Eurostar direct services to Avignon on sale

Eurostar, the high speed passenger train service linking UK with the continent, has today (11 December 2008) announced that tickets for its direct weekly summer services  to Avignon - located in the heart of the popular Provence region in Southern France- will go on sale on Tuesday 23 December 2008. Tickets are available from 99 return in standard and 249 in Leisure Select, the same prices as in summer 2008.

The direct service will run every Saturday from London St Pancras International and Ashford International from 11 July to 5 September 2009.

The journey from London St Pancras International takes less than six hours (and less than 5h30 minutes from Ashford International) and delivers travellers within a short walk from the ancient city’s walls, surrounding the heart of the historic city.

Situated on the banks of the Rhone river, Avignon is the perfect destination for a rural hideaway and provides a chance to escape to the chateaux, lavenders fields, mountains of Provence, and vineyards. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the Festival d’Avignon (Avignon’s world renowned Theatre Festival) – the oldest and largest in France- which attracts thousands of visitors every year to see its many performances. The city is also steeped in medieval architecture, boasting amongst other things the stunning 14th century Palais des Papes (Popes Palace) and the famous Pont d’Avignon (Avignon Bridge).

If delectable food and drink is your thing, Provence is definitely for you, as both hold a place of honour in the heart of the locals! From gastronomic restaurants to the various brasseries and bars clustered around Place de l’Horloge, the city offers a wide range of options catering for all tastes and budgets.

Taking the Eurostar to Provence is the most relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling, with the benefit that all Eurostar journeys are carbon neutral, at no extra cost for the traveller. A Eurostar journey is much greener than going by air, generating around one-tenth of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

Eurostar’s Director of Communications Simon Montague commented: “This service is very popular year on year as our travellers greatly appreciate the seamless, comfortable and environmentally friendly journey to Provence. Our fares are unchanged since summer 2008 and there are no hidden costs such as surcharges and taxes.”

Avignon and over 60 other French destinations are also available all year round by combining a Eurostar journey to Paris and Lille and an onward journey on a French TGV service.

Source: Transportweekly