Hi, my wife and I will fly in to CDG and will join a tour group there in late July. We are considering flying in early and adding three or so days on our own in Lyon to the start of the trip. What are your recommendations for getting to Lyon from CDG and back by rail? And can you recommend a hotel near an appropriate train station in Lyon? Upon returning to CDG we would probably stay in the Ibis hotel there and be picked up there by the tour group.

Taking TGVs right from CDG TGV station would be best for Lyon. www.oui.sncf has schedules and you can book your own discounted tickets online but discounted tickets are train-specific and cannot be changed nor refunded if you miss the train so leave ample time for planes to be late, long lines at Immigration, etc. Check www.seat61.com for great advice on booking your own tickets - general info BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com.

You take the TGV from Roissy to Lyon Part-Dieu station, the opposite upon returning (but if you're staying in Paris upon your return you don't want to go back to the airport but rather to the Gare de Lyon in Paris). You can get schedules on www.trainline.eu or www.oui.sncf, but it's too early now probably for July schedules and pricing (what you'll see on those sites now, though, isn't likely to change much). Buy your tickets online about 3 months out from your travel dates to get the best deals.

Check to see if your airline has add-on fares for Lyon Satolas Airport from CDG or other airlines too.

Yes, there are trains from CDG to Lyon. What is that you need a recommendation? When to buy, where to buy, which class to buy, which itinerary to buy???
Why near an appropriate train station in Lyon? That would be Lyon Part-Dieu station. But, look at the map. Most things of interest to visitors are in the Presqu’Ile part between the Saône and the Rhône rivers as well as the Vieux Lyon to the west of the Saône River. Lyon Part-Dieu station is far from these. You will be spending most time commuting to sites of interest for three days only to be close to the station whose proximity benefit would be a tiny fraction of your time in Lyon.
Is the CDG hotel the only hotel they would pick you up? Compare Lyon-CDG and Lyon-Paris trains. For Lyon-Paris, there are more frequently trains, the fares are cheaper, and you have more accommodation options in Paris in areas with cafes, restaurants, attractions, parks, etc. Do you really have to spend night at CDG when you are not there to catch an early morning flight?

Class to buy -first or 2nd class? Well check discounted prices for both and if not much different go for 1st - fewer people each train car and more room for storing luggage - other benefits see web sites I gave in post above. Most people find 2nd class perfectly OK for a short trip like to Lyon but again 1st is always more relaxed =especially love those solo seats - aisle and window seat all in one - two can face each other with table in between - no needing to bother anyone to get up nor be bothered by anyone esle who wants to get up - easier to stow small bags under seat as no adjoining seat to bother doing so.

It's a short train trip, and there's virtually no distinguishable difference between 1st and 2nd class, so unless it's just a matter of a few sous, go 2nd class.

FWIW, we always stay at the Hôtel la Résidence in Lyon, because it's within walking distance of everything we enjoy visiting there. Focusing on finding a hotel near the train station in Lyon is, as greg says, not smart in terms of overall planning. Do look at a map.

A multi-destination air ticket might work for you, if flying trans-Atlantic. Connect at CdG to fly onwards to Lyon. It probably won't be quicker since the train covers the ground so fast, but it will save the stress of catching that train in CdG. Plane connections are no treat in CdG either but at least your luggage should be forwarded for you and the airlines are responsible for the connection. You can experience the nice train ride when returning to Paris for your tour. Then fly home from Paris (or wherever your tour ends.) You must use a multi-destination search function to set up the itinerary.

well, if you DO want a hotel near the train staiton in Lyon, I really liked the Mercure Part Dieu, it's right next door. This was very convenient for public transportation as there is a tram line right in front and it's near bus lines, also. However, I would not stay there if I were going to be in Lyon for several days, I was just there one night and arriving and leaving by train. It was perfect for that.

AS for train class, I do not agree that there is virtually no distinguishable difference in classes, and I prefer first class for longer trips. To me, that is something that is not a day trip or very local. It's worth it to me as it never costs that much more, but if you have to ask, this is obviously a big deal to you (the cost), so in that case, I can't predict what to advise you. If you've ever taken a train in Western Europe, you'd have an idea if differences.

<<If you've ever taken a train in Western Europe, you'd have an idea if differences.>>

Well, that's most amusing because just today I was totting up our SNCF, TrainItalia, Czech Rail, Renfe, and British Rail expenses in 2017 and realized that between my husband and me we took 58 train rides, not counting the local ones between us and Périgueux. I must have missed something.

Agree with Christina about there actually being a difference between first and 2nd class on long-distance trains though many here claim there is little or no difference - see seat61.com and BETS-European Rail Experts for descritpions of the very real differences. And Man in Seat 61 himself said not long ago in a thread that 'I (he) was an aficianado of first class himself' - there is a difference - especially in there being only solo seats in 1st class - an aisle and window seat both - two can face each other with a table in between - no hassling others getting in or out and more room for luggage at your feet not disturbing someone else, etc. And more room for luggage in general as about 25% fewer people in same-sized train cars as 2nd class - in some countries you get comp food and drink served at your seats and 1st class cars often at front of train for easier ins and outs and on and on.

It's always struck me as weird that folks here spend $200-300 a night on rooms and $50 and up on restaurants but go 2nd class to save a few $s - on the trip of a lifetime don't scimp on trains as you would not on hotel and restaurants. A weird paradox to me.

Great suggestion and one we had not considered. As it turns out we can fly into Lyon and out of Paris for roughly the same price as in and out of Paris. Thanks.

Sound advice. We will try it.

We are reconsidering hotel options in Lyon based on your advice. Thanks.

Good advice. Thanks.