemed so upset about trying to figure out connections that I paid no attention to the total timing), you certainly will have spent most of your time getting to your destinations rather than enjoying your time in France.
You could certainly land in France and get going straight to the Chateau (if that place is your priority -- you have used the word "need")or you could plan just spending the week in Paris or somewhere else that exhausts less of your total time.
You could certainly land in France and get going straight to the Chateau (if that place is your priority -- you have used the word "need")or you could plan just spending the week in Paris or somewhere else that exhausts less of your total time.
May 6th, 2012, 11:21 AM
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Great advice so far! I really appreciate all of your input.
After speaking with my husband & making some adjustments, here is what we have come up with...
We could arrive in Paris the morning of 10/20 and stay 4 nights. We would leave Paris on 10/24 on the train to Brive...pick up our car and head to the Chateau de la Treyne. We would then have 3 nights there and on the morning of 10/27 travel back to Paris by train. Spend the evening in Paris and wake up next day and head back to US. Does this make more sense? Input please.
Here are a couple of things in response to a few of the questions asked...
1. It was mentioned that the Chateau de la Treyne although lovely isn't ideal to explore the Périgord area. Can you recommend alternative places that are similar and maybe better suited? Looking for an old castle/chateau.
2. We don't "need" to be at the Chateau de la Treyne. We just found it online and it appealed to us.
3. Any suggestions of what to see near Brive would be great!
And on another note...I understand what many are saying with regards to suggesting maybe Paris this time and save other areas for another time. That would be ideal, however not sure when or if that will be possible. Would there be any other area closer to Paris that would allow us to have the "countryside" feeling without traveling so far?
After speaking with my husband & making some adjustments, here is what we have come up with...
We could arrive in Paris the morning of 10/20 and stay 4 nights. We would leave Paris on 10/24 on the train to Brive...pick up our car and head to the Chateau de la Treyne. We would then have 3 nights there and on the morning of 10/27 travel back to Paris by train. Spend the evening in Paris and wake up next day and head back to US. Does this make more sense? Input please.
Here are a couple of things in response to a few of the questions asked...
1. It was mentioned that the Chateau de la Treyne although lovely isn't ideal to explore the Périgord area. Can you recommend alternative places that are similar and maybe better suited? Looking for an old castle/chateau.
2. We don't "need" to be at the Chateau de la Treyne. We just found it online and it appealed to us.
3. Any suggestions of what to see near Brive would be great!
And on another note...I understand what many are saying with regards to suggesting maybe Paris this time and save other areas for another time. That would be ideal, however not sure when or if that will be possible. Would there be any other area closer to Paris that would allow us to have the "countryside" feeling without traveling so far?
May 6th, 2012, 12:22 PM
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Actually, there are a lot of places you could go with countryside feeling that give you the "chateau" type of experience that don't require such extensive time in travel out of Paris. For example, in the Loire Valley there are a lot of places that would suit you.
I'm sure you are going to get a lot of responses about alternatives (or you can create a new post with that specific question about "chateau and countryside experience within 2 hrs of Paris", which actually might be the best way to get solid suggestions). If you don't get responses, I'll come up with at least five spots for you when I have more time.
However, what I want to address right now is whether or not you will ever return. Let me assure you right now--once you go, once you like, and then you will move heaven and earth to return.
I'm sure you are going to get a lot of responses about alternatives (or you can create a new post with that specific question about "chateau and countryside experience within 2 hrs of Paris", which actually might be the best way to get solid suggestions). If you don't get responses, I'll come up with at least five spots for you when I have more time.
However, what I want to address right now is whether or not you will ever return. Let me assure you right now--once you go, once you like, and then you will move heaven and earth to return.
May 6th, 2012, 12:33 PM
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Actually, there are plenty of places even a half-hour or less out of Paris that offer a "countryside feeling." They exist in every corner of the hexagon. I would seriously give up on the Château de la Treyne until you have a bare minimum of a week to stay there (and even then, I'd suggest somewhere more central in the Périgord). And trust us, you WILL go back.
Look at Normandy, Brittany, the Loire, Alsace, Champagne...hundreds of château hotels all over, and plenty of gorgeous countryside.
Look at Normandy, Brittany, the Loire, Alsace, Champagne...hundreds of château hotels all over, and plenty of gorgeous countryside.
May 24th, 2012, 05:00 AM
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Here are some thoughts for you. We love Burgundy . It is close to Paris...an easy drive. We pick up our car at Orly, get on the A6', drive 2 hours get off at Nitry or Avallon. This area is lovely in the Fall. Many small villages to see. We love the Burgundy canal, Chateauneuf en Auxois, Noyers, Montreal, Beaune, even Louhans for it's extraordinary Monday market.We stay at a wonderful accommodation outside Avallon in Montreal. It is called the maison creme Anglaise.....literally the white house of the Englishman. They have B and B accommodations, a wonderful French cottage, and a huge gite.Take a look at their website www.maisoncremeanglaise. Graham and Christine are wonderful hosts and will tell you all about the area. You could relax there with little stress, some wonderful drives..easy and picnics along the Burgundy canal, a crepe in Chateauneuf en Auxois at the little creperie Loree de Bois with the wonderful fireplace in the middle of the room.
May 24th, 2012, 05:10 AM
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Another wonderful place and a chateau is the Chateau Vaulx in St. julien de Civry close to Charolles.A little further down the A6 and before you get to Lyon you drive west. To Charolles and St Julien is close by. To stay here is heaven. check out the TAReports...they are actually all true. Marty ,one of the owners is your host and he will cook for you as well as there being marvelous restaurants in the area. There is nothing better than dinner in the drawing room in front of a roaring fire, a lovely walk around the grounds.Check it out...www.chateauvaulx.com.
