We will be in Paris for one week in September. Can anyone give me their opinion on a day trip to Avignon - is it worth it and can you get from Paris to Avignon by train....

I will assume that you are referring to the Avignon in the Loire Valley, about 200 Kms. south of Paris. It is about 3 hours by train (one way). There is a direct line; Paris Gare Lyon to Avignon TGV direct train service, about 4-5 daily departures.

By car is about two hours (I stayed in that area for some time years ago while working on a project). I would strongly recommend a car because there is so much more to explore in that area. I loved Orleans, being so close to Avignon I would not miss it. A car gives you the flexibility you should have in such an amazing region. Have the best time; September is an awesome time of the year to travel in that region!

P.S. Taylor; why do you want to go to Avignon? Again, could you confirm the Avignon you are referring to (Avignon-Loire vs. Avignon-Provence)?

I didn't even know there was an Avignon in the Loire, but I assume you mean the Provence one. Sounds like it's shorter time by train, anyway.

Sure, why not, I think it's a great idea. I really like Avignon, there is plenty to see on a day trip. I like going to cities for day trips by TGV that used to be impossible when trains were slower. Avignon has many runs all day, so you can easily be there by 10 am and not leave until 7-8 pm, if you want. It only takes 2:45 by train. It will make for a long day, though, it's up to you.

You'd probably have to leave around the 7:20 train and get there at 10 am. There are return trains around every hour in the evening, so if you left at 6, you'd be back by 8:45 pm. It is true the TGV station in Avignon is now a bit outside the city, but there are shuttle buses. That just adds a little time (although you could take a taxi, it's not too far).

Now that there are super-cheap advance PREM fares available (for maybe 25 euro one-way), it makes it a more "why not" idea if you really want to see it.

Since you didn't even know if there was a train between the two points, I think getting a PREM fare, which requires buying online from SNCF, may not be as easy as for some others, though.

The Avignon on the Loire Valley is a village kore like it. I would had never known about it if it wasn't that I actually was "forced" into home-basing in that area while working on a project with a French company. I think Cristina is steering you the right way. Avignon (Provence area) is a great city for a day trip and definitely better done by train. Hope you have a great time!

You can catch the TVG to Avignon.

No, I don't believe Avignon (the city) is worth a day trip from Paris. It's pleasant, but no more so than numerous other cities accessible from Paris by train that are no farther away. Perhaps you're contemplating it because it's in Provence? I'm not a great fan of the region, though I'm sure it has it's delights. But I'm also pretty sure they need to be savored slowly -- in the best of all possible worlds at a pace less rapid than Peter Mayle's.

Hi TM,

>can you get from Paris to Avignon by train..<

Go to www.sncf.com
Click "Reservez...."
Click "toute les offres" under PREMS
Click "Paris" and "Avignon"
Lowest PREMS fare is 25E each way

You can buy up to 4 mos in advance.

If it's unlikely you'll have another trip that focuses on Provence, I agree that it's a great place to visit.
There are walking tours that will give you an overview.


here are websites

www.avignon-et-provence.com/avi/gb/tourisme

www.avignon-tourisme.com

Thank you all for the generous input - I really appreciate your feedback. To Viajero2, I saw a beautiful picture of Avignon in a travel section of a magazine and thought that it looked interesting - it cites that it is located on the Rhone and that it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Again, I thank you for all of the informative responses!!