We can either take the train from Paris to Avignon or fly to Marseille. Is the train ride scenic or boring? How long does it take to get from Paris to Avignon? Do we have to change trains?

My answer might depend on whether you are starting AT the airport (i.e., freshly arrived in Paris), or starting somewhere in the city.<BR><BR>Not particularly scenic, but it can be more than restful enough - - especially after a flight. Are you actually trying to get to Avignon? or Marseille? or no specific destination in Provence/Rhone valley? No change of train to Avignon; I don't think so for Marseille either.<BR><BR>About 4 hrs for the 500 mile trip to Avignon (citing this from memory out of my head). For more specific answers, see www.raileurope.com (click on "Search our database of fares & schedules") - - but don't buy there unless you're fond of paying a big markup - - or check out www.sncf.com (click on the tiny little British flag icon in the upper lefthand corner, for English).<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

If you're taking the TGV from CDG to Avignon, the trip takes 3 hours and 15 minutes - from the Gare de Lyon in Paris it is a 2.5 hour trip. No train changes from either departure point. It's easy, restful and some of the scenery is lovely - even if it goes by pretty fast.<BR>Flying into Marseille can actually take longer, with flight delays, sitting around waiting to board, etc. The flight itself is short enough, about an hour and ten minutes.<BR><BR>PB

Thanks for the replies, PB and Rex. We have relatives in the Luberan area, and they can pick us up in either Marseille or Avignon. They say it is about the same distance for them to come to either place. The trip will start in Reno Nev and we are not staying in Paris. (have been there before). Maybe we can rest on the train getting there.

I did that last summer and chose to fly to Marseille for a couple reasons which you could consider in relation to your needs. First, I was traveling alone and flying to Marseille after an international overnight flight was going to be less exhausting than having to take the train--I didn't have to do anything but walk from one flight to the other within CDG as my bags were transferred.<BR><BR>Second, it was about the same price as I flew Air France so the addon to Marseille was cheap (less than $100).<BR><BR>Third, my Paris flight was due to arrive in the morning of course, and I knew AF had flights all day long to Marseille in case I missed my connection, so getting another within an hour or two would be no problem (turns out that did happen due to weather or FAA problems or something, my flight was delayed--but I got on another shortly).<BR>Fourth, I was renting a car in Marseille and driving to Aix to stay the night -- flying was quicker and I wanted to be sure I got there early in the day and when plenty of light and non-rush hour so the drive would be simplified. This wouldn't affect you if you are having someone pick you up.<BR>Finally, I was going to Paris a few weeks later and was taking the train then, and I've done that route before, so the route itself wasn't anything I needed to see. It is somewhat scenic in the middle parts, especially in summer as there are some sunflower fields along the way. It's nothing outstanding, though.<BR>Finally, I had a lot of details to handle for this trip and adding another one (figuring out train schedules, getting TGV tickets and reservations, etc) would have been a burden, not a help. Now, I wanted to go to Marseille or Aix, not Avignon, so that made the train ride longer. For you, it probably would be just as easy to take the TGV from CDG to Avignon.<BR>

&lt;&lt; First, I was traveling alone and flying to Marseille after an international overnight flight was going to be less exhausting than having to take the train--I didn't have to do anything but walk from one flight to the other within CDG as my bags were transferred.&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>Interesting take. Living the same distance from the TGV station in Avignon and the Marseille airport, I used to always fly into Marseille when returning from a trip to the US. After MANY delayed flights, cancelled flights, luggage not making the flight, and missed flights because my incoming flight was late, and having had to sit around Terminal F for three or four hours waiting for the next plane, I started taking the TGV home instead. Personally I find it much more relaxing and less stressful.<BR><BR>PB<BR>