Eurostar’s popular direct summer services to Avignon will opened for sale earlier than usual from 20 December 2011, to cope with traveller demand for the quick and convenient services to the stunning Provence region of France.

Holidaymakers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment for the weekly direct services that will run from 7 July to 1 September 2012. With direct journey times of less than six hours from St Pancras International in London and Ashford International in Kent, the summer service is a perennial favourite with travellers with tickets selling fast every year. Customers enjoy the convenience of boarding a Eurostar service in the UK, then travelling non-stop through the magnificent French countryside, direct to Avignon in the heart of Provence.

Nick Mercer, Commercial Director for Eurostar commented, “Our direct Avignon summer services grow in popularity each year, as people across the country see how easy and enjoyable it is to travel across Europe by high-speed rail. By opening sales to Avignon earlier than usual we are giving customers even more flexibility when planning their summer trip to Provence. Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and increasingly, passengers see their journey as part of the holiday itself.”

Direct Eurostar tickets are available in Standard class and Standard Premier. If direct services are full, Eurostar offers connecting services all year round that arrive into Avignon TGV station, which is located just outside the town centre. Tickets for the connecting services are available in Standard class and in Standard Premier.

Tickets for the Avignon direct summer service and for connecting services all year round are available from www.eurostar.com, by calling 08432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.