28 April 2016

Escape to the vineyards

Eurostar brings a taste of France to London as vines line the platform to mark 1st anniversary of South of France service
 
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking the UK and mainland Europe, is celebrating the first anniversary of its popular direct service from London to Lyon and the South of France, which has sold over 182,000 tickets since launch.
 
The platforms at London St Pancras have been transformed into lush vineyards to mark the milestone and showcase the wine tasting regions within easy reach of London. With the popular Beaujolais, Rhône Valley and Burgundy vineyards close to Lyon and the famous rosé region of Provence near Avignon, Eurostar travellers can be enjoying fine wine in just over four and a half hours. As the vineyards prepare for the annual grape harvest in September, now is the perfect time to book a trip.
 
Eurostar has seen exceptional demand for the South of France route in its first year, as passengers are drawn to the wide-ranging gastronomic and cultural attractions of Lyon, Avignon and Marseille. The service offers UK travellers a more convenient alternative to flying with a seamless, leisurely journey from the heart of London from just £44.50 one-way. 
 
Nick Mercer, Commercial Director, Eurostar, said:
“We have seen unprecedented demand for the direct service to the South of France as Brits’ love affair with the scenery and gastronomy of the region prevails. Our route brings the wine tasting regions of France closer to the UK, with an effortless journey available all year round. With tickets now on sale for the wine harvest in September, it’s the perfect time to book.”
 
With city-centre to city-centre fares from £44.50 one way, free travel for children under four, free seat selection and a generous luggage allowance with no weight restrictions, Eurostar is ideal for those wanting to bring a bit of Beaujolais back to the UK.
 
Fares to the South of France

• Single fares in Standard from only £44.50 to Lyon and £49.50 to Avignon or Marseille direct from London St Pancras or Ashford International.
• Standard Premier fares from just £89.50 one way to Lyon and £99.50 one way to Avignon and Marseille. With more spacious surroundings and a light meal served at your seat, passengers can enjoy a little bit of luxury on their high-speed rail journey across the French countryside.

 
For more information or to book Eurostar tickets visit www.eurostar.com or call the Eurostar contact centre on 03432 186 186.
 
High res images:
https://eurostar.box.com/s/lwf14990eoh2l23d2n9aykdyunzap9q8

Suggested picture caption:
Wine line: Eurostar marks first anniversary of direct South of France train by bringing vineyards to the platform to showcase the wine regions within easy reach of London St Pancras.
 
Notes to editors
 
About Eurostar

1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.
2. The current Eurostar train was first introduced into service in 1994 carrying 750 passengers and operating at speeds of up to 300kph.  Since then, the fleet of 28 trains has carried more than 150 million passengers between London and the Continent.  Following their refurbishment these trains will continue to form a core part of the Eurostar fleet. The new e320 will carry around 900 passengers at speeds of up to 320kph.
3. Eurostar was established in 1994 as a partnership between three railway companies: SNCF, SNCB and LCR (London and Continental Railways). On 1 September 2010, Eurostar became a single, unified corporate entity owned by three shareholders: SNCF, SNCB and LCR. LCR’s holding was transferred to the Treasury in 2014, and sold by the UK government to a consortium comprising Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Hermes Infrastructure on 28th May 2015.
4. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between 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.
5. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates vehicle shuttle services and the Channel Tunnel itself. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

 
For more information:
Eurostar Press Office 
020 7843 5500
press.office@eurostar.co.uk