How do you reserve Thalys/TGV seats?

Maybe it%26#39;s just these old eyes...but I%26#39;m not seeing where pass-holders can reserve seats on the train company web sites. Everything directs me to where to buy tickets, but I%26#39;ve already purchased (though not yet received) the pass that Rick Steves%26#39; web site recommends for my plans, and seat reservations are required. But how?

Thank you for helping a rookie traveler!

|||

When I had a Eurail pass in ancient times, I could make reservations free at the ticket office.

I don%26#39;t know if the machines have an option for passholders. I would think that such information would be provided when you buy a pass. It isn%26#39;t???

|||

At a station once you are in Europe..for example at Roissy CDG TGV station, as soon as you land, even if the train trip is for days later. The problem with passes is that now that many people reserve tickets on the internet months in advance (the reservation is made automatically at that time) the pass holders may not be able to get a seat on certain dates so it will throw your schedule out of kilter..

I wish that people didn%26#39;t believe Rick Steeves 100% !!! there are lots of changes about many things that he is cannot be aware off, not to mention some basic facts, about France for example, that he can%26#39;t get right after all these years (To be fair this is the same thing with Lonely Planet and other guidebooks)

|||

I just checked the website seat61.com, which explains the train system and buying tickets. Suggest you do the same, click the link for railpasses and it talks about making reservations. Basically, it suggests doing it once in Europe, using the agency you bought the pass from to do it, or using the limited internet options, which include raileurope. It doesn%26#39;t appear, according to the website, that raileurope marks the reservations up as they do tickets, but I am not sure about that, you will have to check that yourself. Seat reservations apparently cannot be done through the train company websites.

You didn%26#39;t detail your plans, but the suggestions appear to say that if, for example, you are flying in and immediately getting on a long-distance/overnight type train, do that reservation in advance. Otherwise, the suggestion to make reservations immediately upon arrival would be best.