How to get to Lod�ve

Where is Lod�ve?Lod�ve is located about one hour's drive west of Montpellier in the Languedoc-Rouisson d�partment.For a detailed map, please click HEREThere are several different airports which serve the region. If you are coming from London, the best connection is probably through Montpellier by Ryanair. This leaves at an abominable 6.05am from Stansted. But if you can drive and could hire a car, usually Rodez has more convenient flight times from Stansted. The bus service from Rodez doesn't link up with the flights (at least that's how it was when I last checked it out), so if you don't drive, it might not be the most convenient way. But perhaps something could be arranged, or you could hitch.If you are coming from Dublin, there are direct flights to Carcassonne and if you don't drive, there are connecting buses - but it's a fairly long journey on two or three buses. If you need more information about buses, I can pass that on.Note about Ryanair and luggage:Ryanair charges for EACH PIECE OF CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE. And the TOTAL weight for ALL checked-in luggage must not exceed 15kg. They will allow you to take up to 10kg in your hand-luggage, but there are certain items that must be checked-in because they are scared of terrorists and your hand-baggage must be certain dimensions.Further note regarding passengers needing assistance:Ryanair have declared strict limits on the number of passengers who need assistance, or are accompanied by someone assisting them or who carry guide dogs or special equipment with them. If you do not declare your status at the time of booking, you may be denied passage. So please, please do your homework if you are in this category as it would be a terrible shame to be stuck thanks to some random piece of bureaucracy.Coming from Montpellier:Unfortunately, at this time there isn't a rail connection to Lodeve and if you are coming by rail, you'll probably need to take the bus from Montpellier. Here are the timetables for 301 and 381 from Montpellier. The gare routi�re (main bus station) in Montpellier is right next to the train station. Getting to the bus station from the airport in Montpellier:There is not a direct connection from the airport to the bus station. There is a navette that meets each flight - but you better not miss it, or you'll be waiting a couple of hours before the next one! The navette takes about 10-15 minutes to get into the town centre. It leaves you at the Place de l'Europe tram station. Now the trams take a little working out. You see there are two tramlines, and they both go through this station in both directions. If you take Tram No.1 in one direction, it will take you to the train station in a few minutes. If you take tram No.2 in the opposite direction, it will also take you to the train station in a few minutes. If you take the wrong tram in the right direction, or the right tram in the wrong direction, you might never get to the train station! If you get the wrong tram in the wrong direction, however, you should get there, if you have your wits about you :-) It's up to you whether you want to risk not getting a ticket.You could of course avoid the whole possible tram confusion, take a look at the conveniently posted town plans at the tram stop and walk instead. I thoroughly recommend this option.It costs around 9 euro each way to get to Lod�ve.The bus station itself has nothing in terms of cafes etc. It's just a glorified parking lot. There are a couple of joints in the vicinity and a brasserie in the train station that'll give you a "sandwich" if you're feeling peckish.About taxis:If you want to take a taxi, be warned, they clock up the euros pretty fast. I have two pieces of advice:1. Taxis can be difficult to flag down. The best thing is to nip into a hotel reception and ask them to order one - they will arrive pretty quickly2. If you're worried about the fare, be up-front and ask if what you have is enough. They are glad for the business and seem to be willing to do deals - especially is you have a "poor student" look about you.When you finally get on the bus to Lod�ve, you may notice it never stays on the main road for very long. That's because it serves all the local villages along the way. But don't despair, it will get you here in the end. In Lod�ve, you will be dropped outside the Tourist Office.Some people hire taxis from Montpellier, but you'd want to weight up costs as to whether it was worth it. There may be some kind people here in Lod�ve who would pick you up if you asked nicely, or you could throw yourself on the mercy of the French motorist, for whom picking up hitch-hikers "c'est normal".Warning: When returning to London through Montpellier, the first bus from Lodeve will not make it in time for you to meet the airport navette. However, if you take a taxi upon arrival in the centre of Montpellier, there is plenty of time to get to the airport in time for check-in. Basically, the navette leaves at 7:55 in the morning, and it's only possible to reach the stop for the navette at 8:10, but as the airport is not too far, a taxi will get you there in no time.