We are going from Paris to Avignon on June 28 and returning on July 4. When I go to the sncf website I search for a round trip and get both TGV and iDTGV options for the outbound on the 28th but only one option on iDTGV late in the evening for the return on the 4th. Should I go ahead and book the outbound now before all the seats are gone and then book the return for the 4th in a few days when the TGV options show up? I really didn't want to return to Paris as late as the iDTGV gets back (11:40pm if I remember right).

Belinda

Sure. There is no advantage booking round-trip vs. two one-ways on the TGV.

-Kevin

Hi B,

Kevin is correct.

2 one-way tickets are almost identical in price to one RT.

Prems and iDTGV and half price tickets are priced as one way so you may buy them as such.

Discovery stay fares require round trip purchase.

Is TGV part of Eurorail?
Is Eurorail, (multiple countries) the least expensive for family of three or better to rent a car?

Eurorail is the name of some for-profit travel agency, isn't it? I think they have a website. There is no rail company in Europe named eurorail or eurail or anything like that, those are the names of rail passes sold by agents and it's a marketing name.

The main railroads in Europe have names of their countries, because they are govt. entities (I think, although there are some small private scenic raillines).

TGV is an acronym for one kind of train in France, a high-speed train. the French rail system should be allowed on a Eurail pass and some other products, but anyone selling you such products will have to tell you what railroads are covered. Those Eurail passes are pretty expensive so I doubt if they are the best idea for a family of 3 and your vacation, but it depends on your itinerary probably.

I purchased my ticket to Avignon and will purchase the return ticket on the 4th when the TGV routes become available. I followed Morgan B's instructions from another post and had no problems at all.

Thanks to all! I don't know what I would have done without all of the posters on this site.

Belinda

If you are speaking of using a Eurail pass yes they do cover TGVs but not the seat reservation required to ride one which you will have to pay extra for.

Belinda glad you were able to book! Have a nice trip!

TGV Avignon to Paris (to the city or to CDG airport is best) depending where you want to end up. You probably don't see all of the available trains posted because they post them only 60 or 90 days in advance (depending). I will be traveling the same route at end July, hence, I have to wait several more weeks before I can purchase the ones I want. (TGV Avignon Paris should take about 2.5 hours)