Hello! We are two adults in our 40s are taking a last-minute trip to France in a couple of weeks (July 3rd - July 15th). We do travel internationally a lot but normally have a car. This is the first time we will be leveraging trains throughout our whole trip.
As we are so close, the point-to-point tickets are more expensive (and getting more expensive each day). Therefore getting a (at least partial) One County train pass seems the way to go...especially if we want some flexibility. I have priced out the individual point-to-point tickets to compare to the the cost of the pass + reservation fees associated with the TVG trains. My question is, for the regional trains/intercity trains how do these work with the pass (or even without the pass)? I can't get a clear understanding if I have to pay anything (on top of the pass) for regional/intercity trains OR if these trains even need an advanced reservation?
Based on the cost of the point-to-point tickets, it seems that at least a 4-day flexipass is a good idea (even with the reservation fees for the TVG trains). Trying to see if I should just get the 5-day flexipass and call it a day for overall ease. If there is only a nominal difference, the convenience may be worth it. Here is the schedule, all prices include 2 adult tickets within 2nd class:
Train Travel Day 1: Paris (CDG) >> Colmar (7/4) - TVG; current cost of point-to-point (PTP) - $222
Train Travel Day 2: Colmar > Strasbourg > Colmar (TBD) - TER PTP train options $62 round trip. We are unsure which day we'd like to go to Strasbourg and would like as much flexibility as possible.
Train Travel Day 3: Colmar > Beaune (7/8) - TVG + TER train options, PTP - $114
Train Travel Day 4: Beaune > Paris (7/11) - TVG + TER train options, PTP - $220
Train Travel Day 5: Paris > Bayeux > Paris - Intercity train option PTP - $124
Due to the individual prices of the PTP tickets - it seems that a 4 day pass makes sense. If I do buy the Train Pass, is it correct that I don't have to make any prior reservations or even purchase any additional tickets locally for TER or Intercity trains? That I would just arrive at the station, board and sit in any open seat?
I am going to book the CDG > Colmar reservation in advance...but wasn't sure if the other TVG trains needed to be booked in advance for the chance that they would sell out of Pass holder ticket spots?
And, is it assumed that the intercity train to Bayeux shouldn't be a problem in finding a seat (we have a tour booked that day so no flexibility and I fly out the next day...so can't mess that one up :)).
I appreciate any thoughts or direction!!
Thank you so much!
Tracee