According to forum posts, France offers various train services including TGV Inoui, Ouigo, Intercités, and TER. TGV Inoui and Intercités provide amenities like luggage and seat assignments, while Ouigo is a budget service with additional costs for extras. TER regional trains do not require booking in advance and are ideal for spontaneous travel.

Some travelers have highlighted the usefulness of the SNCF Connect app for managing train travel. This app provides timetables, ticket purchasing, and stores your QR code ticket. Travelers are advised to book high-speed and long-distance trains early to secure the best prices, as costs can increase closer to the travel date.

For many users, trains are a preferred method of traveling between major cities and regions due to their speed and convenience. However, accessing rural or remote areas typically requires a car as train connectivity may be limited.

Some travelers mentioned that driving a motorhome in France can be challenging due to narrow roads, particularly in areas like Luberon. They advised being cautious of the vehicle size, as larger motorhomes might face difficulties in smaller towns and on rural roads.

According to forum posts, travelers have options to stay at Aires or proper campsites. Aires are simpler and often cheaper, but campsites may offer more amenities such as electric hook-ups and water facilities. It’s suggested to use services like Park4night and CamperContact to locate suitable stopping places.

Travelers need to ensure they have the appropriate driving license for the motorhome's size, such as a C1 or C license if the vehicle is over a certain size. This is crucial for legal and safety reasons.

Experienced motorhome travelers have recommended a flexible approach to route planning. They often find unplanned stops and detours lead to discovering charming locations and less crowded spots, enhancing the travel experience.

Travelers also advised considering the time of year for the trip, as some routes and Aires might be busier or have different accessibility in peak tourist seasons versus off-peak times.

Some travelers recommended a 2-3 day itinerary from Brussels to Paris, suggesting stops at UNESCO sites like the Cathedrals of Amiens and Reims, with possible train changes in Lille. For those looking for a detailed short-term visit, there was a suggestion for a 5-day car trip from Paris to Normandy and the Loire Valley, hitting major attractions like Mont Saint-Michel, the Normandy War Cemetery, and several châteaux.

For longer stays, a 2-week itinerary from Paris to Nice was discussed, with recommendations to visit central and southern France, focusing on areas within a few hours of Nice. Another itinerary suggested for a 10-12 day solo trip focused on food and wine included stops in Bordeaux, Dordogne, Lyon, and possibly Burgundy, with advice on prioritizing regions based on train connectivity.

A family-oriented itinerary from Calais through the Loire Valley to La Rochelle or Île de Ré was proposed, aiming for no more than four stops with each lasting at least three nights, suitable for children aged 4 to 9.

According to forum posts, Paris hosts several major train stations, each serving different regions and purposes. Gare de L'Est is mentioned for trips to Reims, Gare St-Lazare serves as the starting point for excursions to Giverny, and Gare Montparnasse is recommended for traveling to the Loire Valley. Gare du Nord is highlighted for journeys to Amiens.

Travelers have noted that while these stations are spread across the city, the comprehensive public transport network, including the metro and RER, ensures easy access from anywhere in central Paris. This network facilitates smooth travel to any of these main train stations, making it convenient for tourists to navigate the city and reach their desired train departure points efficiently.

According to forum posts, Southern France offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical sites like Avignon, known for its Papal Palace, to natural wonders such as the Gorges du Verdon. Travelers have called out the beautiful, less crowded beaches of the Îles d'Hyères and the scenic landscapes of the Eastern Pyrenees.

Some travelers said that the region is ideal for various activities, including hiking, climbing, and kayaking, particularly around the Gorges du Verdon. For wine enthusiasts, the area offers numerous vineyards to visit, providing an authentic taste of French culture and scenery.

For many users, cities like Nice and Montpellier are highlights due to their vibrant atmospheres and rich cultural offerings. Nice is particularly noted for its lovely Promenade, Old Town, and several museums, making it a perfect base for further explorations along the Côte d'Azur.

According to forum posts, travelers can take the RER B train directly from CDG to Paris, with a fare just over €10, which includes transfers to other RER or metro lines within Paris. Additionally, the Roissybus offers a direct connection from CDG to Paris, operating from 5:15 am to 0:30 am, with buses departing every 15 to 20 minutes; the journey takes 60 to 75 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at various points, including metro stations.

Some travelers have noted that for those aiming for cost efficiency, taking the free CDGval shuttle to Terminal 3 and then bus 350 towards Porte de la Chapelle, followed by metro line 12, can be a cheaper but longer option. This requires at least two t+ tickets costing around €1.90 each.

For visitors staying longer, it has been suggested to consider the Navigo Decouverte pass, which covers all travels in the Ile-de-France region, including the trip from the airport, for a flat fee, providing a cost-effective solution for extensive travel needs during the week.

According to forum posts, Avignon is well-known as an excellent base for traveling around Provence without a car. It offers extensive train and bus connections to nearby cities such as Marseille, Arles, and Nîmes. Bus lines like #707 to St. Remy and #115 to Pont du Gard enhance connectivity to lesser-served areas.

Some travelers mentioned specific bus services for travel within Provence. For instance, the #15 bus connects Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, providing access to coastal walks and historic sites. Additionally, the #82 or #602 bus from Nice to Eze facilitates visits to the medieval village of Eze and its exotic garden.

Trains are highlighted as a reliable option for traveling between major towns in Provence. Users have pointed out that Avignon serves as a central hub where one can easily catch trains to various destinations across the region, making it an efficient point for exploring Provence.

For those interested in exploring multiple sites flexibly, renting a car was suggested. This option allows travelers to visit multiple small towns and rural areas that are not as accessible by public transport.

When transferring at CDG Airport, travelers on a single ticket typically do not need to go through customs or pick up their luggage until their final destination. For airside transfers, look for signs saying Correspondances and avoid exiting to Sortie or baggage claim areas. Travelers with separate tickets must collect their luggage, pass through customs and check in their bags again for their onward flight.

During the transfer, passengers will go through passport control where their passports will be stamped into the Schengen Area. Additionally, security checks are mandatory for all passengers, even if they remain airside. This includes a special security checkpoint for transfer passengers, ensuring they do not need to exit and re-enter the secure area.

According to forum posts, the recommended minimum connection time between flights at CDG ranges from 1 hour and 15 minutes for tight but feasible connections, to 4 hours or more when tickets are booked separately to mitigate the risk of missing subsequent flights. For international flights, particularly to the U.S., arriving three hours before the flight is advised for check-in and security processes.