tvg from Paris to Nice

Bonjour all, we are planning a three day trip to Paris ( in summertime) and then heading to Nice for about 5 -6 days. My husband wants to take the tvg as he thinks it will be a nice way to %26quot;see the countryside%26quot; and it wouldn%26#39;t take too much more time than going the whole airport/flying route. However, I think I would prefer to fly, and just get there. We will be traveling with our two kids ages 14 and 11. Any opinions?

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I would recommend train + if you book it early enough you can get really nice price (cheaper than airplane).

Here some guide on budget train travel in France - europetrainsguide.com/200907168/Countries/Fr…

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My wife, teenage daughter and I took the TGV from Paris to Nice last summer and enjoyed it.

If you do, get seats on the right hand side of the train... better views especially along the Mediterranean coast. Some trains have an upper level so that%26#39;s an even better spot.

Take a picnic lunch with you as the food isn%26#39;t up to much. We were in first class as the tickets were only a couple of euros more than 2nd.

Is it %26#39;better%26#39; than flying? I think so. Here%26#39;s why:

- you depart from the Gare de Lyon which is in downtown Paris, quick and easy to get to by cab or metro and you only need to be there 20 minutes before departure. Earlier won%26#39;t be any use as the train platforms are not posted until 20 minutes beforehand

- you arrive Nice Ville which is right in downtown Nice

- total trip time is about 5 and a half hours... the train slows down along the coast due to old tracks.

Flying?

- First you have to schlep all the way out to Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport. An hour at least plus 30-40 euros by public transport. Airports are generally no fun. Especially CDG. Train stations are full of trains young kids might find cool plus you can look at the Train Bleu restaurant at Gare de Lyon!

- you%26#39;ll need to be there 2 hours before your flight and endure crowds and security

- you land at Nice airport... close as city airports go but still need to cab or bus into town at more expense.

- luggage allowance on budget airlines can be very limited meaning you might incur extra charges. If you check bags you will have to stand and wait at the carousel.

- you children will already have been on a transatlantic flight... have they ever been on a train that goes 300 kilometers per hour?

So when I weighed things up, the train won hands down. The only other factor is price. To get the cheapest train fares you need to book ahead. Our tickets were booked only a couple of weeks in advance and if I recall it was under $150 for the 3 of us.

Whatever you decide have a great time!

Rob

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I think you are right parisamsterdam2007. You know, about 25 years ago my parents took my little brother (I was in college) on a European jaunt and took trains all over the place. They would get first class and be served lunch with tablecloths, etc...I think those days are gone but the train still be less of a headache and more relaxing. Thanks for your tips!

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You%26#39;re welcome. Yes, times have changed!

I think you hit the nail on the head using the word %26quot;relaxing%26quot;... in this case it really is.

Rob

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ParisA is right. Avoid the hassle of airports, security, bad weather, and myriad unforeseen delays - take the train.

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I actually looked up TGV fares from Paris to Nice for my friend...I saw one for 30 euros, first class. Book soon if you can!

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I agree with your husband. The TGV goes on its own track from the outskrts of Paris to the edge of Marseille. This avoids going through towns so it is countryside all the way - the woods and farmlands of the Ile de France, the hills of Burgundy and then the Rhone Valley with distant mountains on either side. After it comes to the %26quot;ordinary line%26quot; it becomes more built up but still passes through areas of countryside and with views of the coast. OK, it takes about half a day but flyng takes very little less when everything is taken into acount.

The following website gives independent but authoritative information on long distance rail travel - www.seat61.com

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Thanks everyone! I told my husband everyone on TA agrees with him and you should see him gloat!! We are training it. LOL

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Railtraveler65, just went on the link you sent me and wanted to thank you. It provides such a lot of details...pictures of the trains, seating configurations etc...It has really helped me visualize what to expect...thanks again.