Paris to Aix-in-Provence by train

On the high-speed French rail system, the motto is buy early, save money. For instance, I checked a date later in March on your route and found tickets ranging from 73€ to twice as much. In early May, the same ride could cost 40€. Like Europe's budget airlines, ticket prices rise as the train fills up. Buying early also gives you a better choice of seat, which must be reserved on most of the high-speed trains. Prices also vary according to the time of day and how much flexibility you require. See for yourself at www.sncf.com if you speak French or www.tgv-europe.com
Some tickets can be printed out beforehand; for others you take the printed receipt to any SNCF station or boutique where the agent will help you. There are other intricacies, since SNCF, the state rail company, has put a lot of effort into Internet sales. There are differences between regional and national networks and some far-in-advance bargains. Read up at www.seat61.com, the font of all railroading knowledge, or a simpler guide to the French system at www.parisbytrain . And Rick Steves has lots to say too.

Southam, thanks for the good info. We'll decide what time we want to leave Paris and buy tickets soon.

Go to www.seat61.com and take his advice on when and how to buy tickets. We booked at 90 days prior to travel Paris to Monaco, through Aix, and got 1st class tickets for less than second class bought a month in advance. Be sure and tell your credit card company you are buying French rail tickets prior to purchase or your card won't work. We always use 1st class when a rail trip is over 4-5 hours. Heed the advice about avoiding RailEurope to buy tickets or you will overpay. Don't hesitate much longer or the cheaper tickets will be long gone.

Ok, done! two tickets for 40e each on TGV-Europe website (on RailEurope they were 63e). But only option was: You have chosen: Collection from an Automatic Ticket Machine The bank card used for payment must be valid at the time of withdrawal, the PIN number will be requested.
NB: Virtual cards and cards without Chip and PIN cannot be used for withdrawals at ticket machines. Hopefully I can bring printout of receipt to ticket window to collect tickets??! Since the Visa I used doesn't provide cards with a chip.

Other downside to the Travelex card, as described elsewhere on this Helpline, are the very high fees and rates.

Thanks again to all for all the info and comments. I will bring a printout of my receipt and do the ticket window thing. Also I found out re: chip & pin credit cards - I called the customer service for my citicard American Airlines MC and they are going to send me a replacement card that has the chip & PIN technology. Unfortunately, that is not the card I used to buy the train ticket (because I am cheap and used my other card with no foreign transaction fees).

Hi Jan, If you find you can only pick up your tickets through the machine, I found out through tripadvisor that you can purchase a prepaid chip and pin debit card that can be used for train/metro machines, velib bike rentals, etc... where chip and pin are required. http://www.travelex.com/US/Products/Cash-Passport/. Downside 250 euro minimum.
Christy

Hi Jan. Just bring the card you used and pick your tix up at any train station window or sncf ticket booth when you get to Paris. Enjoy your trip!