Ronda

I used via Michelin to plot the route and it says it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. We will have to turn in a rental car at the station. What do you think? How much time should I plan.

The bahn site is showing a direct train at 10:44 (2:57 hours), 1 stop at 11:55 (3.46 hours), and 13:03 (3:38 hours) in April. June 29 is not coming up yet on either bahn or SNCF because, I am assuming, it is too early. Do you think the schedule will be the same the end of June?

I am thinking I should buy a regular fare ticket in case we miss the TGV. With a regular fare, wouldn't we be able to get on the next TGV?
Thanks.

Ronda

Well, opps, that was a cute spelling error - BONNIEUX.

Underhill

Turning in your car at the TGV station shouldn't take longl; the agencies have desks right inside the terminal, just beyond the doors that lead to the train tracks.

AnselmAdorne

Ronda, there are a couple of posters here who have found the Via Michelin driving times to be conservative, but I've found that it usually takes me a few minutes longer to drive a given route like that.

As Underhill points out, it doesn't usually take long to return your vehilce at the rental kiosk. So if you allow, say 1:20 or 1:25 for the drive, and up to 20 minutes to return the car, you would need to allow about 1 hour 45 minutes.

That's the theory. However, if I were doing it, I'd leave Bonnieux 2 hours before the train, just in case I get behind a farm tractor somewhere along the road. The first part of that drive--from Bonnieux to Lourmarin--is a narrow and twisty road.

Anselm

Ronda

Thanks for the input. I am toying with the idea of staying the last night in Aix but that would mean driving into Aix, perhaps returning the rental car in town, and taking a shuttle to the TGV or else keep the rental car, drive to the TGV station. I'd really like to make the 10:44 direct TGV.

AnselmAdorne

Hard to say what's best for you. I've been in a similar situation staying in Uzès and returning a rental at Avignon. Ended up staying the last night in Uzès and driving to Avignon TGV the next morning. It worked out fine once I finished cursing the alarm clock.

Anselm

PBProvence

I would also suggest giving yourself at least two hours - you'll be on unfamiliar roads, and they are narrow.

I'm assuming you're going into Paris ?
The 11:55 train doesn't stop in Paris (Gare de Lyon)- it goes to the Massy TGV station.

The train you've listed at 13:03 leaves from the Avignon TGV station and not the Aix TGV station. I have the schedule here that's good up until July 1st (and there really aren't many changes during the year)

Patricia

PBProvence

Sorry, but forgot to mention, if you're looking for a train from Aix that goes direct to CDG - there are a couple -

7:55 AM - arr. 11:21 train # 5144
9:10 AM - arr. 12:55 PM train # 5168
2:07 PM - arr. 5:44 PM train # 9866

Ronda

Sorry, should have been more specific. Going from Aix to Paris for a couple of nights before going home. I believe the TGV from Aix goes to Paris Lyon.

I put in Thursday, June 1 (because I will be traveling on Thursday, June 29) and came up with:

10:07 stops in Lyon Part Dieu (3H51)
10:44 direct to Gare de Lyon (2h57)
11:55 stops in Lyon Part Dieu (4h)
13:03 stops in Lyon Part Dieu

Ronda

Well, I wasn't ready to post.

14:24 direct (2h57)

So, am I reading it right?

Ronda

When I put in June 29, the only selection I am given is idTGV at 18:47. So, is it too early? - more than 3 months? Have to wait until March 29?

MorganB

Yes your reading it right. You are correct that if you want a time other than the iDTGV you need to wait a few more days because of the 3 month advance purchase window.

Ronda

Thanks, Morgan. I have also been trying to buy TGV tickets from CDG to Lyon and find the SNCF site, well, frustrating. Check out my last post on the Lyon thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...mp;keyword=129