Hi everyone:

Before I purchase our 'prem' tickets for May
I have three questiions.

1. In 2nd class is there adequate room to
store a 21" x 14" x 9" suitcase and a 10-1/2" x 10" x 14" carry on bag above the seat?

2. What type of seat reservations do I need to select in order for DH & I to be seated beside each other?

3. What side of the train will provide us with a more scenic view?

Di

I don't think you will find either side especially scenic. We took the train connecting to Bayeux through Caen. I was a bit surprised but as the train runs primarily in a kind of a "ditch" a bit below the regular ground level you can't see much. Of course its not a very long trip either. And in 2nd class the train was more the old fashioned style with cars seating six, three facing three. I think you would have room for your luggage easily maybe not both above you one but one above you and one under the seat. I don't remember about seat reservations except that I was assured that whatever was "usual" about the numbering for the four of us that I ordered on line(something like all odd number seats or all even number seats) they were in the same car and when we got in we just sat down two across from 2 as there were already 2 people in the car each at the window seat.

Our trip is from Caen to Paris, not Bayeux to Caen.

As long as we can sit beside or even across from each other, yes a window seat would be a plus.

I've been trying since yesterday to "pretend" to book two tickets in either 2nd class or 1st class to see what seat assignments I would be given, but the SNCF site is having technical difficulties.

I've caught trains from Caen to Paris several times over the years, but I've never put a tape measure to the luggage racks. I've never reserved seats on the train and always found an empty seat: the unreserved seats are normally at the rear of the train, though that means you have further to walk when the train arrives in Paris. If you book two seats and their positions are not ideal, the simple solution is to ask another passenger if they mind swapping: the journey is normally under two hours so it doesn't matter too much.
The journey isn't particularly scenic, but I'd choose the left hand (eastern) side as there are better views over the Seine, and a good view of the basilica at Lisieux.

Last May we took train (2nd class) from Caen to Paris, and in our car there were only about 3-4 people in addition to our foursome. We sat wherever we wanted and plenty of room for luggage.

It was a PREM fare, and I had reserved almost 60 days ahead. I think I mentioned on another post that we were all four seated in aisle seats, across from and behind/in front of each other. It made no difference b/c we had our choice of seats. The ride is not particularly scenic.

If you book a "fenetre" (window) and an "aisle" seat with numbers that indicate they're next to each other you should have two seats together...perhaps.

TimS, I've had no technical difficulties
the past two days but didn't go there today. Do you need times as I have them
printed out for both Bayeux and Caen?

When I check the sncf site for our dates
it suggests to buy the tickets now as they are filling up fast or the 'Prem' tickets are selling out.

Our date is May 10. We want the 752am or 924 am from Caen as we're dropping rental car there. I realize there will be more commuters at the earlier times but we want to be settled in Paris
by midday.

GeoffHamer and PalQ thanks for the tips:
I'll note the 'left side for sitting' and a 'fenetre' sea.

We've only been on trains in Italy and usually had to leave it by the door.
We'd like to keep our luggage with us and lock it to the overhead rack.

I do not know if the French trains are similar to this and that's why I asked about the luggage and the seating.