Rail station transfers in Paris

Hi sandpull,

You are not really describing a "transfer" in Paris, but rather a trip across the city to another train station to catch another train.

I think you can do that in 51 minutes, but unless you want to stop in Paris for lunch (and take a later train to Rennes), I personally would choose the transfer at Marne la Valle. Unless you have mobility issues that should be plenty of time.

I wouldn't book that because train ride is too long.
I would take the train to Marseille and fly direct from there to Rennes

I would take a cab from Gare Lyon to Montparnasse. It's barely a 10 minute drive.

I don't know how long the queue for taxis would be at Gare Lyon, but if you are in first class on the TGV from Avignon to Paris, you can pre-book a cab on the train. That's one more way to ease the stress a bit.

We will be first class on TGV so this is a good option, too. Is there an to download an app or call? Thank you and the others also P

Here are 3 train connections that don't follow either of those routes. Check them again for your travel dates.

Avignon Centre
Fr, 20.04.18, dep 10:19, TER 17704 Direction: Lyon Part Dieu, 2nd class only

Lyon Part Dieu
Fr, 20.04.18
arr 12:40

Transfer time 50 min.

Lyon Part Dieu
Fr, 20.04.18, dep 13:30, TGV 5356
Direction: Rennes, Subject to compulsory reservation

Rennes
Fr, 20.04.18
arr 17:17

OR

Avignon Centre
Fr, 20.04.18
dep 14:43, TER79614, Direction: Avignon TGV, 2nd class only

Avignon TGV
Fr, 20.04.18
arr 14:49

Transfer time 32 min.

Avignon TGV
Fr, 20.04.18
dep 15:21

TGV 5375, Direction: Rennes, Subject to compulsory reservation

Rennes
Fr, 20.04.18
arr 20:23

OR

Avignon Centre
Fr, 20.04.18
dep 15:38, TER86989, Direction: Port Bou , 2nd class only

Nîmes
Fr, 20.04.18
arr 16:09

Transfer time 50 min.

Nîmes
Fr, 20.04.18
dep 16:59, TGV 5383, Direction: Rennes, Subject to compulsory reservation

Rennes
Fr, 20.04.18
arr 22:19

Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it. Only reserve the legs that require it.

Traveling 1st class on the TGV on a long ride is worth it. In 2011 I did a 5 hr ride from Paris on the TGV 1st class.

The 51 mins you have is sufficient time. Just don't dilly-dally. I've transferred at both Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse.

Well the first one (Marne la Vallée) only involves walking to another track in the same station. The second one involves leaving the train station, getting across town, entering another train station, and finding your new track. I know which one I'd pick.

Marne la Valle-Chessy— hands down. As Kim said, it’s a small, new, easy to handle station right at the Disney park. I’ve passed through there on the Rennes to Strasbourg TGV. That’s a good option. I have a feeling that people telling you to go all the way into Paris and then cross the city between stations, aren’t familiar with this station. You’ll head west toward Rennes south of the city, missing Paris.

the other is Avignon to Gare Lyon, transfer to Gare Montparnasse in 51
minutes. Both options seem tight and nerve-wracking

Yes, this IS tight and nerve-wracking. You also are NOT transferring. You are changing stations. Follow Laura's advice and avoid this type of travel.

An attendant on board will ask you if you want a cab at the station.

Full disclosure - This was our experience in 2015.

Agree. Two of Laura’s itineraries are very good, the ones using TGV5375 or 5383.