I am looking to book the TGV from Paris to Avignon and have a few questions. What is the difference in having a reservation or not having a reservation. Also, If I purchase a ticket for a train that leaves at 1:15 p.m. and arrive at the station early enough to take teh 11:20 train can I take it even though I have a ticket for the later train.
Thanks,
Ward

Seats on TGVs have to be reserved. You can reserve a seat, or change your reservation, until a few minutes before the train leaves, but you are not supposed to get on a train without a ticket for that specific train.

It is mandatory to have a reservation for a TGV - that said, you can purchase a reservation up to five minutes before the train leaves.
If you're looking at the Paris>Avignon line, be sure to check out the PREM's fares (upper left-hand corner of the home page screen on the SNCF site). You can usually get to Avignon for 25 €.
I've never taken an earlier train than the one I reserved, but I once did miss a TGV and was issued a new ticket at no cost for a later train, so I suspect if you present yourself at the ticket booth and ask, you may be allowed on an earlier train (but don't just get on the train expecting that to happen).

StCirq -- Would you be able to change a PREM ticket? I notice that PREM prices for different trains on the same day may all be different. Just a thought. I know that you know much more about this than I do.

Kristinelaine: I don't think you can change a PREM's ticket, though I've never actually tried. They are supposedly completely nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.

And yes, there are different prices for different trains on different days - which I assume has to do with the number of seats the SNCF feels it needs to discount based on bookings.

Hi kristine,

PREM fares are not refundable or exchangeable.

Thanks for the input. Since I am not sure which train I will be able to make is there any risk in not reserving or purchsing ahead and just buying a ticket the day of departure.
Ward

It depends when you're traveling - if it's the end of July/beginning of August, or a school or other holiday period, the trains could be booked.

What day of the week and what time of year are you traveling?

Sunday, September 5.

Hi JE,

>...is there any risk in not reserving or purchsing ahead and just buying a ticket the day of departure. <

Your biggest risks are:

You will pay an additional 36E per ticket

You might not get the next train, but will have to wait for a later one.

Sunday, September 5, heading OUT of Paris to Avignon - I'd say you won't have a problem. However, if you can get a PREM's fare, you'll save a lot of money by purchasing in advance.

On a Sunday, trains will be busier in the afternoon and evening - people go away (or home) for the weekend. So, it would be best to book for the afternoon train and it should then be possible to change to an earlier one if you have time; if you book for a morning train and miss it, you may find the afternoon trains are fully booked. To have this flexibility, you'll need to buy a standard ticket, rather than a "prem" fare.