I have booked French trains with seat selection. My question (yes, I know it is trivial, but this is a special trip for our photographing son), which side of the train going from South to North would have a better view, left or right facing the front. Thanks.
Posted by
11569 posts
From Provence to Paris?? More guidance please.
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1064 posts
you may want to study the website seat61.com
It's a great site for all things trains. There is even section where you can ask the owner of the site questions like yours.
Just know, many times trains go both forward and backwards (like Venice to Florence Italy) and it is impossible to know which direction your train will be going. You can always book seats on both sides of the train for your family.
Posted by
Wengen
2495 posts
Which train are we talking about here?
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4585 posts
We went from Nice to Paris and sat backward on the right to Marseille, but the train changed directions from there to Paris and we were facing forward on the left. All that without changing seats. In summary, you won't know.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1881 posts
It is hard to answer the question without knowing the train route. Coastal? Inland? Can you be more specific on where from and where to?
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, Ca, USA
54 posts
one trip Lyon to Avignon (no reserved seating) TER:
another trip TGV Aix to Roissy Charles de Gaule airport
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1881 posts
I did Avignon to Lyon and don't recall any significant scenery. Perhaps you may see some sunflower farms, but honestly it is hard to recall. I have done TGV to Paris, but not from Aix, but from Strasbourg, and you do move usually pretty fast and photography might be tricky, but again I am an amateur and find the glass window reflection difficult to deal with on the move. Video is sometimes more effective. Enjoy.
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
From Lyon to Avignon, sit on the right on the TER for some glimpses of the Rhone river, but do not count on clean windows. Seating is a free-for-all, you pick whatever seat is empty.
The TGV back to Paris is nothing special scenery wise, both sides are equivalent.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20199 posts
I think its a brilliant question. Even here, around town on the trams, I tell people which side to sit on. Makes a big difference in what you get to see and enjoy.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, Ca, USA
54 posts
Mr E, thanks for the “brilliant” label for my question; some think I ask too many questions, but to be blunt, they are a sign of my all over smartness, that I have curiosity about almost everything which is why I love to travel, and even love all the planning. Questions like my “which side to sit on” with so many of the responses makes me think there are many of on this website who are “brilliant” as well. Thanks to all of you, Carol.