Great points of view from all angles. Thanks so much. I planned on driving straight there with no side trips. Sounds more scenic from the train. Now leaning toward the train. I'll get points from my wife if I go with the train. I didn't mention that factor did I.

>>I'll get points from my wife if I go with the train. I didn't mention that factor did I.<<

If I told my wife we should drive, her reply would be "great - you drive & I'll take the train. I'll get to Avignon about 6 hours before you - plenty of time to buy Provence fabric, soap, decorating items, & have lunch or dinner at a restaurant of my choice. Getting back to Paris, I'll arrive at the Gare de Lyon and have lunch at the Train Bleu, then shop on the Rue du Bac & Bon Marche - all before you even get close to Paris".

Here is something to consider:

Take the 12:45 TGV from Avignon to Dijon. Visit Dijon (my favorite city in France, after Paris), stay overnight in Dijon, visit Dijon again in the morning, then take one of the many 1 hr 40 min trains to Paris. There is even an early morning TGV that goes directly to CDG airport.

Stu Dudley

If driving via the autoroutes then you also must factor in predatory tolls you pay it seems every few miles.