Traveling between cities in southern France

To get from Ménerbes to Toulouse, you must either go to Arles train station and take a direct train to Toulouse (journey time approximately 3 hours).

Or go to Avignon train station. From there, it's approximately a 4-hour train journey with a connection in Nîmes or Narbonne, depending on the train.

A car is completely unnecessary in Toulouse, and even a major disadvantage.

Yes, you can take a train but expect two connections per trip: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/.

I'd probably rent the car in Annecy (maybe as you leave) then drive to Menerbes and to Toulouse, but drop the car when you get there. I didn't need a car when in Annecy.

Hi All, thank you for the info. I did a preliminary search for train tickets and they seem to be expensive. Renting a car, even with the added expense of dropping off in a different city than pick up, seems to be cheaper for 6 people. Does this seem right?

Renting a car will be cheaper for 6, however, a 7-seater might not have enough luggage space so I would aim for a 9-seater, i.e. a small van. They handle well. They are a bit wide for the tiny roads of the Luberon, but it is manageable.

Ménerbes is a remote village in the middle of nowhere, so it's not possible to get there by train anyway.

You must go to the Avignon bus station and take bus line 917 (Avignon→Apt) then get off at the village of Les Beaumettes and walk for 3 km.

Or go to the Cavaillon bus station, take bus line 918 (Cavaillon→Apt) and get off at the stop opposite the Ménerbes school.

There are only two buses per day (no buses on Sundays).

With a rental car, you'll have a hard time finding a vehicle for 6 people plus luggage (minivan) to pick up in Annecy and return to Toulouse.