Thanks for the replys on my previous question. I guess taking the train will save time and stress! Nonetheless, more time in the Cote d Azur. Though my question is would you spend additional money to upgrade your tickets for a 3 hour train ride? bsic rate 90us 1st class more than double. Is the food that good. Also we are staying in the Latin Quarter I guess this train arrives close?

You don't get free food on the TGV from Avignon to Paris. It's a more comfortable ride (more space).

I read in someone's book about living in Paris that her French friends advised her to take 2nd class in the winter and 1st class in the summer because the French are not as fond of anti-perspirants and deodorants as North Americans are

The train from Avignon goes to Gare de Lyon, on the Right Bank and your hotel is on the Left Bank, but more or less just across the river. If you look at the French public transportation website (www.ratp.fr), you can plug in your itinerary (Gare de Lyon origin and then the address of your hotel) and find out the best way to get there. I think you might find that the bus (e.g. 63) is the best way to get there, but it will involve a short, 5 minute walk from Gare de Lyon down toward the Pont d'Austerlitz.

It is a more comfortable ride in 1st class in the summer - these cars are air conditioned. Also, DH & I reserve single (window) seats that face each other. For us, it's worth the extra EUR!

When we arrived at the Gare Lyon, we took a cab to our hotel in the 6th arr. With the heat last summer, it was a good way to transport us and our luggage from the train station to the hotel!

Have done both. First is not worth it for that short a ride.

In April (warm weather!), we went first class from CDG to Avignon (3 hours). There was no food or drinks to be had on the train (snack car closed). We failed to purchase drinks/snacks prior to boarding - our only regret. I prefer the larger, comfy seats of first class and, unlike the other posters, find it worth it since I'm on vacation. Enjoy your trip!

I'm surprised that the 1st class fare is more than double the 2nd class fare. I've usually found that, except when planning a trip on just a few days' notice, I can find a 1st class fare that is only 10-20% more expensive than the second class fare.

I don't know what your travel date is, but I just had a quick look on the www.sncf-voyages.com website. I can see fares in late June where the 2nd class fare is 59 euros and the 1st class fare (albeit completely inflexible and nonrefundable) is 64 euros.

And dorkforcemom, there was only one poster on this thread who specifically stated a preference for 2nd class and thought 1st class wasn't worth it. I mostly book 1st class tickets - and find that it's worth it on any journey that's more than 2 hours long.