BY CAR: From Calais (7-8hrs). Autoroute (toll road) from Calais to Paris. From Paris: Periferique interieur (clockwise) to at Porte d'Italie, A6 (signed Lyons) to Montagis, then N7 to St Piere Moutier, south of Nevers, then approach Amida via Sancoins. Alternatively take the autoroutes via Orleans & Bourges to St Amand. From Dieppe or Le Havre. (6hrs, missing Paris) Through Rouen*, Dreux, Evreux, Chartres*, Orleans* and Bourges*. (*cathedral cities, worth a stop if you have time). Choice of peage motorway south of Chartres to St Amand Montrond, or parallel N road through some pretty villages and forests of the Sologne region. Ferry companies: Sea France has good discount on tickets booked before Dec 31st- you can also book your summer tickets early at very much reduced rate, and dates are changeable. Accommodation en route: accommodation in France is cheap, try country hotels (Auberge de ferme). For ease, Formule 1 and other chain motels in most big towns and on motorways are cheap for a room with double bed & single bunk. Clean, pleasant. Booking recommended. Formule 1 central bookings number: 08.36.685.685. Finding us by car: Find Bessais le Fromental on the road between St Amand Montrond and Sancoins. Ask us for a local map if needed. In Bessais leave main road on north side. Enter the village square (with church). Take the road right of the church, sign posted Ville au Roi, and turn left into D road out of village. Follow this half a mile, before taking the second right fork which is signed to Ville au Roi. This takes you down hill, past a turkey farm, before winding over a stream and disused canal. You will see a house ahead of you which belongs to our neighbour. If you turn immediately after it, you will find yourself facing Amida Centre. If you can offer anyone a lift, let us know and we'll try to match you up with someone who needs transport. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT: UK to Paris: Air lines; Rail: Eurostar; Coach: (cheapest) Eurolines. Check you have time to cross Paris and catch the train. Last train leaves Paris about 6.00pm. From Paris: Train from Paris Austerlitz to St Amand Montrond on the Montlucon line, some change at Vierzon. Beware there are 17 St Amands in France. Get the right one! Phone for lift from station. Accommodation in Paris: (recommended by other Amida visitors) Centres International de Paris: Comfortable hostels, small rooms - Paris Louvre, 20, Rue JJ Rousseau, 1er quartier. tel:42.36.88.18 - Paris Opera, 11 Rue Therese, 1er tel:42.60.77.23 - Paris les Halles, 5 rue du Pelican, 1er tel:40.26.92.45 - Paris Quartier Latin, 44 Rue des Bernavdins, 5me tel:43.29.34.80 (Nr Austelitz Stn) Mike's Hotel, 122 Boulevard de la Chapelle, 75018, Paris Metro Barbes-Rochochauart line 4 Hotel Place de Clichy, 71 Rue de Douai, 75009 tel:48.74.76.41 (nr champs Elyses) Changing money: It is best to change money at your own bank, travel agency or in Paris. Local banks give poor rates. Please be ready to pay in euros on arrival. Credit cards widely used for petrol, motorway tolls, rail tickets & supermarkets, but we do not have credit card facilities at the Amida Centre.