Holiday atmosphere comes to Eurostar stations, the service departs St Pancras International for Lyon, Avignon and Marseille
Good news for travellers visiting London and France because Eurostar has finally launched its new year-round service direct from London to Lyon, Avignon and Marseille. The first train departed St Pancras International at the beginning of May. From just USD138 return, passengers can speed across the French countryside to reach the gastronomy, lavender fields and sunshine of these new destinations, now within easy reach of the heart of London or Ashford.
During the official launch of the service, customers were offered speciality foods from the new destinations and the chance to win tickets, amongst other surprises. Travellers on the inaugural journey were also welcomed on board by Eurostar staff sporting a brand new uniform to reflect the new destination – a striped t-shirt and straw hat. Standard Premier ticket holders also enjoyed a menu inspired by the destination, featuring lavender shortbread and Provencal chicken.
Fares start at USD138 return in Standard Class for travel to Lyon or USD153 for Avignon and Marseille (from USD292 and USD308 in Standard Premier) throughout the whole year, with children under four travelling for free. A seamless journey takes travellers to the centre of Lyon, the French capital of gastronomy in just over four and a half hours, the sunny Provencal lavender fields in under six hours, or the bright lights and sunny coastline of Marseille in just over six hours.
The new route also comes with exciting new partnerships for Eurostar’s 2 for 1 offer for entry to temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, simply by showing your Eurostar ticket. The MuCEM in Marseille, a national museum dedicated to Mediterranean cultures, and the Musée des Confluences in Lyon, which presents the story of human adventure from our origins to the present day, are both now part of this offer.
Passengers travelling from France back to the UK can board their train without the need to arrive 30 minutes before departure, because check-in, security and immigration checks will take place at Lille Europe, where customers leave the train before continuing the journey to Ashford and London. Lille Europe has recently re-opened following extension and refurbishment in preparation for welcoming passengers from Lyon and the South of France.
For more information and train schedules check out eurostar.com.
