I have not driven through the French countryside and I guess I have the desire! though time permits.I have been to Avignon and Ax. Is the long drive between, very time consuming and not worth our precious time? Or would you take the train, and rent a car in Marseille to drive the coast to Nice. Any oppinions would be greatly appreciated. Leaving in two weeks!

We usually drive just about anywhere. That being said, unless you're going to spend time in areas between, i.e. Burgundy and/or Provence, the straight drive through on the autoroute is long and uninspiring.

I'd try to get some "derniere minute" specials and train to Marseille, Montpellier, or even Avignon - get a care there and see some of the countryside.

Oh my goodnes - this is reall a no brainer. Take the train - you'll really see more countryside from the train than you'll see from a car.

Stu Dudley

Let the train take the strain

I took that train ride and it was beautiful, through fields of sunflower and lavender. It was relaxing to be able to just enjoy the ride and watch the scenery.

TGV is great--fast and reliable.

scott:

Can you say T-G-V ?

Last time we were in the south of France last spring, we took the TGV direct from CDG to Avignon and picked up our car right there at the new and slick station. What a blommin' pleasure...we drove slowly from Avignon to Tourettes sur Loup...and used TSL as our base , then switched to St. Remy for the remainder of two weeks before dropping the car back in Avignon, and taking the train to Strasbourg for a one week canal barge trip.
Stu T.