waterdog

I have an upcoming trip that will be on an Intercities train from Paris to Normandy in mid- March. . I find that while I can make confirmed reservations, I cannot select a specific seat. Is this the norm on these trains or am I missing something on the SNCF site? Are there no reserved seats on these trains? Thanks.

jpie

Not sure where you are going to and from. But I live part time in the western part of France and when I book what is called a TER train, you generally can't reserve a seat. So for example to where I am in Royan, from Paris to Niort where I have to change, it is a TGV where I have a reserved seat and then from Niort to Royan it is TER and it is just open seating. So it may be the case with your train as well. Generally I haven't found it to be a problem.

Sarastro

You can reserve a seat on most of the Intercité trains for a fee of several euros. Usually it´s really not needed as they run often and are rarely overly crowded.

waterdog

Thanks for your responses. We are going from Paris to Bayeux after our overnight flight from the US. I tried the seat reservation option after selecting my trains, but the system said it was not possible. Am I looking too far out, (over 60 days?)

StCirq

You don't need a seat reservation on the train from Paris to Bayeux. If the system said it's not possible, it's not, so don't worry about it.

Sarastro

There has been a problem with the SNCF websites not allowing the purchase of reservations but normally it is possible on Intercité trains. You could do it at the station but I cannot remember if there is a required lead time for making reservations. You really do not need one.

Christina

YOu can reserve seats on some of those intercite trains with certain fares (regular fares). I don't think you can reserve a specific seat on those trains if it is a PREM, so if that's the fare you are buying, that's normal. In fact, while I wouldn't expect any problem, I don't think a PREM on those routes even guarantees you a seat.

waterdog

Thanks to all for your responses.