Avignon to Bordeaux by Train

Old Nov 24th, 2014, 06:56 PM
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Avignon to Bordeaux by Train

I need to travel from Avignon to Bordeaux. It appears that the TGV trains take you back Paris and then I would have to take a train from Paris to Bordeaux. is that correctl? I can't seem to find trains that would keep me south and travel west. I know the mountains may be in the way. Just checking to see if I'm missing something.
Would I be better off driving?
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 07:04 PM
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Yes, you'll have to go through Paris.
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 07:42 PM
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Not so. There is a train at 8:43 AM from the TGV station taking about 6 hours with a change in Montpellier. Buy your tickets on Captitiane Train.

Do not consider driving.
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 07:57 PM
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No huge advantage to first class:

https://www.capitainetrain.com/searc...14-11-28-08:00
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 09:04 PM
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There are trains from Avignon Centre almost every hour between 0840 and 1740 leaving at xx40, taking 5.5 hours and changing at Nimes or Montpellier.
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 09:11 PM
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Which site are you using?
For this route, www.voyages-sncf.com, seems to like to send you back to Paris.
If you look up at www.bahn.com, it gives faster routes with change in trains at Montpellier, Arles, Nimes, etc.
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Old Nov 24th, 2014, 09:26 PM
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Don't type "Avignon TGV" as your departure point. Use "Avignon Centre" and you'll have a choice of different trains.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 12:27 AM
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Just a reminder that NOT ALL trains in France are TGV, and depending where you want to go, they are not always the best or fastest means to get there.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 03:48 AM
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Thanks everyone. I'm going to look up those train schedules. When I looked at Capitaine Train before I didn't see those, but I put in TGV.
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Old Nov 25th, 2014, 05:02 AM
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If using the SNCF site, uncheck the Direct trains box.
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Old Nov 27th, 2014, 04:11 AM
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Ron Z and everyone else:
Thanks for your help. I went to Capitaine Train and saw the 8:43 train to Bordeaux through Montpellier. That's what I'll do. Thanks again!
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Old Nov 27th, 2014, 11:28 AM
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http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/que...&rt=1&OK#focus

If you do not want to book ahead and get a really cheap rate you can take the regional train connection leaving Avignon TGV about an hour later but only taking about 45 minutes longer - regional trains I believe have a flat fare that may be as cheap as the discounted TGV fare and you are not locked into any train weeks in advance. Seat reservations are often optional and IME not needed but only cost a few euros extra.

For lots of great info on French trains check these sites: www.seat61.com - good info on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. buy regional train tickets once in Avignon or at any train station in France. The easy way out (not sure it is cheaper but often is) - they use changes of trains at nearby Nimes.
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Old Jan 25th, 2015, 01:01 PM
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I posted this question a couple months ago. I was hoping RonZ was out there. He said "do not consider driving". I was wondering why he said that.
I will be in St Remy with my sisters and Mother. I will already have a car, which I could leave with my sisters if I decide to take the train. I need to get to Bordeaux to meet my husband who will be arriving from the U.S. I'm not thrilled about changing trains with bags by myself, so it seems it might be easier (although more costly with petrol) in the long run. We would have to rent a car when we get to Bordeaux, so it would save that time consuming hassle, especially since my husband will be the walking dead after his overnight flight.
Any feedback is appreciated.
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