How To Get Here
Show Coeur de France on Google Maps.
Directions from Paris (Charles de Gaulle airport) via car on Google Maps.
We're in Sancerre, just 2 hours south of Paris by car or by train. Kindly let us know how you plan to come to Coeur de France and we'll be happy to provide you with the latest information. Reminder: Arrivals are always on Saturday if you will be staying in one of our accommodations (see note below).
By car: Our address is 1, place de la Panneterie, Sancerre 18300, France. Our GPS coordinates are N47.33001° x E2.83960°. From Paris, take the A6 "autoroute" (express motorway) south to the A77 autoroute (south) direction "Nevers". Exit at "Sortie 24". Follow the signs for Sancerre. Cross the bridge over the Loire River. Sancerre is the town on top of the hill in front of you. Continue following the signs for Sancerre. At the roundabout about halfway up the hill you will see a sign for "Coeur Historic" and/or "Hotel de Ville". Follow these signs. The road leads directly to Coeur de France Ecole de Langues. There is parking on all 4 sides of the building. You might also wish to visit the Michelin website where you can make a customized map for your trip -- and print it out. www.viamichelin.com
By train: We recommend train number 5909 departing Saturdays from Paris Bercy at 14:03 (2:03 PM) and arriving in Cosne-sur-Loire ("COSNE") at 15:45 (3:45 PM). ATTENTION: For the day of January 1, 2011 ONLY: Take train number 5917 departing at 18:03 (6:03 PM) and arriving in Cosne-sur-Loire at 19:50 (7:50 PM).
A taxi from the Cosne train station to Coeur de France should cost about 35 euros. FOR STUDENTS STAYING IN COEUR DE FRANCE ACCOMMODATION ONLY: If you contact us AT LEAST ONE WEEK in advance, we'll be happy to reserve our pick up service for you which will meet you at the Cosne train station and transport you to your accommodations. Cost is 25 euros cash paid directly to the driver. Again, this service is available to students staying in CDF accommodation only. If YOU ARE NOT STAYING IN CDF ACCOMMODATION, you should take the first available taxi you see.
Note: There is a shuttle bus operated by the train company that goes to Sancerre. It is inexpensive but it is also unreliable.... If you wish to save 20 euros and take your chances, just look for a bus in front of the train station and cross your fingers! If you are staying in CDF accommodation, have heavy bags and are a little tired from your journey and want to be sure you get to your accommodation with no hassles, we recommend reserving our pickup service. For train schedules to Cosne and to reserve a ticket, please visit the French national railroad website: www.voyages-sncf.com . If you live in USA or Canada, try www.raileurope.com (MUCH EASIER to navigate).
IMPORTANT --- IMPORTANT --- IMPORTANT!
IF YOU HAVE ACCOMMODATIONS AT ONE OF THE SCHOOL'S APARTMENTS/HOUSES, YOU SHOULD ARRIVE ON SATURDAY.
Classes are Monday (unless a national holiday) through Friday and accommodations are Saturday to Saturday. Check in time is between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday; check out is by 8:30 AM the Saturday of your departure unless other arrangements have been made with CDF in advance. The school is closed from Saturday 6:00 PM until Monday morning so staff is unavailable to check you in if you arrive AFTER 6:00 PM on Saturday. We urge you to contact us well in advance to set an appointment for your check in between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday. If you arrive after 6:00 PM you will need a hotel room (at your expense) until Monday morning. In the rare case that a Sunday check in is possible (and this is VERY RARE indeed!), there is a late arrival surcharge of 75 euros.
Our advice: Avoid stress and unnecessary expense! Just arrange your life to arrive between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday. That way you'll have plenty of time to unpack and settle in to your accommodations, relax and meet fellow students. Sunday will be a good day to help you get over any jet lag, explore Sancerre a little and prepare for a good start for class on Monday!
