We are planning a journey to Provence by train from Lake Como, Italy to Avignon, and are hoping to continue north on the Rhone by boat. We do not wish to go by tour. We are looking for a day tip, one way, and we would consider 1 overnight, arriving at a village or town where we could pick up a train toward Paris. My initial internet and guide book research has drawn a blank. Welcoming suggestions.
Posted by
81 posts
Not sure I understand but I will try.
From Lake Como take the train from Milan to Nice. You'll have to stop in Ventemiglia to switch from the Italian trains to the French ones. You can't book direct to Nice so book to Ventemiglia then see the local ticket booth for the ticket into Nice (1hr I think).
Nice is lovely and a side trip to Monaco is a highlight.
From Nice it is about a 3hr train ride to Avignon (also research other towns in the South Coast region). Most of Avignon is walkable from the train station but if you have luggage you can take a taxi to your hotel. The tourist office in Avignon is right on the main road from the station and they can help you book a local tour to see more of Provance. Several middle-France towns are reachable by train as is Geneva, SZ. Avignon to Paris is about 2hours on the TGV trains.
I have traveled this region before and never seen Rhone tours as an option. In some areas it is very shallow and deep and rough in others. Maybe you are thinking the Rhine which hosts many tours?
You can also look at some of the scenic trains that go from Italy to France via Switzerland (look for Bernina and others) but they are difficult at some times of the year and take a considerable amount of travel time and planning.
Posted by
Washington DC
28100 posts
I found this link by Googling. I don't know whether it will be helpful.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33859 posts
maybe this - which I found by google
Don't expect to get very far in one day trip, the boat won't go a lot faster than 6 to 10 knots.
I'd expect the train trip to Paris to originate for you in Avignon.
But like the others, I'm kind of guessing here because I'm not really sure of the question.
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
256 posts
Thank you for bringing these two websites to our attention. I will dive in for more details regarding the possibilities. Either of these may serve our purpose perfectly.
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
256 posts
Such practical guidance. Will explore options based on your information. Thank you for taking the time to include these value able details.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
A couple of notes on the great advice and links you've gotten so far.
There are a couple of trains a day from Milan directly to Nice called Eurocity. You don't have to change to a local if you book these. Check it out on db.de wesite.
The one website did show a boat trip from Arles to Avignon. You could then take the TGV from Avignon to Paris.
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
256 posts
This sounds exactly like what we are wishing for! Merci beaucoup