I will be in France for 2 weeks this July.
I will be traveling with my tenage daughter.
We will start our trip in Paris then to Avignon then to the Loire Valley and back to Paris.
We want to take the TVG from Paris to Avignon and then from Avignon to the Loire Valley.
In Paris we will be staying near the Eiffel Tower.
Questions:
1) Which train station in Paris should we use ot ge the TVG to Avignon?
2) What is the route from Avignon to the Loire Valley?
3) I have read some comments about travelers not feeling safe in Avignon. Should I be concerned? We will be in Avignon during the theatre festival. Our plan ws to use Avignon as our home base while exploring Provence. We had originally wanted to stay in Arles but could not get lodging.
Thank you – any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
kmaireÂ
1
Comment On Paris and Avignon
SalB
We drive so I can't help you on the trains. Assuming there is a train station in Tours (and I'm nearly positive there is), you may want to make Tours your base for the Loire Valley since it is central to so many chateaus. The only chateau I think you can visit by train is Chenonceau. You may want to contact the Tourist Office in Tours for chateau tours. Tours is a university town and lots of fun.
 Nearby recommendations are chateaus at Chenonceau, Amboise, Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau. There are dozens more chateaus if you have the time.
We've been to Avignon many times, both in and out of season and have never felt even remotely unsafe. During the theater festival, it is a very bustling city. During summer tourist season it is very busy. Off season many tourist shops close and it's much quieter but still feels very safe. We've walked all over town and taken buses and never had any problems. There is a really fun covered market a few blocks from the Palace of the Popes.
Another fun thing to do is face the Palace of the Popes and then look to your left. There is a wide walkway up a small hillside. Go up the walk and you come to an open veranda with views forever over the famous bridge and the mountains in the distance. There is a fortress on a hill opposite. It's spectacular. While up there, enjoy the lovely park. In summer there is a concession stand and lots to do.
Enjoy your trip.