Getting to Provence

What airport is the closest to Vaison?

The Avignon airport is a little more than an hour's drive from Vaison. The airports at Lyon and Marseille (both with many more flights than Avignon) are approximately two hours from Vaison. Nice is about three hours away.

There are direct TGV connections from Nice, Marseille and Lyon to the Avignon TGV station. From Lyon the connection is direct from the airport. At the other two cities you must take a taxi or bus from the airport to the train station.

What train station is closest to Vaison?

Avignon is about an hour away from Vaison. Because rental car facilities are extensive and convenient at the new TGV station, when reserving, Avignon-TGV is preferable to the old station, Avignon-Centre. You may also want to consider arriving in Orange, which is closer to Vaison but has few facilities like car rental. 

Do I need a car  in Provence?

You will need transportation, so a car is highly recommended for your convenience while you are in Provence. Note that Chanteduc is a steep two-mile hike above Vaison-la-Romaine. If you choose not to rent a car,  the taxi company we work with in Vaison is friendly and reliable for transportation to and from the train station or daily trips to Chanteduc if you desire. 

Will transportation be included during the program?

Transportation is provided for any organized excursions.

How do I find train schedules and make train reservations from Paris or Nice?

Many students fly into either Paris or Nice and take the TGV (bullet train) to Avignon.   The TGV trip to Avignon is approximately 3 hours, non-stop and inexpensive (as compared with a commuter flight to Avignon). The train can be a very pleasant way to see a lovely stretch of the French countryside. We recommend that you book first class TGV tickets as the accommodations are more spacious and the price difference is not great.

The TGV schedule and tickets are available online at: http://www.raileurope.com/us/. TGV tickets can be purchased approximately 90 days before the departure date. If you order in time, RailEurope will deliver your tickets to any U.S. address. We strongly recommend a direct connection with no changes.  And if you'll be returning to Paris or other departure point, be sure you book round trip -- aller/retour in French, return in British English. Pay attention also to departure and arrival terminals -- Paris-CDG for the airport terminal, Gare de Lyon for the central station.

>>For detailed driving instructions in English click here for Michelin.co.uk