It seems like for a small difference we can do first class. In picking a seat for the 4 of us, which is the most comfortable- booth or side by side. It's a long train ride so I want my parents to be comfortable. If we do the booth, do you feel the motion going backwards?
On a TGV, you will not know which seats face which way, as the train is symmetrical front to back. It will switch directions in Paris stations, which are terminals. As it pulls in, the driver is in the front of the train. After it is serviced and ready for boarding, the driver moves to the other end of the train, and now that is the front of train. Some times the train will call at other terminal stations and switch directions along the way. That should not happen in your case, as Strasbourg and Karlsruhe are through stations.
So a 4-seat booth is the best solution. If two people don't like facing backwards, you can switch places. That is my solution as my wife hates facing "backwards". That assumes the other two people are not picky.
Sam, Thanks for the info. I know I can't go backwards, makes me queazy. Don't know how that would be for my elderly parents either. If I am understanding, your saying that the side by side could also technically be backwards seats? Do either booth or side by side recline so we can get some rest on the trip.
We also took your earlier suggestion and are going to go to Kaufering which gets in at 17:18 and we should be able to get to the car rental place easier. Thanks!
There are an equal number of seats in each car facing both ways. So you could guess wrong and all be facing "backwards". If the train is not full, you could change seats to ones you like better, at least until you get to Strasbourg. some people will get off and some will get on. At Karlsruhe, again some will get off and on.