Originally Posted by tsastor

I have a question about the Thalys. I'd like to take a side trip from Paris to Brussels but I would like to keep my timetable open until pretty much up til the last minute. Can I buy the ticket on the train (taking the risk of not having a reserved seat?) or is there a vending machine at Paris Nord where I can get a last minute ticket? I realize you can buy a ticket at the counter, but in my experience the lines at Paris Nord can be horrendously long. I'll be prepared to pay the full price in this case.