Yes, but the OP presumably wants a round-trip ticket.
Are you sure of it? I assume you know that gas in quite costly in France. Did you also factor the relatively high highway toll? Did you check the price on the french railway site, or on the company I didn’t remember the name of that sell the tickets in the USA with a significant premium? Did you take into account the convenience of a much quicker travel, especially after a long flight?
The regular fare for a Paris—>Avignon trip is 92€ or 75€, depending on the train and it takes 2 hours and a half. There are also direct TGVs from CDG airport.
And if you reserve well in advance, you can buy a non-exchangeable, non-refundable “Prem’s” ticket for a significantly lower price. For instance, I checked randomly the Prem’s ticket for June 5, and there are tickets sold for 40€, 50€, 59€, 64€.
I somehow doubt renting a car could be cheaper than 80€ (or even 130€) for both of you.
On the other hand, as I wrote above, if you intend to stay for one week and visit the area, and can afford it, I’d recommand renting a car (in Avignon, not in Paris), because it will will way more convenient to go to various interesting places (villages, small towns…).
We were in Paris in January, and rented a car from Hertz so we could drive around Normandy. We did it the right way, renting over the Internet, as opposed to doing it in Paris. Still, with full (drive-it-into-the-Seine-and-walk-away) insurance plus all the myriad taxes, I think it ended up being just under 200€ for one day. And that didn’t include gas.
To be precise it’s 690km including 670km on motorways, should take 6 hours and 28 minutes, and the toll costs are €42.80.
See what I mean about ViaMichelin?
Hah, the AA says it’s 681km, but takes over seven hours.
Yeah, but they’re just taking it one day at a time.
Gas, yup, it’s double the price or a little more. Didn’t know about the highway toll, but we will probably be taking the scenic route. Yup, checked the French rail site. The convenience isn’t a particular issue as we will probably spend a night or two in Paris after the flight.
The prem ticket is new. That would actually make it worthwhile. Thanks for the info. Without that we are looking at 4 train tickets (though the return trip turned out to be much cheaper). Four rail tickets are a hell of a lot more than one week rental of a car. Enought that it will probably cover the other associated expenses. Plus you get the bonus of a little more freedom of movement. Last time I was in France I was a bit more restricted as I relied purely on public transit.
This all might change with the Prem ticket though. Thanks again for that info.