We have decided to start our trip in Brussels (business meeting), but end our trip in Paris. But we are undecided about which date to travel from one city to the other.
Can we just show up at the train station? Are reservations required, or just encouraged?
All seats on Thalys trains are reserved; you need have a ticket for the exact train you are traveling on before you board. There are usually (but not always) seats available at the day of departure, but you will be paying the most expensive fare. If a train is sold-out they can sell you a "standing-room" ticket which gives allows you to use a seat for any no-shows. But this is a gamble as you could also wind up standing through the entire journey.
