Getting Around Southwest France

Airports, Trains and Buses of Southwest France

Southwest France may not be the hot spot that some European destinations are, such as London and Paris. But there are several airports serving this region, a comfortable and affordable rail system, cheap bus systems with extensive routes, and rental cars are easy to find. Here is a comprehensive guide to getting to Southwest France.

Getting Around Southwest France by Air

Because the airports of this area are not major air hubs, nearly all flights from the U.S. will require a European layover. Another option is to fly into a major city, stay a night or two in that city (who wouldn’t enjoy an evening in Paris en route, after all) and take a train your primary destination. p]There are airports serving most major cities in this area, and they include:

• Aeroport Carcassonne Salvaza, which is convenient to many locations in the Languedoc, has daily direct connections to London and Brussels.
• Aeroport Toulouse-Blagnac, which is served by several airlines including Air France, connects through European destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam and Madrid.
• Aeroport de Bordeaux, which is served by airlines such as British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Virgin Express and Delta Airlines, connects through cities like Paris, London and Munich.

  Getting Around Southwest France By Train

  France has a reliable, convenient and reasonably priced rail systems that oftentimes run to even smaller villages. If you plan to visit relatively populated cities and towns, you can get almost anywhere with a train ticket or rail pass, your luggage and the rails.

  There are train stations in almost every major and smaller city in Southwest France, including Perpignan, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Carcassonne and so on. If you will travel long distances and visit several stops, you might consider getting a rail pass.

  Getting Around Southwest France by Bus

  France has a wonderful bus system, and Southwest France is no exception. Bus options are not only in large cities but also unexpectedly in smaller, more rural villages or throughout certain regions. Navigating these bus systems, however, can be intimidating, especially to an outsider who speaks little of the native tongue.

  Often times a bus line runs to destinations that are not served by the rails, which can allow for venturing into spots without requiring a car rental.

  There are dozens of bus systems in Southwest France. The best way to plan ahead is to contact the local tourism office for a schedule and details.

  Getting Around Southwest France By Car

  To truly explore the most intimate nooks of the Pyrenees Mountains, a car rental may be compulsory. There are some car rental companies that are quite familiar for Americans, and others that have good deals but are not located in the states.

  Here are some of the major companies with rental locations in France and Spain:

  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Peugeot Lease Buyback Program
  • Renault Eurodrive
  • Hertz
  • Budget
  If you plan to visit for 17 days or more, consider a buy-back lease such as the Peugeot or Renault programs above. Since the French must pay higher taxes to buy a brand-new car, auto-makers here have programs that allow for long-term rentals of brand new cars at very reasonable rates. The rental includes comprehensive, no-deductible insurance and unlimited miles. After you return the car, the auto-maker can sell it in Europe at a more reasonable tax rate.