TGV train from Charles de Gaulle to Avignon Tgv direct

Not sure where you are looking but try the French National Rail site (http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-ticket/result?hid=19NX), I see 4 trains a day direct from CDG to Avignon TGV station. I used a sample date of April 14 - you can only search for dates within 90 days so if you're looking for dates after April 15, they won't show up on there yet.

Thanks, Nancy. We are arriving on Sat. April 11 at about 9:15. Unfortunately the two trains that day leave on that day are at 9:58 and 4:58. I don't think we can take a chance on the 9:58 train, and 4:58 is too late for us since we will need to travel by car in Avignon on unfamilar roads. So I think we will stay over one night in Paris and travel from Gare de Lyon on Sunday.

Tom, that sounds like a good plan. Sorry those train times don't work for you.

The other option is the 11:58 departure from CDG that connects in the city of Lyon at Part Dieu station, which is simpler than connecting in Paris. Note that any advance discount tickets are not refundable or changeable if you miss the train, so staying overnight in Paris gives you a more comfortable cushion of time.

Too bad that the direct train from the airport to Avignon looks difficult. However, since you propose going into the city anyhow, why not take the commuter trains to Gare de Lyon rather than a hotel. The direct TGVs from Gare de Lyon run very frequently and the ride takes less than three hours. You might shoot for the 12:34 p.m. train which would put you at the Avignon TGV station in mid-afternoon, or the next train two hours later which would give lots of time for a nice lunch at Gare de Lyon. There are car rental agencies at the Avignon TGV station too. And that TGV route offers the deep-discount idTGV seats.
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ can explain the CdG-Gare de Lyon connection.