train from Paris to Lyon seating question

Alas, as far as I know there is no way to choose forward-facing seats on the Paris-Lyon TGV line; it is only possible on the trains to the west and southwest. The easiest workaround is to choose seats facing each other around a table: the least-motion sick person sits the "wrong way", and you can switch periodically. It is only a 2-hour trip anyway.

By the way, Trenitalia has 5 trains a day on that route too! And it's usually cheaper. But same problem regarding seating direction.

As balso said, if there are any seats facing each other, then you can switch. Also, in a double-decker train, choose upstairs seats so your view can focus in the distance and you are further from the quickly passing ground.

Also, sometimes there are bench seats in the area between the cars near the toilets where the stairs go down. Or, you can go to the snack bar. Or, don't look out the window, which is very disappointing when you are visiting and want to see the sights. But the train goes so quickly that you can't really take in the view very well.

Half the people in every train ride backwards but locals have been doing it their whole lives. The more you do it, the easier it will be.

Hi Tom. Since you say you are both this way, I would pick two seats going the same way; then you will have 50% chance of no problem. If they turn out to be backwards facing, just pick other empty seats if there are any, or ask others to switch. This is a common situation, and I've always found other riders sympathetic and glad to help. Also sometimes a good conversation starter! Have a great trip!

It's not really a common situation except for the few people who come here asking about it. I have never seen anyone have to change seats in the decades I've been riding these trains. In Italy, people sit wherever they feel like but France is a pretty rules based society. A French person with a serious problem would seek out the Controller and ask for help. Yes, someone will feel sorry for you and switch, if you ask because people are kind. But it is very unusual. Or you can get NausiCalm at the pharmacy in Paris.

Hi Tom. Bets provides good additional context. She makes a good point that it's a small percent of people affected. I guess I misspoke saying it's common, because for me, it's a concern every time I ride a train. What I should have said is that, from my experience, it's common enough that every time I've explained the situation, people seem to be aware of the condition, are sympathetic, and have no problem switching seats. Like Bets said, most locals don't care which way they face, and I've found most people in France, and throughout Europe, are friendly and glad to help. By coincidence, my first long distance train trip in Europe was 22 years ago on your exact route of Paris to Lyon, and I was apprehensive about this topic. But on that trip, like many others, the first person I asked was glad to switch, and I can still remember the great conversation we had.

p.s. - many (most?) people on the train will understand English, but if it made you feel more at ease, you could carry a small card with you in French explaining the situation. Just be sure to start with a verbal 'bonjour' and end with a verbal 'merci beaucoup'. Have a great trip!

Thank all of you for the quick and very helpful replies. Since I am not affected much by motion sickness, we decided on booking two seats facing each other. This should work perfectly. We have our assigned seats now. Merci beaucoup! You have been wonderful.

Tom

Thank you Balso! Upon your recommendation, I was able to book two seats facing each other. Great idea. My wife has the greater problem, so she will sit facing "forward." The Fast trains suit our timetable quite well, but on my next visit, I'll check into the other trains as well.

Were you able to get an upstairs seat? That's what I booked for visiting family because my little granddaughter gets sick in a car, so I don't want to take a chance in the train with her.

If your doing the Viking river cruise to Avignon from Lyon, we are taking the same trip in mid April. Would like to get your review of the cruise if that's OK. enjoy

Were you able to get an upstairs seat? That's what I booked for visiting family because my little granddaughter gets sick in a car, so I don't want to take a chance in the train with her.

Downstairs sways less than upstairs.
But upstairs has longer sightlines out of the window.
Which one is best for motion sickness is highly individual. Personally, working on a laptop upstairs can make me queasy after a couple of hours, but not downstairs!

cpo, we are going on Viking cruise mid-April, as well from Lyon. 4/25.