Eurostar To Trial New Direct Services To The South Of France

High-speed passenger operator, Eurostar, is to launch a new direct service from London St. Pancras International and Avignon-Centre to the South of France, with trials runs scheduled between May and June 2013.

The new service is an addition to Eurostar’s current weekly summer services to and from Avignon-Centre and is aimed at holiday makers with service’s running to Lyon, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, which are all popular holiday destinations.

Tickets for the trial period will be available for purchase from 11th December (2012) with prices ranging from £99 to £249 depending on services and class chosen.

Eurostar Passport and Security Checks

Between 4th May and 29th June, services from London St Pancras International or Ashford International to Lyon, Aix-en-Provence or Avignon will be direct and completely non-stop whereby the return journey will require passengers to get off the train at Lille Europe to undertake passport and security checks. These checks are required for passengers travelling through the Channel Tunnel and returning to the UK.

Eurostar’s Commercial Director, Nick Mercer said of the new services “Our direct Avignon summer services grow in popularity year on year and our customers tell us they’d like to see it extended to offer even more choice of holiday destinations. We’re committed to listening to their feedback, which is why we’re testing this new service to Lyon, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, three of the most popular destinations in the South of France. By trialling this new service for future years, and by opening sales to our existing annual summer Avignon services earlier than usual, we are giving customers even more flexibility and choice when planning their trips to the South of France next year. Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and we encourage passengers to book early to avoid disappointment.”