Eurostar Direct Services to Avignon on Sale from 23 December 2008 

Eurostar, the high speed passenger train service linking the UK with the continent, is to offer tickets for its direct weekly summer services to Avignon, in the heart of the popular Provence region of Southern France, from Tuesday 23 December 2008. The tickets will be 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 Rhône river, Avignon is the perfect destination for a rural hideaway and provides a chance to escape to the chateaux, lavender fields, mountains of Provence, and vineyards. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the Festival d’Avignon (Avignon’s world renowned Theatre Festival) - one of 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).

Eurostar’s Director of Communications Simon Montague said, “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 Centre Station is the city station and is distinct from Avignon TGV station, which is on the TGV Med high-speed line. A shuttle bus operates between the two stations, which runs about every 20 minutes and takes approximately 10 minutes. Cost is approximately 3 euros for a single journey.

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