Train
The “Avignon-TGV” railway station is easily accessed by high speed trains (TGV) from Paris (2h40), Lyon (1h10), Marseille (0h30), Nice (2h50), Lille (4h10), Geneva (3h), Brussels (4h50) but also directly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (3h10) and Lyon-Saint Exupéry (1h40) international airports (airport railway stations).
The “Avignon-TGV” station is located six kilometers south of Avignon downtown where is located the Palais des Papes conference center that can be reached by a local “TER” train (few minutes plus about 15 mn walk) or by taxis (10 to 15 mn, fares about 15 €).
The closest international airport from Avignon is Marseille-Marignane, about 80 km south. Two solutions to reach Avignon from the airport: 1) take the shuttle to Marseille-Saint Charles railway station, then high speed train to Avignon; 2) rent a car (about one hour drive). However, Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Lyon-Saint Exupéry international airports are more convenient both in terms of destinations and access to Avignon (high speed train station at airports, see above).
For people coming from London or Bruxelles, another possibility is Nîmes airport server byRyanair. From Nîmes, you may reach Avignon by local train or car (~ 30min).
This is recommended for travelers flying to Paris-Charles de Gaulle. If you travel with Air France or an affiliate company, you can book a combined plane + train ticket (see this page). In the Air France online booking form, just enter "Avignon, Train station (XZN)" as your destination.
If you cannot travel with Air France, you may book a separate train ticket on
the French National Railway Company (SNCF) website. Be careful: there are two train stations in Avignon, one for regular trains (Avignon), the other for high speed trains (Avignon TGV), the latter being 6 km from downtown. From Avignon TGV, you can take a train to Avignon (few minute travel) or a taxi (about 15 €) to reach Avignon downtown. The railway station at Charles de Gaulle airport is located in terminal 2. You can get an electronic ticket: print it or have it on your smartphone to travel.
Avignon is located near highway A7 between Lyon and Marseille. Exits 23 when coming from North and 24 from the South. Exit 23 on highway A9 when coming from south-west (Barcelona, Montpellier, Nîmes). Note that the car access to Avignon downtown, and especially the vicinity of the Palais des Papes, is very limited (public pay parkings available).
Avignon, capital of the Christian world in the Middle Ages and home to an outstanding architectural heritage, lies in the heart of Provence.
There are many hotels in the centre of Avignon near the conference venue which can be viewed and booked directly via the Avignon Tourist Board : www.avignon-tourisme.com
