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.

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.