We've purchased our tickets and made reservations, but we're having difficulty determining where we pick up the train. Supposedly there is a TGV station at CDG Airport, but the information on the train schedule indicates our train leaves Gare de Lyon station in Paris - which is not at the airport. Can anyone help?

There are seperate trains leaving from CDG and Gare du Lyon to Avignon.The train station at CDG just off Terminal 2, it is really convenient without the hassle of towing luggages going into Paris. Do you think you could change your reservation?

There are five TGV trains direct from the airport to Avignon between 0700 and 1400. You definitely want to change your reservation to avoid the major hassle and time wasted travelling into Paris Gare de Lyon on the RER, which also involves at least one change, involving a longish walk.

If you go to RickSteves.com and go to rail schedules, you can find which trains and times the train leaves from CDG.

Hi Diana. Yes indeed, it is much better to leave for Avignon from the TGV terminal at Charles de Gaulle Airport than it is to fight the battle to get you and your luggage to Gare de Lyon from CDG. <BR>Rather than consulting Mr. Steves, let me suggest that you go directly to the horse's mouth to get your information: <BR>www.sncf.com. <BR> <BR>The above URL will take you directly to the French national train system web site. There is an English version. Scroll so that the hidden right side of the screen moves into view, and click on the Union Jack icon. English will appear. Don't be surprised if you have to ask for English more than once. It is the suble French way of suggesting that you learn the language. <BR>I took a quick look and saw that you can take TGV trains from CDG without a change en route to Avignon at the following times: <BR>6:56, 10:04, 11:24, 13:13, 14:05, 17:05, and 18:45. <BR>Quite a few trains leave from that station so make doubly sure you get on the right one. <BR> <BR>The SNCF site will also show you the exact price of your tickets. <BR> <BR>If you have never ridden the TGV before, it is something of an adventure until you become accustomed to the speed. <BR>On the run from Gare de Lyon to Frasne near the Swiss border, I think that the train must achieve speeds of more than 150 mph. I have heard 300 KPH can be achieved on some of the lines. <BR>TGV rail lines must be built according to rigid specifications to enable that level of speed.

Thanks to everyone for the information. I'm glad to confirm the TGV to Avignon leaves directly from CDG. I want to make sure that's the way we go! We are down to 8 days and counting and can't wait!

I wish you a pleasant and safe journey. <BR>If you have time to spare at CDG before boarding the train, La Brioche Doree has good sweet stuff to eat as well as good sandwiches. <BR> <BR>If you want to scout out CDG, this web site will lead you to a scrollable map of the entire complex, with emphasis on complex. <BR>http://www.adp.fr/webadp/a_cont01_an.nsf/$$Affich?ReadForm&cle=X5005205240200892 <BR> <BR>