Is it better to purchase TGV tickets before you leave home or in Paris?
Where do you purchase them in Paris?
do they take credit cards?
Is there a TGV from Avignon to Bordeaux
How long does it take?

Hi N,

You can often find reduced fare PREMS tickets if you buy in advance.

See www.voyages-sncf.com.

Yes, they take CCs.

and Fodorite MorganB (you do a search on the name) has very carefully, VERY precicely written down everything you need to do. at the site Ira provided.

to Bordeau St. Jean yes.

6 hour drive...you might consider one of the wee tiny airlines too if time is a trouble (I happen to enjoy trains though)

For complete timetables, go to www.bahn.de. Click on "Internat. Guests" to view the site in English. You will see that there are several routes between Avignon and Bordeaux, all involving changing trains. A portion of one or more routes may include a TGV.

You can book tickets up to 90 days in advance at www.sncf.com. Normally if a PREM'S fare is available, you can print the ticket yourself. However, since your route has more than one leg, you will need to do one of the following: (1) Book the legs separately. Print the PREM'S ticket for the leg that qualifies and choose the option of picking up your ticket at a station for the other leg(s). (2) Book the whole route in one shot and have the ticket sent to an address in France (like your hotel).

Or, to keep things simple, go to any major train station or SNCF ticket boutique in Paris and book the whole route there. However, you won't be able to get a PREM'S fare. You'll have to pay the standard price.