French train ticket (SNCF) cancelled at the last minute
I'm supposed to be leaving tomorrow from Saint-Pierre-des-Corps (a train station near Tours, France) at 07:17 (going to Gare Montparnasse, Paris), but it was suddenly cancelled just 10 hours before the trip (about an hour ago)!
On their site, they offer a "ticket exchange", although not really, because you have to pay the full price of another ticket and get nothing back. I thought I could manage with that, but apparently there are no more places on the next train. If I take the next next train, I will arrive at Paris at 11:30 (that's more than three hours later than my original reservation) plus I have to pay an extra €20 for the train ticket.
I need to be in Paris before 09:30 tomorrow, because I've also bought a bus ticket to Beauvais, and, long story short, if I'm not at Paris at 09:30 on 19/02/2017 I'm going to miss my flight.
Is there any way to dispute this with SNCF?
Their communication lines are open between 08:00 and 22:00 and by the time I got their cancellation message I had no way of calling them or sending them a message through a chat.
I've done this trip multiple times and it's the first time something like this has happened. I'm thinking I should go to the train station tomorrow and demand to take the train that apparently has "no places left" - I don't care if I travel comfortably, I only care about not missing my flight. The problem is that their boutique (basically their offices) opens at 10:00 tomorrow, so my chance to catch my flight will be lost by then.
What rights do I have in this situation?
Are there any alternatives?
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What happens if SNCF train is Cancelled?
Head to your nearest train station to exchange the ticket. If you're not near a train station, then arrive at least 1 hour before your intended departure so you can exchange the ticket and get another seat.Can I get a refund on my train ticket if trains are Cancelled?
Can I get a refund if my train has been cancelled or delayed due to the strikes? Yes, you may be able to get a refund if your train journey has been affected by the strikes.How do I get a refund from SNCF?
You will generally receive your refund within 3 to 5 days, for refundable tickets. Special cases: Tickets purchased using holiday vouchers: if the fare conditions allow it, cancel your ticket online, at an SNCF sales outlet or by calling 3635. Then request your refund via the SNCF claim form.How much time before a train ticket can be Cancelled?
Cancellation of e-tickets in case of trains cancelled: If the train is marked as "CANCELLED" in PRS due to breaches, floods, accidents etc. full refund is permissible in case the ticket is cancelled within three days of the scheduled departure of the train.France's SNCF to cancel 9 out of 10 high-speed trains during massive Thursday strike
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Images: Samson Katt, Samson Katt, Sinitta Leunen, Gustavo Fring