Lizzy76, the second leg from SNCF just gets you from the Aix TGV station into central Aix. Probably, rholt would be taking a taxi directly from the Aix TGV station into town. At least, I would recommend that. With the construction and parking problems in Aix, I wouldn't rent a car until I was leaving town.

I'm with Underhill here. Obviously, it's a personal decision, but I actually really like slipping from CDG to the attached rail terminal (granted there is a bit of a wait, normally before one's train leaves.)
I love driving in France, but I personally don't fancy driving right away after a longish, jet-lag- inducing flight. On the train, I enjoy watching the change in landscape and architecture as one travels to southern France; I also like sitting amidst French people and getting acclimated to speaking and hearing French.

There may be some practical arguments to getting to Aix via Marseille, and if those (or any others) tempt you, then you should try it and see. My repeated CDG departures from Paris by rail have been quite smooth and relatively relaxing.

Good luck, whichever path you choose!

E-mail your hotel and ask them how they'd do it.

We flew AA to CDG connecting to AF to MRS and there, after an all-nighter, walked over to the car rental and drove into Aix. Now, this for two women, neither, of whom had been behind the wheel of a car at minimum 5-years.

Only when we reached AIX, about 30-minutes, if that, it was trying to located our hotel. Having a map of the city and realizing the road circles the city in one direction... that our hotel was at the top end, we just kept on that road till we saw the sign for Villa Gallici, made a left, a right and there at the gate, buzzed in and parked the car. Joila. Easy. Checked into our room, left by foot for walk into Centre Ville, some sightseeing, late lunch on the Cours, back to the hotel after dark - and had love affairs with our pillows. A long day, but flying into MRS and the short drive was the best choice for us.

Sure, we left the car in the lot for the next two days (no parking fee), then rode out the same circular city road on our way to St. Remy. Joila. Easy.

Spent every one of the next 9-days driving somewhere in/around Provence; then heading to Nimes, Carcassone and Toulouse. The day before departing and not needing the car any longer, turned the keys over to the concierge for him to drop at the car rental. We taxied to the TLS airport. Easy. Over 1,000 miles in 15-days, no problem!

That was our experience and completely painless.

Joila? A new word? Sincerely curious.

Only Fodorites would get so riled up answering a question! Post this on Frommer's and you won't even get a response! =)

Having studied abroad in Aix I coordinated the visits of family from Miami and friends from Boston both ways. I'll put in my two cents.

Flying into Marseille I would guess is more expensive but if it were the same price, I would still take the TGV from CDG! Especially if you will only be in Aix, a car is more of a hindrance in the town. The time should be comparable if nothing goes wrong. I don't think strikes are the main concern, although Air France employees go on strike too! It's the delays. Flight delays are MUCH more common than delays the SNCF. I've only experienced the SNCF trains departs like clockwork. In fact, with so many people that have moved to Aix and make the long commute to Paris on the TGV everyday, it's more important than ever.
Also, some trains are slower than others. I always went for the 3.5hour TGVs Aix->Paris when they were available.

Last thing, the cheapest way to get between the Marseille airport and Aix is on a bus. As mentioned earlier about 20 euros. The pick-up is a few blocks from the train station.(to the Aix train station). I had a horrible experience with it and never took it again though! The early bus was 1.5 or 2 hours late. On the expressway I noticed that the cab driver never checked that the luggage compartment was closed! At that time he pulled over to close it but it was too late, one of my bags had flown out!