My husband and I are trying to plan out our route. We are leaving Barcelona on June 30th and don't have to be in Paris until July 4th. We were thinking of taking the train from Barcelona to Montpellier and renting a car. Then maybe staying in Avignon for a couple of days and touring around Avignon. But, then what? What are some "must see" cities we should hit on our way from Avignon to Paris?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
You're worrying about something that doesn't exist. You could use up that whole time just getting from the border to Avignon. Five times that wouldn't let you cover what's within fifty miles of Avignon. If you won't need the car in/after Paris, I'd ditch it and take the train north from Avignon instead of making the eight hour drive. Also, you might want to think about starting this project at Perpignan rather than Montpellier.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
Take the train to Avignon and rent your car there. Tour Provence for a few days and return your car at the train station and take the high speed train to Paris. Don't miss the Pont du Gard, it's incredible.
Posted by
Chevy Chase, MD, US
18 posts
agree with what others said about spending time in/near Avignon and then taking the TGV to Paris. It would be great to find a way to see Carcassone if you haven't already been. It is not too far from Montpellier and worth the detour if you have time. That said, my favorite places to visit in that part of Provence are: Pont du Gard, Les Baux, Central Arles (Place du Forum) and the Arles amphitheatre. We prefer to stay in Arles vs. Avignon.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
I have to echo what Ed and Richard have suggested. Use the hi-speed trains, and pick up a rental car when you get to Avignon. The rental car agencies are less than 1/4 mile from the Avignon rail station.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Be aware that Avignon has two train stations: Avignon-Centre and Avignon-TGV. I've seen tourists go to the wrong one and miss their train. At the TGV station, the rental car agencies are right there behind the station. I agree with the other posters that the TGV (hi-speed) train is the best way back to Paris from Avignon. You won't need or want a car in Paris.
Posted by
naches, wa, usa
182 posts
train. convenient, fast, and no worries. have fun, be safe.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1825 posts
Sorry PHB, Having been to Carcasone I would suggest skipping it. It felt like a big Renaissance fair with plastic swords and dragons for sale everywhere. The Pont du Gard is incredible though and the locals use it like going to the beach.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
This doesn't really answer your original question which was what to see between Avignon and Paris, but here are some places from the southwest to Avignon: Albi, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Gaillac, Revel, Montpellier, Arles, Nimes, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Beaucaire. Hope this gets you started. And indeed, ditch the car in Avignon and go north by train. However, if you really want to drive there's: Lyon, Beaune, Dijon, Auxerre, Sens, Fontainebleau and the chateau Vaux le Vicomte.