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I need to go to vichy (daughter rowing for GB in August and want to be there). 

I'm having real trouble finding out much information about nearest airport, driving time, etc so thought I'd ask if anyone has actually done the route.  Not sure whether to drive and camp or fly and find B&B.  Also, considering going by train which seems like a good option but quite pricey.

Any advice most welcome. 

Thanks

It took us exactly 6 hours from Calais to exit 12 of the A71 driving overnight at/around the speed limit with no delays.  Add say an extra half an hour to Vichy itself.  If travelling during the day add say an hour to cover any delays around Paris.

Having said that if you are driving on Sat 1 August along with all of France goodness knows how long it might take!

I haven't camped in Vichy myself (so someone else may be able to advise better), but from our research the reviews of the town's two main sites in high season weren't exactly sparkling.  Instead we had the municipal at Gannat (between A71 and Vichy) and a couple of picturesque sites to the north of Gannat pencilled in.  However, in the event we stayed on the other side of the A71....

Airport - Nearest one with UK links is Clermont-Ferrand about an hour's drive.

Hotels - Usual selection of budget and mid-range (Ibis, Novotel etc), but given the peak season date, the fact Vichy is a tourist town, coupled with the rowing event you might find availability is limited. 

VB

Thanks for reply.

Guess what day we're hoping to travel....August 1st!!

It's sounding a bit hopeless on our time scale!!

I'll check out the flights.

Cheers.

I'm getting a train return fare of £185 - not that bad for such a late booking (fares are far far cheaper the earlier you book).

You get quite a relaxed journey for that fare, Eurostar to Paris Nord, a short 7 minute hop on the RER across central Paris to Gare de Lyon and a comfortable 'TEOZ' train to Vichy. Leaving LOndon at 10.00 gets you to Vichy at 16.51 (5 hours total journey)