TRAVEL INFORMATION for le Centre d’Avignon

Summer and Fall Terms 2008

(Make a copy and take it with you as you travel)

1. You are expected to arrive in Avignon on:
   
           - Saturday, June 14 for Summer Term
           - Saturday, September 6 for Fall Term
   
   between 10 am and 6pm local time. Our staff or your host, clearly identified by the blue and white IAU logo (see above), will be waiting for you at the TGV train station. You may consult the train schedule from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport to Avignon TGV on June 14, 2008 and September 6, 2008 for departure and arrival times.
   NOTE: Should your arrival plans be different, please contact the Avignon center immediately.
   
   
2. Please make sure to complete the travel itinerary form and send it to Le Centre d'Avignon, by May 1 for Summer Term and August 1 for Fall Term.
   NOTE: Academic Studies Abroad (ASA) offers low student fares and is a convenient way to book your travel.  You can receive a quote from ASA by visiting www.iauairfare.com.  Previous students have also used www.statravel.com and www.studentuniverse.com to book their flights.
   
   

You Have Two Travel Options

• Option 1: easiest: fly to Paris CDG (Paris Charles de Gaulle airport) and take a TGV train directly from the airport (CDG2 TGV) to Avignon TGV station only, not to any other Avignon station. Call Rail Europe at (800) 438-7245 and book both a 2nd class ticket and a reservation. Ask for the 12-25 youth fare.
• Option 2: most likely cheaper: fly to Marseille (MRS), take a direct bus to the Marseille train station. Then take a train to the Avignon TGV station. For more information on this option, please contact the Avignon Center Director.
  
  

Departure from the U.S.:

• You need to leave the day before:
  
                    -Friday, June 13 for Summer Term
                    -Friday, September 5 for Fall Term
   
• Check your luggage all the way to your final air destination: CDG (Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport) in option 1 and Marseille (option2).
• In your carry-on items, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers and placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed.  Please check with your airline for any updates to these regulations before traveling.     
• Pack an extra change of clothes and some toiletries in your carry-on/backpack in case your checked luggage is lost or misdirected.
• It is a good idea to purchase an international phone card to use on your way to Avignon. You can search the web for different options and also visit the ISIC website for more information on phone cards. You will be able to buy/lease a phone during orientation and more information can be viewed on the Avignon cell phone page.

On Your Way

• Should you miss a connection or your flight be delayed, the airline will take care of you. Ask them to contact IAU (or you can call yourself) 011-33-6-82-59-64-53 or by email to let us know of your delay and when to expect you.
• If your luggage does not make it with you, report this immediately to the airline, give the Center’s address: IAU 5 rue Figuière, 84000 Avignon, phone: 04 90 82 58 50 for all communications. With no luggage, ask for an emergency toiletry kit and for authorization to buy necessary items upon arrival at your final destination, should your suitcase not reach you within 24 hours.

Once at the Avignon TGV Station

• You will be met by IAU staff and/or your IAU host. The person waiting for you will have an ‘IAU’ sign with our logo. It may also have your name printed on it.
• If for any reason your travel plans prevent you from arriving on the scheduled arrival day, Saturday, June 14th for Summer Term or Saturday, September 6th for Fall Term and you plan to arrive earlier, immediately contact the Avignon Center as they can often work out paying arrangements (28€ per day) with your French hosts.

NOTE: About One Month Prior to Your Arrival, you will receive your host’s biographical and contact information. It is always nice to contact them at this point, if they have email, to introduce yourself.

Departure from France

• You should plan to leave by noon on departure day which is:
  
                    -Saturday, July 26 for Summer Term
                    -Saturday, December 20 for Fall Term

• Please do not plan on leaving Friday night as there are activities till the last minute and you don’t want to miss them.

• You may stay longer, provided the Avignon Center has been notified, and your hosts agree to it. You will be charged a per diem (28€).

Remember:

• Center’s 24/7 emergency number from abroad:
  011-33-6-82-59-64-53
• Center’s 24/7 emergency number from France:
  06 82 59 64 53
• Center’s Offices are located at:
  5 rue Figuière
  84000 Avignon
  Daytime phone and fax from France:
  Tel: 04 90 82 58 50
  Fax: 04 90 85 42 47
  
  

  Bon Voyage!

  We are here to help you, so do not hesitate to contact us directly for any questions or concerns.

  Sylvie Rockmore, Directrice du Centre d’Avignon
  Gisèle et Barbara, Assistantes