Provence next July

Take the train to Marseille from Paris instead of flying

The TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon took us 3 hours and 20 minutes, about 550 euros for four people, first class. We left at 10:36 and arrived at Marseille Gare St. Charles at 13:56. Car rental was picked up there. Marignan airport from CDG is an option, but it is outside the city of Marseille. Car rentals are available there as well, and we have done that also, but had flown in from Germany, not Paris. I would opt for the train, as you will probably arrive at a different terminal at CDG from the one you will take to Marseille, and transit time between terminals there is sometimes pretty tight.

I'm not sure why people are telling you to get your checked luggage, go airside and walk to the train station if you are coming in from an overseas flight. That's one way. But, if your itinerary is all on ONE group of airlines with code share, just stay airside and fly. Luggage pickup and customs is a big nothing in Marseille. You are already at the airport to get your car.

However, if I were taking the train to your destinations, I'd go to Avignon, not Marseille.

I do both train or plane coming to Europe from the States. My husband likes catching the train at CDG to get home. However, my next trip, I have connecting flights both ways between my home airport and CDG and letting Air France schlep my stuff.

It works out about the same timewise within an hour or two.

Of the two, I preferred Bonnieux. We were only in each for a day (albeit in 2018), so I don't know about life after dark, but when we were there (August) Bonnieux was quieter and less touristy. Possibly as fallout from Peter Mayle's books, there were definitely more people in Menerbes. Bonnieux had a cute market, charming alleys, lots of characteristic houses and a few restaurants. Menerbes also had all of this, lacking the market on the day we were there, but it just seemed a little more "busy". Near Bonnieux there's an interesting little Roman bridge, Pont Julien, which was begun in 27 BC. After years centuries of floods, wars, and cars, it was finally closed to traffic in the early 2000's. It still stands as a testament to Roman engineering. You can get very close to it (no river) to really appreciate the workmanship. There's also a cedar forest near Bonnieux. If you have time, it's a beautiful, fragrant, and relaxing walk.

Thank you, everyone for your suggestions. Taking the train was one of my considerations & you’ve confirmed it. I love train travel in Europe! Also flying into Avignon is a better option than Marseille. Bonnieux sounds like the place for us. Thanks for all of the tips!