Dear Readers,

My travel agent tells me that there is not a TGV station at CDG airport for arrivals from Annecy/Lyon. She says I must arrive at Gare de Lyon and then travel to CDG.

Is she correct? If not, please give me the information that I might relay to her. If she is correct, what would be the most convenient route from the station to the airport?

It's my first trip to France and I have so many questions. Thanks!

When I look at www.sncf.com and key Annecy to Roissy (which is CDG) I get a routing through Lyon. Departures at 7:00am, 10:00am & 1:00pm taking 4.5 to 6 hours.

I would do this rather than route through Paris.

In Paris you'll have to switch to the RER to get by train to the airport. The TGV from Lyon will take you directly to Terminal 2 at CDG.

Thanks for your reply. I keyed in the words and found it. It looks as if I might have to change TGV trains in Lyon, but I would much prefer that, than having to go into Paris and then back out to the airport. Not to mention the additional cost.

I'll give my agent a call.

Yes, you can take the TGV from Lyon to CDG, but there is no TGV from Annecy to Lyon, just a regular line. Fortunately, both routes use the same train station in Lyon, Part-Dieu. This station is extremely busy and confusing. Recommend that you get your TGV tix in advance.

Yes, Vedette, that is what I have finally heard from my agent. She said in order to have a completely reserved ticket, the arrival in Paris was necessary.

If the station in Lyon is so busy, is it still a better choice than doing the switch on arrival in Paris?

As my name implies, I live in rural Kansas. The only train I've ever taken, was two years ago when we took the Amtrak to Chicago. I'm am looking forward to my TGV adventure, but do feel overwhelmed knowing I don't speak the language. I hope to keep things simple. We leave Annecy to catch our flight home. I can't mess things up at this point.

Any advice is taken with pleasure.

PS Vedette, we will have TGV tickets in hand. My agent recommended paying to have them mailed here.

I hope to write a glowing trip report.

Hey Kansan -- You don't need to worry about having Annecy to Lyon tix in advance. Just go to the Annecy train station and buy them. For your peace of mind, allow at least 45 minutes from arrival in Lyon to departure. That will give you time to figure out what track you have to go to and time to do it. As I said, the Lyon station is a bit confusing. Once you find your train, all will be well. You don't need to worry about finding the correct car. If you are short of time, just get on and find your car en route.

Good, simple, inexpensive restaurant in Annecy: l'Etage in the old town. 13, rue du Paquier. Wherever you dine, you must have tartiflette, the "national" dish of Savoie. It's an elaborated potato gratin with ham/bacon and the famous Reblochon cheese. MMMMMMM, good.

Unless you especially want to go to Paris (and you probably do!), it's easier to fly into Geneva and rent a car to get to Annecy, as I understand it. Only about an hour away.

Grandmere, thanks for the tip. Our trip will be 5 nights in Paris, then we travel to Annecy for two nights. After Annecy, we leave France for home. It's our first time in Europe and I'm sad it's for such a short time. We wanted to experience the TGV and came up with Annecy as a side trip to see the countryside.

Vedette, the tartiflette sounds delish! I'll make a wish for us as I take my first bite.

Well, I didn't have to worry about changing trains in Lyon. So how we boarded the wrong train leaving Annecy. Don't fret as we still ended in Paris, only at the Gare de Lyon instead of CDG. We did have plenty of time to taxi to CDG in time to catch our flight home. The day previous we walked to the station to make certain we would have seats as this small segment of our train travel did not include a reservation. The very pleasant lady at the station said the train left at 7:00 am and there was plenty of room. We left our hotel room at 6:15 and walked the few blocks to make sure we had enough time. Looking at the arrival and departure listing I could see our train to Paris. We had time for a coffee and time to visit about how wonderful Annecy had been. I still don't know how we caught the wrong train. My travel agent wrote a letter of inquiry, and the reply was uncertain also. Whatever the reason, it all worked out okay. I was very concerned when we did not seem to be slowing down to our stop in Lyon. I felt rather silly having to ask the conductor where we were going!!! My greatest worry was that we would miss our flight.

We were there two nights staying at the Hotel de Savoie which I will most highly recommend. It was a most perfect stay. We had a large triple with a nice bath and large windows that allowed cross ventilation. There was no airconditioning. I don't think we would have used it as the evenings were nicely cool. We were on the third floor with a view of a large plaza area. Each evening we could watch street performers with our perfect view. The first night three young men did acrobatics and juggling. It was very entertaining. The next evening was an Australian man who performed his native music, and then a magician with his magic. He had a stunning assistant She performed a intricate dance, perhaps of a gyspy style? All very nice to view from our room while drinking lovely local wine. http://www.hoteldesavoie.fr/

During the days we strolled along the canal, visited the shops for gifts to bring home and had our meals at the outdoor cafes. I did try the potato tart mentioned and found it delicious. The cheese was very different than any I have had. Strong with quite an aroma. Also the salads were just perfect.

The lake was amazingly beautiful. I wish I could have convinced my children to take a boat ride. I think with all the different means of transportation we had experienced since leaving Kansas, they were glad to just keep their feet firmly on the ground for a day or two. Also the train ride was so scenic.

I"ll write more about the Paris part of our adventure.

Wow glad you made it to your flight! Actually if you boarded a train that indicated it was going to Paris that is where you made the mistake. You would have boarded a train to Lyon and then changed right? Anyway it worked out which is good.

Kansan, Annecy is a destination I'd like to visit before long; is the Hotel de Savoie in the old town or w/in few minutes walking? If I am unable to persuade a family member or friend to go with me, then I might consider doing it alone, and I'd want to be w/in safe walking distance of all the action! Thank you. Glad you had such a good time!

MorganB, yes, you are probably right. There was another train departure prior to the one we boarded. I'm just grateful we didn't end up in another country.!!

Grandmere, Hotel de Savoie is right in the old town. It is about a six block walk from the train station. Palais de l'isle, probably the most famous structure in Annecy, was right out our window. I was concerned it would be noisy at night, but after ten or so, the crowds dispersed. Even so, the noise was more of a distant murmur, such as late diners and walkers. Also this was in August which is very popular for tourists.

The hotel owners were a nice couple and the husband prepared breakfast each morning. He served rolls, juice and coffee. I think you would feel quite safe there if traveling alone.

Here's a view similar to ours: http://www.listic.univ-savoie.fr/eng...ur/lieu11.html

Thank you, Kansan!

Grandmere and All,

I finally uploaded some photos. I hope this link works.

http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=0

If it works, I'll come back and tell more.