I've been trying for a couple of days to reserve train tickets on SNCF.com, usign the "Print yourself" option, and I get:
"Suite à un problème technique, votre commande et votre demande de paiement ont été annulés."
I've checked wtih the bank and the account hasn't ben charged. I'm getting to my witts' end and start asking myself whether I should have planned the trip for Sweden instead of France. Any ideas/advice would be appreciated.

Thney are saying there has been a "technical problem" but they don't specify what that technical problem is.

Rather than changing an entire trip because of an internet "failure" I'd get on the phone and call them directly.

If I get to them via the phone, how will I be able to print the tickets?
Did anybody experience similar problems recently, or was able to book tickets without hurdles?

I just printed PREMS a couple of days ago without problems.

Trying to help you...is it <b>essential</b> that you print these tickets at home or could you pick them up once in France.

Sorry, if I just don't get the gravity of the situation.

I too just printed PREMS and it all went very smoothly. This was my first time doing this and it was very easy. There may have been a problem withyour computer. Give it another go.

For whom it may concern:
I've called and talked to a representative (you'll have to speak French). All was arranged quickly, and he seemed to be aware that there was a technical problem with their website. The tickets will mailed to US free of charge (!?).

Also, as stupid a question as it is, I'm still going to ask it: If driving around from Strasbourg, which would you recommend: Alsace or Lorraine?

Mideba and Dukey,
Thanks for the support (by the way mideba, I've tried 3 computers and at least as many credic cards)
Best Regards,
Rope.

Well, if you're in Strasbourg, you're already in Alsace, so going someplace else would be Lorraine -- Metz and Nancy are both good options.

Rope, glad you got your tickets. How long are you in Strasbourg (Alsace region)? If you like wine (as I do!), then you could spend some time driving south along the wine route. That's what we're doing in June - 3 nights in Stras. and 3 nights in Eguisheim, just south of Colmar.