We are flying into CDG from USA. Our final destination is Menerbes in the Luberon Valley. We are considering taking the train from CDG to Avignon and picking up a car there. Is the train station conveniently located at CDG? What train goes from CDG to Avignon? Would you suggest another mode of transportation from CDG to the greater Luberon Valley area? Thank you.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
You can book most French trains 90 days in advance of travel - if you try earlier than that you can see times but not buy tickets. If you buy early there are some very cheap fares online, but they are strictly limited to specific trains and if you miss the train you will have to buy a new full-fare ticket. Hence it is a bit of a gamble immediately after a transatlantic flight.
If there is no direct train to Avignon at the time you need, there will be more trains available from Gare de Lyon in central Paris. Air France operates a direct bus to Gare de Lyon from Charles de Gaulle (not just for Air France air passengers), which is probably the easiest route. The rail websites may offer you tickets for routes travelling into central Paris by RER train and leaving from Gare de Lyon, so make sure you pick a direct train if possible.
If you are having problems buying tickets from voyage-SNCF, try www.capitainetrain.com
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
There are two train stations at CdG Terminal 2, and you want the TGV station run by SNCF rather than the regional RER commuter trains. It's an easy and amazingly fast journey to Avignon, where you arrive at a station on the edge of town rather than at the old station in the centre. Car rental agencies are at the station where you dismount. However, if you are staying overnight in Avignon, a car will be a headache. There is a shuttle train that quickly connects the two stations for access to the old walled part of the city.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
It looks as though there are several direct trains from deGaulle to Avignon with no stop in Paris. Otherwise you must take the RER or other transit into Paris and take the train from Gare Lyon.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
If you book early enough to get the cheapest “Prems” rate TGV tickets through SNCF, then you can pay with PayPal, which works best. The site does not tend to work with many US credit cards, unless you have an extra level of security set up. See also Rick’s France rail travel page.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
I was pleasantly surprised at how well things are laid out at CDG. Buses, RER, airport hotels, all connected by the CDGVAL peoplemover which really hauls butt. Inside the terminals at security, well that's another matter .....
TGV rules, it's the only way to fly (on the ground). On the Dijon to Paris leg the incar speedo proudly displayed 300 KPH (about 200 MPH). And if you're in first, there's a good chance you will get a meal delivered to your seat (like the airlines used to do).