I’ve been planning a lot of river cruises for my clients lately. And France has really been of interest.
Provence has long been an exciting spot to visit. But with all the airline upheaval, route consolidations, and schedule changes; getting to the spots that river cruises will visit in the south of France is not the easiest if you want to fly. At least if you’re flying out of an “international” airport like I do, in Ottawa. We have to connect to fly anywhere. I can’t wait for the Air France direct flight from Ottawa to Paris to start later in June https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/transatlantic-flights-return-to-ottawa-airport-with-paris-flight-1.6257086 .)
So, if you want to limit flights and connections, and are travelling with carry ons especially, why not fly in and out of Paris, and take the France train system to Lyon or Arles.
You’ll have to leave a little more time in each spot, but what’s so terrible about visiting Lyon, the home of French gastronomy, or Arles in Provence.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A9nie_Brazier
https://www.secondshistory.com/home/2019/8/27/eugenie-brazier
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Bocuse
https://www.finedininglovers.com/article/paul-bocuse-legendary-chef
https://cluboenologique.com/story/la-maison-troisgros-the-birthplace-of-nouvelle-cuisine/
This is a great overview of the France train system.
https://www.ouiinfrance.com/train-travel-in-france-where-to-buy-tickets
Check out the picture above from OuiFrance, who advise here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=685232823609805&set=a.116731690459924
“When taking the TGV, always look for a sign like this on the platform that shows you where each numbered car will stop. The red dot is where you currently are. Seats are assigned by car — voiture — and because trains are long, it pays to quickly check where your seat is so you can head to that section of the platform in advance. That way, when the train stops, you’re in the right place.”
So, fly into Paris, and connect to the Paris train station in Charles de Gaulle https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/access/paris-charles-de-gaulle/train