TRAVELING IN FRANCE

Certainly not the overnight train when you can take a three hour TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille and then go on to wherever it is you want to go in the south. Flying can be cheaper, though. Driving is longer. I break it up into two days. Check the Viamichelin to see exactly how much time and the cost in fuel and tolls from wherever you are starting to wherever it is you want to go. Is four days enough? It's better than none, one, two, three, or four. I could spend months and months.

norman, Could you elaborate a bit on where you'd like to visit in the south of France? With only four days to spend, I wouldn't recommend driving as it will take longer and will NOT be the most efficient use of your limited travel time. One city you might consider is Nice. It's a beautiful city and while there you could also take a day trip to Monaco and Monte Carlo. The best travel method (IMO) would be TGV from Paris Lyon to Nice Ville. Travel time if a direct train is used is ~5H:39M; I didn't check the fare. Travel during the day is preferable as you'll be able to see some great scenery. Four days should be adequate, depending on what you want to see? Happy travels!

Take the train. It's quicker and don't take a night train, as you miss the scenery. You want to do two things when getting from the north of France to the south - see the country and save time. You certainly can see the country while driving, but unless that is what you ONLY want to do, save time to do that once you arrive where you are going. The train just takes less time.

Four days is enough for a nice introduction to Provence, which is a good choice in "the south" because of its fast rail connection to Paris. In my view an ideal way to spend the time would be to set up in a small city like Arles or Nimes, or a small town like St Remy, with a car, and tour about. Arrange to either fly home from (1) Marseilles or (2) Paris, catching one of the direct trains from Avignon to Charles deGaulle. That way you can maximize your time there. Provence is a very accessible, friendly and beautiful part of France!

TGV Paris - Avignon 2.5 hours. Stay a couple of nights to see the city and tour Pont du Gard, Uzes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas or wherever depending upon your interests. The Luberon is only an hour from Avignon - Gordes, Bonnieux...