best train options
 

We (7 people) need a train from Paris to Hyere (august 5) what are our best options?
My family of 5 will be taking a side trip to Italy during our stay, then back to Paris on the 25th. Never been to Europe...any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Are you speaking of Hyeres?

If so, TGV timings available; seat reservations necessary; get them after you arrive unless you feel the need to book directly in advance.

oops...I missed the "s", Hyeres is correct, thank you

The 7 RT train tickets are going to add up. To introduce you to train travel see http://tinyurl.com/eym5b. For 7 people you might consider renting an SUV or a van for a day each going and coming to save money. The tollways in France are easy to drive. Check out Hertz, Budget, etc to get quotes on line.

spaarne, thank you for the website...we had talked about a car
rental, but do not have an international license. My family of 5 want to take a side trip to Rome/Florence to see the Sistine Chapel plus, and "David" in Florence. While our friend and his young son head back to Paris. Maybe it is cheaper to rent and suv then do the rail from Nice to Rome/ Florence. We need to get back to Paris for our flight home.
We have heard that the rail system is great in Europe, we are
all novice european travelers so any advice is greatly appreciated! :)

You don't need an "international license." Such a thing doesn't even exist. If you're referring to the International Driving Permit, French law does not require it.

Unfortunately, you are starting so late with the train reservations that you've probably lost all hope of getting the cheap PREM fares that are available 3 months out from your date of travel. You can try going to www.voyages-sncf and plug in Paris to Hyères and see what comes up, and perhaps you'd be eligible for some group discount, but I think those train fares are going to cost a lot.

I wouldn't count on renting an SUV, either. They're certainly more common in Europe now than they were a few years ago, but they're still not that popular (and are even banned from entering some cities). A van is much more likely. Compare rental prices with trains and see what you come up with.