We are trying to figure out the most cost effective/least painful way to get to the Dordogne this summer. It seems that flying into Dublin or London might be the least expensive and then either flying (Dublin or London) or taking the train (London), but I would like to know what other Fodorites think about these two options. We could also fly via Iberia Airlines to Bordeaux which is the cheapest option, but I have read a lot of nasty comments about that airline. Any information/opinion would be most appreciated!!

You could fly out of London on a budget airline. EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies from London Luton to Bordeaux. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies from London Stansted to Bergerac.

Be aware that budget airlines have strict luggage weight limits and strictly enforced check-in deadlines. If you miss the deadline, you won't be allowed to board, even if the polane is still at the gate, and you'll be forced to buy a new ticket--and it will be pricey.

Be aware, too, that you should allow a minimum of 5-6 hours from your scheduled arrival at one London airport and your scheduled departure from another. See www.londontoolkit.com for aiport transfer transportation choices.

Iberia's negative reputation is somewhat undeserved IMO; from Madrid to Bordeaux is a short hop and you will be no less comfortable than on any other airline.

Over the water, IB is not much different in coach than any other major; if anything service and amenities are probably a tad higher than most US carriers. Plus, Madrid is not a hard airport to connect through. Big, but easy.

British Airways also serves Bordeaux from Gatwick airport (LGW) so if your transatlantic flight was to LGW rather than the dreaded Heathrow, then that would be a good option too.

Check Aer Lingus for Dublin-Bordeaux.

We did fly Iberia to Barcelona and then took a train to France and drove a car up to the Dordogne. We had absolutely no problems with Iberia...it was as good as most of the overseas flights we have been on...