Best departure station for TGV from Paris to Nice in June.

Hi Marilyn. The trains between Paris and Nice use the Paris Gare de Lyon station. No, don't go to CDG on return; CDG is a long way out of town. Within Paris, it is easy to get anywhere via the metro or cab. To make your trip and planning more enjoyable, I'd suggest buying the Rick Steves France book - it will answer these questions and hundreds more. Enjoy your trip!

Thank you! Somehow I thought TGV ran to/fr Nice out of CDG. This helps now for other decisions. Oh, I do have another post/question regarding using iDTGV.com instead of the other SNCF websites. It seems to offer a whole lot easier process than the hullabaloo of online ticket purchasing claiming country of origin Antarctica just to get a better price!
Have you heard about this site?

Marilyn, For specific details on TGV departure stations, times and other details, use the bahn.de website. As the previous reply mentioned, you'll likely be departing from Gare de Lyon, with arrival at Nice Ville. I'd recommend using a direct train, as that will provide the shortest travel times (~5H:40M) and no changes to interrupt the trip. I've never tried, but others here have suggested buying tickets on the SNCF website, but choosing the U.K. as your "home country". That will hopefully prevent your purchase from being redirected to the Rail Europe website. If you don't mind waiting until you arrive in Paris, you could easily visit one of the many SNCF BOUTIQUES a few days before you'll be travelling to Nice, and buy your tickets there. Happy travels!

There are trains from Nice to CDG, but there's no reason to go there unless you're flying out immediately.

Ok, thanks to everyone! Don't know what we'd do without all your personal advice!

Marilyn I booked and used idTGV tickets for Paris to Nice for last July. Booked well in advance and got my first class tickets for 40 euros!!! (others we talked to on train had spent 200 euros! for booking 3 weeks in advance!) I found the booking process simple, but the idTGV site did reject my CC a few times , so was a bit of hassle.. but worth it. Its confusing but TGV and idTGV are actually same trains!! They offer Zen or Zap car, basically noisey kid filled cars for Zap, or quieter cars for Zen. We chose Zen and quite liked it, we could still chat, have our picnic but no crying babies or children running up and down aisles, there were children in the car, but they were sitting quietly .

Paris-Nice: There are two TGVs/day that have iDTGV cars. Departures are at 07:45 and 16:49. Booked as far in advance as possible (up to 120 days) will get you a fare as low as €36. Nice-Paris: There are two TGVs/day that have iDTGV cars. Departures are at 07:31 and 17:34. Same fare possibilities. For other departure times you'll need to take a regular TGV. If you book ASAP (up to three months allowed), you can get a Prem's fare as low as €43.

Finally...an explanation! The idTGV just has it's own individual cars on the line with the regulars. It would appear they have their own train numbers though. And Bonus!!! No kids, no babies, no screaming...at least not from the kids. Thanks everyone!

We booked first class tickets, Paris to Monte Carlo (through Nice) 120 days in advance of travel for around $40 each round trip. We selected the upper level on the right side of the train to view the Mediterranean along the coast. It was a fabulous ride and we picnicked on sandwiches and a bottle of wine along the route. I think I read recently that the Hilton Arc de Triomphe is no longer a Hilton. Better check and make sure since the article said it had been sold but maybe the new owners haven't taken possession yet or maybe they are honoring Hilton reservations. I just read that on August 21 French courts allowed another company to fire the Hilton management and to rebrand the hotel under new French ownership. I think the hotel now is named L'Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe.

You're right! The Hilton no longer owns it. We are, however, booked through Tauck Tours for river cruising down the Rhone, so we are ensured arrangements. They just have not sent out announcements regarding that yet. The heads-up was useful to eliminate the inevitable heart attack until it was cleared! Also, thanks for the Right side-of-the-train idea, and since iDTGV only offers 1 set facing seats with table per car, which is on the Left, we'll forego the table for the Right side view. The detail you all offer advice is exemplary! Thanks to all! Marilyn