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08/01/04 - Fly Eurostar to the south of France as the direct Avignon service opens for booking

Eurostar's hugely popular Avignon direct service will operate during summer 2004 from Saturday 10 July and will run through until Saturday 11 September.  The services operate between London Waterloo and from Ashford International, in Kent, to Avignon Centre Station.  
Bookings can be made from Tuesday 13 January on www.eurostar.com or on 08705 186 186 and with fares from just  £129 return, now is the time to shake off those winter blues and start planning for the perfect summer holiday.
This will be the third summer season Eurostar has operated a direct service through to Avignon.   The direct services tie-in with the ability for passengers to go indirect via Eurostar with interchange onto TGV services.  Together these trains have generated a significant increase in rail travel to the Provence region from the UK.  

Avignon Centre Station is just a couple of minutes stroll to the ancient walls and then it's straight into the heart of this stunning medieval City.  Nestled by the side of the Rhone, Avignon, with its famous ruined bridge and Palace of the Popes has attracted many visitors over the centuries.  Indeed, the  Provence region offers a wide diversity of beautiful countryside, lush vineyards and an abundance of historical sites, museums and galleries.
The opening of the first section of UK high speed line in the autumn last year, has enhanced the journey times with the out-bound journey taking just over 6hrs 10mins and the in-bound journey 6hrs.  (Detailed timings below).

To indulge fully in the entire Eurostar experience, travel first class from just £229 return and enjoy the roomier accommodation, meals and drinks served at seat and plenty of pampering by the on-board crew.

Eurostar's Director of Communications, Paul Charles, commented:  "The  benefits of high-speed rail over air travel continue to attract many more customers.  The sheer ease and convenience of the direct Avignon services is demonstrated by 100% or near 100% loadings during the July to September school holiday period.
Whether it be destinations in France, Belgium or the Netherlands, Eurostar and connecting high speed rail services provide an easy and cost effective way of getting away on a short break or longer holiday."

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