In September my husband and I will fly to CDG, arriving at 6:30am. Later that same morning we will catch the TGV to Avignon. Our departure time is not yet decided...we could depart at 8:30 or try to rest, eat, and catch a later train. We need to book the TGV soon. So my question is, is the Air France arrival lounge In 2C a place to recharge? We have to get bags and clear customs otherwise the departure lounge in 2E would be nice. I have considered getting a day room at one of the hotels but they are pricey and reviews are not great. Thoughts or suggestions?
In Avignon we pick up a car for a brief drive to our lodging...so we can't be complete zombies.
Thanks!

You're going to need at least two hours to disembark, go through immigration, get your luggage, and get to the TGV station at CDG, so I don't get why you need some special place to "recharge." Just go to the TGV station and get on the train. I don't know if I would cut it so close as to take the 8:30 am train, but I sure wouldn't find some lounge or rent a hotel room in between arrival at the airport and getting on the train. That just prolongs the jetlag issue.

Where are you flying from,i.e., time change makes a difference? We've driven several hours after deparring from east coast which is only a 6 hour time change. More difficult from west coast of US as to your stamina.

Okay. I've flown a lot of places on the globe but not France. It's rarely taken me two hours to go from plane to street...but I don't doubt the veracity of what you say StCirq and will plan for that. I am flying from Boston. The last time I flew to Italy I arrived in the UK in the morning, got s hotel at Heathrow for the layover and arrived in Rome later that day rested. It worked for me but I was traveling for business.
Thanks!

There are not really "arrival lounges." You are channeled through immigration, followed by baggage claim, followed by customs. With an EU passport, I have almost always done that within 30 minutes, but the "other nationalities" line can have problems.

Why can't you rest on the train? That's why I do.

That was my thought as well -- the TGV is very relaxing.

You're right. We'll just get on the train at 11 and go. I will likely not want to miss the scenery as it flashes by but my husband can sleep and then drive. You have helped my husband prevail in his desire to ".. Just go!" and for that he is grateful. Merci tout!

There isn't much you miss from the TGV window in general because of the speed and certainly not on that route. You will quickly realize that taking zzz is a good use of that time. Set your alarm so you will not miss your stop. The TGV seats are very comfy.

Just keep on going. What are you thinkin'!!! Get where you're going and THEN think about sitting down for something to drink and plan you next stop.

If you have any extra time, I suggest sitting in the lounge at the Sheraton Paris Airport Hotel. It's located directly above the TGV terminal in the airport. It's a nice place to use the bathrooms, get a cup of coffee, and relax until boarding time.