Montpellier Travel Answers

Go by train. It will be just as fast as flying. It would not be easy (maybe impossible, depending on availability) to buy tickets at the airport without a reservation, and it would cost you a lot of money: the cheapest fares are brought well in advance. I think only KLM fly Paris-Montpellier anyway (but I may be wrong: their site won't let me play). bahn.de/p/view/international... will give you train times. The direct journey is about 3.5 hours, but even with a change it would only take 4. www.sncf.com will give you times and fares, and allow you to book online if you wish. You will have to reserve a seat (on the reservation-only fast trains), although you don't have to do this online: you can do it just befor the train leaves if there is availability. Online reservation is a bit risky, as you cannot be sure that your inbound flight will not be delayed, so allow yourself plenty of time for the transfer. Buying your ticket on the spot is easy: you either use the machines (which I am sure will have an English option) or go to the ticket office. You will need to get from CDG to Paris Lyon for trains to Monpellier. aeroportsdeparis.fr/Adp/en-G...

You could visit Nimes, Carcassonne, Narbonne, Avignon, Marseilles..... look at the bahn.de site for train times/journey length and at the VT pages for info and ideas about each place. Carcassonne is well worth a visit (its castle was the inspiration for the one in Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty').

2 ways to get to Montpellier. Either you fly or take the TGV (high speed train). Flying might be tempting as it leaves from Charles de Gaulle (your arrival point) BUT takng the train is less hassle IMO, and much more interesting/relaxing. If you get late into Paris, who knows when the next available Air France flight will be for Montpellier (there are 12 flights a day but end of June will be terribly busy -although the worst will be beg. of July). Besides, presumably you will want to spend a few days in Paris on your way back, so the train will be the better option. But I'll detail the options, you'll choose. If you go onto the airfrance.us site, it'll explain, should be approx.150-$200 RTN from CdG airport, takes 1H20 minutes. If you miss your AirFrance flight through no fault of your own, AF at CdeG try to be accommodating and should put you onto the next flight at no extra cost BUT CLARIFY this with Air France USA (as I said, there are about 12 flights/day for Montpellier, last one on June 29th is at 21H35). The TGV train takes about 3H15 hours from Gare de Lyon in Paris, so GIVE IT PLENTY OF TIME (as your flight might be delayed). Cost of ticket Paris-Montpellier varies a lot like all TGV fares, starts at approx40 for a RTN, up to over200. The cheap fare is called PREMs, you get it when booked in advance (about 5 % to 10% of tickets are PREMs, so they go fast). The PREMS fares are very cheap (but work on a first come first served, and end of June is particularly busy). Basically, you book and pay online, and do your seat reservation online as well(you'll receive your reference number by email) and print out your own ticket (called "billet imprimé" by the SNCF) which you then show to the conductor on board. Or you can use the references (printed out) to collect the ticket at the station from the ticket office at the Gare de Lyon in your case. To get to Gare de Lyon from CdG, dead easy: take the AirFrance bus, it's direct (40-odd minutes to get there) airfrance.com/double6/passag... This is what I found on the net about ticketting: "The Billet Imprimé® is valid only for the person whose name it bears. Consequently, you have to indicate the surname, first name and date of birth of each passenger when creating your tickets. You print out one ticket per passenger and for each journey. Each passenger must present identification" http://www.sncf.com/en_EN/flash/ (click on the right handside: TICKETS AND TIMETABLES TGV EUROPE) CONTACT the Montpellier tourist board by email, they'll send yu tons of info and maps. Plenty to do and see near Montpellier. Post your query in the Montpellier/France site. http://www.ot-montpellier.fr/

If you are considering flying, do allow plenty of time for a) getting through immigration and collecting your bags and b) getting to onward check-in before it closes (30 minutes before departure) and getting through security. You'll have to factor in/explore transport from Montpellier airport to wherever you are staying: montpellier.aeroport.fr/laye... I can see why flying might appeal, but I'd still rather go by train because a) you see more and b)it will be cheaper.

The train always winds hands down for me as well. Just to give you an idea on prices for both if yr budget it tight. I've just been onto the sncf site (voyages-sncf.com/leisure/fr/... and it advertises a Paris-Montpellier RTN for €22 single, however I did not check it further (I find the sncf site diabolical, the font is sometimes ridiculous small) I then entered 29th June in the relevant boxes (and, at random, July 7th for the RTN), it works out at €120 for an AM dep. and an AM RTN. Air France advertises their RTN to Montpellier for €140. It looks like you've had it for the best TGV PREMs fares i was telling you about, it might be too late now to get a very cheap RTN to Montpellier via a PREMs fare, it is a particularly busy time of the year and they'll all have gone now. PREMs fares are available between 3 months and 14 days before departure, and more likely to be cheap on weekdays. But €120 RTN to Montpellier is not that bad after all.

hello an easy way to get to Montpellier from CDG airport is the train, the so called TGV (high speed train).Also you may avoid the hassle and nuisance of getting to Gare de Lyon and even taking in account the high speed, enjoy some of the scenery.I live near Avignon and always ride the TGV to and from CDG. The fact is that there is a TGV station within the airport. According to your arrival time you may: -either pick up a non stop ride directly from CDG airport to Montpellier or: - board a TGV which will take you to LYON ( gare de Part Dieu) and then board a connecting train to Montpellier have you checked with SNCF on site schedules which also gives fares cochize from Gard

cochize again coming to think of it, if you make up your mind for the TGV and if you let me know your expected arrival time at CDG I'll be able to e-mail you more detailed information about schedules and rates available (these may change according to departure time cochize

The best way to reach Montpellier is to purchase your ticket when you book your originating flight. You have the option of connecting either on the TGV or by air. The big advantage in booking through to your final destination (Montpellier) is that in the event you arrive late at CDG and miss your connection, you will be automatically rebooked on the next available train or plane. I should check with whomever sold you your CDG tickets and ask about extending your travel. In general, TGV tickets become more expensive as the supply of available seats is exhausted. The IATA code for booking tickets to Montepllier: Airport - MPL Train station - XPJ In general I prefer the train due to its ease of use but if you are already at CDG, I would probably favor travel by air.

Sarastro, your option favouring the plane is fine, and is one I put forward as an obvious solution but that's assuming that the OP does NOT wish to see Paris on the way back, which I'd find quite surprising. I'd imagine the OP would want to spend at least 48 hrs in Paris on her way back from Montpellier, in that case, no contest, the train wins hands down.

I am impressively overwhelmed with everyone's kindness and cooperation with giving me tips and advice. Thank you so much! Here are some other questions and concerns. 1. The reason for my trip is to bring my daughter (she's 18) to study at ILA (Institute Linguistique Ademet). Located in 33 Grand Rue Jean Moulin Montpellier. We arrive to Paris on June 29 around 9 am . Based on majority of everyone's suggestion, we will take the train. Please give me advice where I can go to purchase our TGV tickets from CDG? Do I need to purchase it now to secure our seats? 2. My daughter will stay at the school's assigned Foster Parents, while I will stay at a hotel in Montpellier. I have not made my hotel reservations yet. I believe her school is close to Place de la Comedie' so I will stay close to her. Please suggest a hotel? 3. My plane departs July 6 from Paris at 12 noon. I should leave Montpellier a day before or so. I don't want to take the chance to miss my plane in case there are delays. I'm open to suggestions, I don't necessary have to stay in Montpellier for 7 days. I have not seen South of France such as Nice, etc. and I'm curious to see what it's like. I've been to Paris 3 times already, and I would prefer to explore other places. Please give me suggestions as to what cities I can go on my way back to Paris? 4. July 25, my daughter completes her school. She will head back to Paris by herself on July 26. Her flight leaves at 2 pm and will take the train. I'm a little concern bec she's never been on her own. It is safe to travel in Montpellier to Paris, isn't it? Do you have any tips on what to avoid? Thanks so much! You're all very kind to take the time to respond to my questions. I now have a better picture on how to proceed. I was so lost!

That's what VT is for! You don't need to book your tickets yet, but you might want to book them online nearer to your travel date. If you do this (via the SNCF site), do allow plenty of time to get through immigration/baggage reclaim and to the station. I'd definitely visit Nimes and Carcassonne whilst you are in Montpellier, if you can. I'll leave it to others to suggest stops on the way back to Paris. And your daughter will be absolutely fine travelling back on her own: it will be an adventure, of course, but she'll be perfectly safe.

from cochize in southern France first point to take care of: the trip from CDG airport TGV station to Montpellier TGV station. TGV station within the airport is fairly well indicated 1. june 29 as all of the last week end of june ranks among the busiest days of the entire summer season (I would'not dare to say the worst). So: - it is a good thing to avoid places such as "gare de Lyon" in Paris where tens thousands over tens thousands of people, heading south, will congregate in numbers even worst that in CDG - to board a TGV you MUST have a reservation and, for all purposes, it is practically unavoidable that you buy your tickets before hand. Because of the great holiday migration over this particular week end do not wait the last two weeks to buy it.Trains that might suit you: TGV 9832 leaving CDG at 12.58 arrives Montpellier 4 hours later TGV 5008 leaving CDG at 13.54 (1.54pm) to LYON PART DIEU with connecting TGV to Montpellier (total duration: 5hours) -

from cochize again Normally 3 hours is plenty enough to get through customs, clear immigration and walk down the escalator to the TGV station. So TGV 9832 should suit you. On a normal day I would not have the faintest hesitation knowing that, should you miss your train (which is quite unlikely given the 3 hours span) you can easily get two seats on the next one. On june 29 yu must know that the next train may be be fully booked. So if you don't mind having lunch at the airport you may consider TGV 5008 approximate cost for either of them is around 270 euros for both of you As someone else told you before you may buy your tickets on line and print them with your own computer at home (to be continued)

cochize again point 2: hotel in MONTPELLLIER for a reasonably priced family hotel you may visit "hotel ibis montpellier comedie" they have an english language version. higher up the scale there is a 4 stars luxury Holiday inn nearby visit "holiday inn montpellier centre"

I think that you must book ASAP, tickets for that time are going fast. I also think that you're better off taking an Air France bus to the Gare de Lyon (€14 -site in my previous post, 45-55 minutes), and take a direct TGV instead. I don't know about you but I hate waiting and kicking my heels in airports, I'd rather be on the go, and I'd rather take a direct TGV to Montpellier (3 hours and a bit) rather than via Lyon You could take the TGV 6211 to Montpellier, leaves Paris Gare de Lyon at 13H20 arrives Montpellier 16H45 = €75.90 (for adult, I have not checked the under 26 price, if there is one at all) Return= TGV 6210, Departs Montpellier 13H15 arrives Paris Gare de Lyon 16H41 = €40 (PREMs fares, only a few left says the website) TOTAL €118.50 (there might be a reduction for your daughter, this fare is for pple aged 26-59) In my first post, I indicated what site to use and which bit of the site to click on, use the english version

First, you are lucky, Montpellier is a lovely city, hugely rejuvenated in the last 2 decades (it was NOT a very hip place 25 yrs ago!). Plenty of good hotel options, forget the soulless IBIS and co. Hotel Le Guilhem is good (not sure how much, check their website), 3 star near the old town, near the place de la Canourgue exactly (a very pretty area) Hotel du Palais is cheaper, but an excellent mid-range option IMO just off teh same square, again check their website, very pretty 17th century hotel for the price (€60/night) hoteldupalais-montpellier.fr... Or (budget but good for the ridiculous price of €25 for a single ensuite) is Hotel des Etuves, 100 metres from Place de la Comedie, hoteldesetuves.fr/default_zo... I've stayed in the past at the New Hotel du Midi on the Place de la Comédie with my wife, not budget (not outrageous either) but wonderful place, treat yourself if you're only in Montpellier for 2 days before heading to Nimes, Avignon, etc. Why not take a TGV back to Paris from Avignon? new-hotel.com/midi/en/index.... Montpellier beach is only 5 miles away (there is a bus from the station), you'll drive past lagoons with flamingos and other wildlife. Montpellier Old Town is great as well, so is the original Antigone architectural complex, a must-see (take a tram to get there, from Place de la Comédie) Take the little touristic train, a real hoot, it winds its way through the Old Town, a fun ride

let us compare what is comparable that will make things easier if you need not nor wish to kick your heels in the airport and therefore if you choose to take the first available TGV then you have two choices: 1. TGV 9832 leaves CDG: 12.58 arrives Montpellier: 16.58 2. TGV 6211 leaves gare de Lyon: 13.20 arrives Montpellier : 16.45 that means by getting to gare de lyon you save some 13 minutes. Is it worth it? that is the question. I say no and this is why: with TGV 9832: you walk some ten minutes within the airport draging your suit cases, you may use elevators, escalators or moving sidewalks to alleviate your body. If you pick up a trolley you can practically get all the way to your car. No unnecessary "stress". with TGV 6211 : you have to leave CDG by 11.40 to the very latest, you may have to take your own baggage into the bus and unload it on arrival. Allow 60 minutes for the bus ride, allow another 30 minutes to get yourself and your baggage off the bus, walk into the station, locate the right "quai", locate your car while dragging your suitcases through the crowds. Do not count on getting your hands on a trolley, being an exparisian you remenber how it is on a day like june 29. Now as to get the help of a "SNCF agent" on a day like this!! All of this may run smoothly or it may not. I am not sure it is worth taking the chance for 13 minutes saved on travel time. Now if you really prefer to be on the go, move around, hop on a bus hop off the same bus, carry your suit cases etc it's a choice... I would not recommend it to two ladies not familiar with the system and who may have luggage to carry. By the way although I endeed my professional life in Languedoc, part ot the time in an around Montpellier I also am an ex-parisian cochize

Your option (TGV 9832, departure 12H58) is undoubtedly better, I did not spot it on the sncf.com site, but if the asker can find it, then you're right this is the one to choose. I'll have a second look but the sncf website is hard work! (this website is the work of the devil I find, with their ridiculous superimposed options on top of one another and its tiny size 6 font...) However, you've got to admit that, as a Montpelliérain, you might have come up with a better otpion than a bland Ibis. Is that nutter mayor of yours still there? (Freche)

I've found it (cheapest fare €85), definitely a better option than mine. FAO the asker: you must enter Aeroport CDG 2 in the Départ box. voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_Sv...

ok I agree, as far as the family priced hotels are concerned I should have thought twice before recommending the IBIS chain of hotels, not that they are bad, dirty , poor service or anything like that but because; as you put it, they are indeed "soulless". Other hotels that you mention have more of the charme français that a visiting American lady is entitled to expect. now that n..... of ours is not mayor any more but remains president de la

de la région Languedoc Roussillon.he is still known for his freedom of speech

Montpellier has 80,000 students and is the location of many conferences. It is worthwhile checking the conference sites, as they give good info in English. The International European Conference on Computing and Philosophy (ECAP) 2008 takes place in June. No idea whazt it is about, but their website has loads of travel info : lirmm.fr/ecap08/accommodatio... ! Peter

Hi ! From Paris to Montpellier, I prefer now the train because it goes from center town to center town directly, within only 3h30 to 4 hours by TGV. The first class on TGV is more confortable and with more space and not so expensive. You can by on the WebSite of the "SNCF VOYAGE". Most airplanes to Montpellier take off from ORLY OUEST airport and not from CDG airport. Keep a good time by security to go between the both airports, at least 3 hours. There are small bus or taxis between. I think you can find on the Website AIR FRANCE for the day you are planning. Of course it's better and I think in my case I would take a reservation. Tickets for the tram in Montpellier is taken directly at the stops. Which city to visit : Saint-Guilhem le Desert, Pezenas. You will find CDG very small in comparaison from SF airport ! Best regards,