Travel to Avignon
Avignon is located in the southern region of France and can be accessed by train from most major cities in the country, or car. The city itself is relatively small and easily walkable for most activities. Renting a car is only necessary for those traveling into Avignon by car or for those wishing to explore outside of the city limits.
Flying into France
While there are many options for flying into France, below is an overview of the major airport locations with accessibility to Avignon. Important to note: your passport needs to be valid at least three months beyond your planned departure date (e.g. if you are entering France on Sep. 5, 2026, your passport needs to be valid through Dec. 5, 2026)
Tip: use Google flight tracker to notify you via email of price drops for your specific date and route.
Paris
Flying into Paris will likely be the most economical option as it offers the most number of international flights due to the size and popularity of the city. CDG is the primary airport for international flights while ORY offers limited availability.
Marseille
Marseille (MRS) is the closest major airport to Avignon, but most flights from the U.S. will have at least one layover. From our experience, the city, while historic, is best used for travel purposes only; we would not recommend spending much time there otherwise.
Nice
Nice (NCE) is the furthest major airport from Avignon, but offers guests a good option if they plan on spending additional time in the French Riviera. Similarly to Marseille, most flights from the U.S. will have at least one stop.
Getting to Avignon by Train
The trains in France are a very pleasant and convenient way of traveling to and from Avignon. We recommend booking trains in advance rather than booking the day of as seats will fill up and prices will increase similarly to a flight.
Buying Tickets: tickets can be purchased online (through SNCF or EU Trainline) or in person (at a digital kiosk or ticket counter).
Tip: some train stations can be large and difficult to navigate for the first time - save time by showing a station attendant your ticket and asking which platform your train departs from.
From Paris to Avignon
Departure & Arrival Stations: Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV
Duration: ~2h40
Train Type: TGV (high-speed)
From Marseille to Avignon
Departure & Arrival Stations: Marseille Saint-Charles to Avignon Centre or Avignon TGV
Duration: ~35 minutes (TGV), ~1h10 (TER)
Train Type: TGV (high-speed) or TER (regional)
From Nice to Avignon
Departure & Arrival Stations: Nice-Ville to Avignon TGV
Duration: ~3h
Train Type: TGV (high-speed)
Getting to Avignon by Car
Traveling through France via car is an incredible way to see the countryside. Be aware that most major highways in France are toll roads and speed is monitored by camera (we learned the hard way).
Tip: road signs in France are fairly intuitive, but in case you need the basics, this page will be sufficient.
From Paris to Avignon
Distance: 430 miles
Duration: ~7h
From Marseille to Avignon
Distance: 62 miles
Duration: ~1h15
From Nice to Avignon
Distance: 160 miles
Duration: ~3h
Travel to the Chateau
Shuttles will be provided on Saturday for the wedding and Sunday for the farewell brunch.
Day of the Wedding
Shuttles will depart from TBD at TBD to bring guests to the chateau. For those arranging their own transportation, please plan to arrive at Château Martinay by 4:00 PM, as the ceremony will begin promptly at 4:30 PM. Return shuttles to Avignon will begin at TBD and will run every TBD until TBD.
Sunday Poolside Farewell
For brunch the following day, shuttles will depart from TBD at TBD to bring guests to the chateau. For those arranging their own transportation, feel free to arrive at your leisure but be aware that brunch will conclude around TBD. Return shuttles to Avignon will begin at TBD and will run every TBD until TBD.