The spate of attacks disrupted travel just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, with scenes of hundreds of confused passengers packing platforms at train stations across France emerging.
Some travellers were desperate to get home after passing through the French capital, while others were preparing to spend their summer holidays watching the Olympics.
Françoise, an 80-year-old woman from the coastal city of La Rochelle, told CNN she was on her way home after receiving treatment in Paris.
“We didn’t need a day like this,” she said, adding that she plans to wait another five hours in hopes of catching a train.
Outside Paris, passengers were confused at Montparnasse station, one of the hardest hit stations connecting the west and southwest of France.
Virginia and Philip Assanti told CNN they were cheering on Canada’s soccer team at the Olympics with their three children, ages 6 to 11.
“I didn’t realize the lines were so long,” Virginia said. “We might not even have tickets for tomorrow’s game. Should I take the bus?”
The family was told to rent a car because trains were likely to be canceled, Philip said. “We don’t want to ruin our vacation.”
When asked about the travel disruptions, 6-year-old Hunter told CNN: “Yes, it’s upsetting.”
Another passenger, Marguerite, 24, who had arrived at the station to change trains before heading to her home in Brittany, northwest France, said she was “perplexed” by the confusion.
“I don’t know where to go,” she told CNN. “I’m trying to call friends to see where I can stay tonight. Apparently I have friends here who can stay the night.”
“It’s not their (SNCF’s) fault, but we knew it would be complicated to travel to coincide with today’s opening.”
