Summer in Provence as Eurostar starts direct services to Avignon on Saturday 11 July

-- Weekly direct Saturday service to run from 11 July to 5 September 2009

Eurostar, the high-speed provider of carbon neutral rail journeys between the UK and the continent, is starting its weekly direct service on Saturday 11 July to Avignon, in the heart of the Provence region of southern France. It will be the eight successive year Eurostar will be running the service which takes less than six hours from London St Pancras International (and less than five and a half hours from Ashford International). Tickets are available from £99 return in standard class and £249 in Leisure Select.

Taking the Eurostar to Provence is the most relaxing and enjoyable way of travel, with none of the hassles or extra costs associated with airports and flying. Avignon Centre station is just a couple of minutes walk from the historic city walls.

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

Timetable (all times are local):

Check-in:
The recommended check-in time for the direct Eurostar to Avignon is 60 minutes before departure.

Avignon train stations:
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.

Tickets for the Avignon direct summer service and for connecting services all year round are available from www.eurostar.com, by calling 08705 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.

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.

***ENDS***

Notes to Editors

1. Eurostar is the high-speed, carbon neutral passenger service between the UK and mainland Europe, linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

2. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, an alliance of Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.

3. Under its Tread Lightly environmental plan, Eurostar has set a target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 35% per traveller journey by 2012, compared with 2007. Because emissions cannot yet be eliminated, Eurostar is also the world’s first train operator to make all journeys carbon neutral, at no extra cost to travellers. Based on comparisons of actual load factors and specific energy data, a Eurostar journey generates just one-tenth of the carbon dioxide of an equivalent flight.

4. Eurostar and Friends of the Earth are working together in the UK on Eurostar’s Tread Lightly plan and Friends of the Earth’s climate campaign. To find out more about Friends of the Earth visit www.friendsoftheearth.co.uk.

5. Eurostar is an entirely separate company from Eurotunnel. Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

6. Eurostar fares start from just £59 return. Travellers can also buy connecting fares to the Continent from 150 towns and cities across the UK. Return ticket prices range from £65 and include Brighton from only £71 and Edinburgh from only £92. To book tickets or for more information, please visit www.eurostar.com or call 08705 186 186.

For more information:
Eurostar Press Office 
+44 (0)20 7843 5500
press.office@eurostar.co.uk

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