Five months' rental required in/near Bordeaux

[Elizabeth]

I am a new Zealander hoping to explore Bordeaux and join an intensive French language course from approximately May to early October.  I would like to be within a mile or so of a railway station so that I can travel in to Bordeaux easily (no car).  Do you have any suggestions for a likely place I could base myself?  A studio or something equally small would suit me best.  I like gardening so a garden would be a bonus.  Thank you in advance.  Elizabeth

[Kitty]

You don't need a car in Bordeaux as there is a very good tram system.  In fact, a car is a hindrance.

Here is a plan if the three tram lines (A, B and C):  http://www.infotbc.com/ftp/FR_plan/webreseautram_nov07.pdf

Below is the website of 'ter' around the Aquitaine area, so you can check out the railway stations.  I'll warn you that 'ter' trains are slow and the loos in them are often disgusting, so the closer that you are to Bordeaux, the better.

http://www.ter-sncf.com/aquitaine/carte_horaires/index.asp