Hi all,
Just wondering if anyone has any advice on catching the TGV to Avignon from a US flight arriving in GDG airport . We already have our train tickets and have a couple of hours between the time our flight lands until our train departs. Are there properly marked signs to assist visitors with finding the proper train. We'd appreciate any help provided.
Thanks Fran

I've taken that, no I don't have any particular advice, just go to the TGV station as soon as you can, that's all. Yes, there are signs directing you how to get to the TGV station.

I'm not sure if you have taken a train before, but you will have to look at the electronic board which tells you which track a certain train will be on, and if it is on time, etc. You will have to go to that track, so you have to know the number of your train to check the board which changes all the time (and destination, which will be listed with the train no. and the departure time). Trains have their number on the side of them, you have to make sure you get on the right car and then in the right seat based on what is on your ticket.

The TGV train station in Avignon, is bright, modern and very nice. If you are picking up a rental car there, you will have to walk down a hill to get to your purveyor. Going from airport to Avignon, overall, is a very nice experience. Enjoy

Depending on which terminal you arrive at, you may have to switch to another. The TGV station is in aérogare 2. Lots of US flights arrive at aérogare 2, in which case you need to take a shuttle over to the other terminal. I would have allowed more than 2 hours for this, BTW. It could be a tight connection.

I don't remember any hill between the Avignon TGV station and the rental car offices. The offices are just across from the station.

StCirq, thanks we actually have 3 hours. we arrive at 10:55 and our train is at 13:58, so hopefully we won't be too crazy, does that seem more feasible. Can you purchase food and drink on the train or should we try to purchase something at the airport if we have time?
St.Cirq, any recommendations about some of the best things to do or see in Dorgdone area for 3 days. We'll be staying in Domme after we leave Avignon area. I know it's a short time so I thought maybe you could let us know the highlights. Thanks again.

The good thing is you have plenty of time to find the TGV station in the airport and get some food (I would recommend picking something up from an airport kiosk or one of the places scattered around the TGV station since you have such a long wait). You'll also have time to study the large electronic board which will give you the details on your train, and you can also wander outside when other trains are loading to watch the process and understand how you find the right train car (see note below). You'll figure it all out quite easily, but here are some notes I put together for a friend several years ago who was taking a French train for the first time:

Looking at your ticket, understand that "classe" = "class" (1st or 2nd, obviously), "voiture"="train car", "place assise" is roughly "assigned seat", "fenetre"="window", "couloir"="aisle" and "isolee" means "the single seat" (which you'll find in 1st). The TGV I took from Paris to Avignon had a 2-and-1 seat layout on either side of the aisle in first class. Also, the train cars are generally not in order (1, 2, 3, 4...). So if your car number is 2, it could be toward the back of the train. The train stations should have some type of signage (often an electronic display), that indicates where the car numbers will line up along the track when the train arrives.

The first class trains were never totally packed when I rode them, but the overhead luggage is very similar to a domestic airline. There are also luggage racks at the end of each compartment. I left luggage there when necessary and didn't lock it up, but I was always in the car to keep an eye on it.

And as mentioned above, you will probably arrive at the TGV station in Avignon which is outside of town. If not renting a car, there is a bus/shuttle outside the station which will take you into central Avignon. Have a great trip!!

Thanks for your help Sidny...I'm glad you said we have plenty of time, I was getting nervous about it. Thanks again for the tips

That's just in my limited experience, I'm no expert. In the past, my planes have been only half-full and I've had carry-on only, so I've been thru immigration in less than 30 mins I'm sure. But I can't imagine three hours wouldn't be enough??

I always allow 3 hours, and never have checked luggage, and sometimes it's just enough time (done it 100+ times). So it's good you've got 3 hours. There are two places to get food for the train right at the TGV station at CDG, plus others scattered about in the airport. And you can get (limited) stuff on the train itself.

As for what to do in the Dordogne in 3 days, have no idea what draws you to the area or what your interests are, and there are a thousand and one things to do there, so hard to narrow it down without more information. You can click on my screen name and bring up a bazillion posts about it, though.

Thanks St.Cirq, I'll do that. Stu has sent me his itinerary too. What draws me to that area is the beautiful scenery and perhaps as a bonus the food. I know if the weather permits I would like to take a canoe or boat ride down part of the Dordogne River.

There are canoe and kayak rentals all over the place. We like the outfit at St-Vincent-de-Cosse, but they're all pretty much the same. You can also take a narrated gabarre ride from La Roque-Gageac. It takes about an hour and is quite interesting.

Thank you St.Cirq it's really appreciated

we've done it a couple of times and loved it - came in on AA so turn right for a coridor or so and down the steps to the Station. Not a lot of time when the track info comes up on the Board so watch 20 minutes or so before the train is to leave.

I was always lucky to find an english speaking fellow travelor to help us. There is expensive food on the train - buy at the station and stow away for later. cool to travel at those speeds.

there is a couple of good web sites on using the train from CDG so google to find - SlowTrav is one site with info.

The car rental places are just out the back side of the Avignon station I think - down a bunch of steps. very close - always had trouble getting back in to drop the car tho for some reason! bring a GPS for travel help - we found it to be a great aid after 10 trips to europe.

Thanks everyone

Reading this forum has really helped me out with reference to some basics about traveling by train. Although, we've traveled by train in Europe before, I have forgotten how many details can be involved in getting on the right train
After reading Sidny's post, I just realized that 1 1/2 hours wasn't going to leave enough time between arriving from Budapest and getting to the TVG station. Reading Sidny's post, I realized that I had totally forgotten about Customs. Duh! We also do carryon so we will only have Customs to worry about. So two hours or more? We will be arriving at terminal 2A I will be traveling mid August.
We are older so not having to rush too much is preferable. However, I don't want to spend more time at the station then necessary as not to arrive in Avignon too late.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated.
traveling with Aloha
the coconut wireless

I am not sure what the question is coconut. I believe you are arriving into CDG from Budapest and plan on connecting to an Avignon TGV. Why would you be going through customs? From what station are you departing for Avignon: Terminal 2 or Gare de Lyon?

Depending upon the type of train tickets you are holding and if you are only allowing 1½ hours to make a connection, any flight delay, i.e. mechanical, weather, air traffic consideration, late arriving aircraft delaying your Budapest departure, could mean you miss your train and will need to repurchase train tickets.

You ask for a suggestion, my advice is to purchase TGV tickets on arrival at CDG (meaning you will pay the highest price and risk trains being sold out) or you allow 3 hours to connect to a CDG Terminal 2 departure or 4 hours for a Gare de Lyon departure.

Coconut,

FYI... the reason Sarastro asks about 'customs' is that since you are remaining in one of the Schengen agreement countries you will not pass through either immigration or customs at CDG.