Hi,

We (family of four)are going to travel from Nice to paris in late August. We are considering different options.

Train tickets are around 100 euros (2nd class), easyjet cheapest flight is about 90 euros. One way car rental is also an option and will probably cost around 220 euros total including gas and tolls. We are not in a particular hurry and would prefer to see some of the land. Yet another thing is first class train seats are available around 100 euros for early morning and late afternoon departures. I don't know how much difference there will be between first class and second on this route.

Any ideas?

First class seats are larger and the fabric is nicer. There are only 3 seats across (2 /1) instead of 4 across (2/2). The floors are carpeted rather than linolieum. First class cars tend to be quieter and you have more room for luggage since there are fewer seats in the car. For that long of a train ride you might appreciate it. I personally always travel in first but I think I am the exception on this board.

I too enjoyed the 1st class option of the TGV. The extra space and quietness was appreciated! The view near the coast is beautiful. I also enjoyed seeing the fields of sunflowers growing. The miles and miles of yellow has made an impression on me!

You mentioned being a family of four. How old are the kiddos or am I assuming?

Also, when figuring in the flight, have you considered the price of transportation from the airport to your lodging?

Thanks for the information. Another thing I am looking into is maybe make a stop on the way. It seems going Nice to Avignon, spending 6-7 hours and then catching the train to Paris is about the same price and takes about the same time.

The kiddos are my parents in this case
They are in their 60's. So, I am sure they would appreciate the comfy seats. I didn't figure in the cost of airport to hotel but assumed it shouldn't be too much. I think I'll do the 1st class train. Hopefully we get to see some of the countryside and enjoy a comfortable ride. Driving is probably too much of a hassle (picking up and dropping off the car etc.). As I mentioned above, I am probably going to break the journey in Avignon. Any other suggestions for breaking train journey from Nice to Paris?

If you are specifically interested in a stop between Avignon and Paris, I highly recommend Blois. We (my own kiddo mom and I) stayed at the Mercure as our home base and went to several of the chateaux in the area.

The restaurant just beside the chateau in Blois is still longly spoken of around her house. The lamb was to die for!!

Before I post more, does a stop in Chateau country sound appealing? How about a hot air balloon ride? Are they physically (ex: no bad knees, etc) up to the adventure?

This is really a "no brainer" - take the train.

Taxi from CDG to your hotel will be 60E or so. However, you might find it difficult to fit 4 people & bags in one taxi. You definately don't want to drive into Paris, if you've never driven in a large European city before. Also, how scenic is the drive going to be for someone in the back seat of the car - with luggage probably piled on them.

Here are some options:
1. Leave from Aix instead of Avignon. Aix is about 2 hrs from Nice via freeway. The TGV station is out of town a bit. There are some very nice small villages along the way, north of the freeway - you could drive through them. The countryside is quite beautiful also. The small villages might be a nice change from Nice & Paris.

2. Depart from Aix or Avignon, but stop for an overnight in an interesting city along the way. We've stopped in Chambery, Beaune, and Dijon.

3. Both of the above (my choice)

Stu Dudley

I second the vote for leaving from Aix.

But about seeing the scenery--the TGV goes so fast that often it's just a quick glimpse. Do get your tickets early so you can have seats that face forward.

Argh, ditch my last suggestion. I just looked at some of the schedules online. It is typically less than a 3 hour train ride to go Avignon-Paris w/ the TGV. I'd say to just go straight to Paris.

If you are interested in visiting the chateaux, I'd go from Paris since it seems that the train situation is easier.

Or... there could be others who can make the internet sing and dance better than I can and could find easier connections!!!

If you are in a TGV "Duplex" (Double deck) sit upstairs. This will allow you to see alot more than in a classic TGV. If you are interested there are groups of 4 seats (2 and 2) arranged around a table called "Club 4". Nice for chatting during the trip but you do sorta play the footsie game as everyones legs are under the table. Its not crowded but you do have to share space if you want to stretch your legs all the way out.