We were unable to exit a train at our stop. No one would let us through. Is there some unwritten rule about exiting trains in a certain way? We are in Cassis now but leaving on train again tomorrow.

Which train? When? Did the train actually stop at the stop you paid to get off at? What do you mean no one would let you through? No, there is no unwritten rule about exiting trains in a certain way - the train stops, you get off. If you're the first person in line you have to push the button or wrench the handle to get the door open, but other than that, it's a no-brainer.

Also -- many stops are VERY short. So one can't remain seated waiting for the train to stop and then make their way to the luggage racks/door. One needs to be ready to exit as soon as the train stops.

Getting up and getting bags and standing near exit door is always prudent, especially at short stops.

You have to anticipate the stop, get close to the door.

When the train arrives you just push and say 'I want out, please make way' if nobody moves.

(And actually if you are controlled after your stop you could be fined...).

Local trains stop only for 2 minutes. You have to be quick.

Hard to say what happened, but I am also guessing that the stop was very short and the OP wasn't near the door and it was also very crowded, so the OP couldn't get through the crowds in time to get out and perhaps hadn't even gotten their stuff together in preparation. That's the only thing I can think of.

That train is local and it wasn't packed the day I took it, but if it is like the Paris metro sometimes, I can see that happening.

Otherwise, don't understand.

If a platform is short, then not all the carriage doors will open. So that's also a possibility.

Speaking of trains in France, I got an email today from sncf that train tickets are on sale starting at €25 for many destinations in Europe, from France that is. Sale is on until Sept 12 for journeys between Sept 15 and Dec 9 2017.

And I got an email from SNCF today about the new super TGVs from Paris south. You can get from Paris to Bordeaux now in 2 hours, 4 minutes, and for 45 euros! And if you have the Carte Senior, as we do, it costs practically nothing! Love it.

It would be interesting to see what stop the OP was supposed to be getting off at before having to get off at Cassis.

The train from Marseille to Cassis is a direct TER. The train from Avignon only stops in Marseille before heading on to Cassis. From Montpellier, the train stops in Valance and then Marseille. From Nice, the train only stops in Toulon before going on to Cassis. The last stop for all of the trains from Paris to Cassis is Marseille.

Sounds like they missed the Cassis stop and had to backtrack?

SNCF is always having "sales", just like airlines are always having "sales". This is just normal business, that tickets are cheaper a lot longer before departure date.

That is interesting about doors not opening if the platform is too short, although I've never seen that happen on any TER I've taken in France. I'm not sure I understand that, a train has a duty to let people out at a certain stop and the platforms are designed to be long enough to handle any train that comes through it, I thought.

There are short platforms in the U.K. For trains and on the underground in London. There are announcements ahead of the stop to let you know so you can move to a door that will open. The platforms have been extended over the years and in some cases the less used stations don't get extended so some Carriage doors don't open.

Perhaps this also happens in France?

Haven't seen it in France. If you get off in Biarritz, you may have to walk for 20 minutes (or so it seems) to reach the stairs.

NicoE - what station did you want to get off at? Cassis? Were other people getting off?

<<Perhaps this also happens in France?>>

Yes, it does. The local train between Agen and Boreaux doesn't open all its doors at every stop, but it's announced ahead of time (in French of course), and it's usually pretty obvious where you go to get off.

Still hoping for more info from the OP. Otherwise we are all wasting our time (as usual).

Maybe OP is trapped on train from Cassis to ???

But seriously I sympathize with OP's plight - can easily see it happening on a SRO train.