Eurostar to Avignon

Avignon is massively popular with tourists because of its history, culture, and beauty. The city dates back to medieval times, and is surrounded by walls that were built in the fourteenth century. It's a wonderful pace to go if architecture and history are key aspects of a good holiday for you.

About Avignon

Within the walls lies the Palais des Papes, the beautiful building where many a pope took up residence from the 1300s onwards. It's an incredible building on the outside. The insides are a little less grand, as the building was used as a prison during the French revolution. If you visit, make sure you take a guided wine tasting tour.

Another spectacular sight is Le Pont d'Avignon. This enormous bridge is quite amazing. Built in the 1100s, it originally measured one kilometre in length. Over the years, the fantastic twenty-two arches made of stone have been destroyed, most washed away in a flood in the seventeenth century, so that only four remain standing today. And inside one of the remaining arches, you can visit the Chapelle St-Nicholas. And if that's not enough, you can take a look at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Des-Doms.

Time your visit well, and you can be in Avignon for their yearly festival. Le Festival d'Avignon takes place in July. Originally for theatre, is had now expanded to include cinema, dance, comedy, and music. The event takes place all over Avignon, including venues such as little secret gardens, some of the eighteenth century mansions, and the courtyard of the Palais des Papes. Obviously, tourists flock to Avignon at this time of year and the hotels book up very quickly. Make sure you book well in advance if you plan to visit during the festival.

One of the more peaceful places to visit during your stay is the Rocher des Doms gardens, which can be found above the Palais des Papes. It's a great place to take in the views across the river Rhône stretching all the way out to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. If you visit, do so as the sun sets and sip some wine as the locals do.

Avignon by Eurostar Trains

If you're convinced, Avignon is easily accessed by Eurostar train. It is one of the connecting services, meaning you'll need to change trains at some point. Eurostar trains depart from St Pancras International, a very easy-to-get-to destination in London. With speeds of 186 miles per hour, it's an easy journey. From London, you'll be sped across the English countryside and through the channel tunnel to Lille Europe. Once there, simple change platforms and get onto a TGV train, which will take you all the way down to Avignon TGV station. The best journey time for this route is around five hours and fifty-five minutes.

The station lies just on the edge of town. Once you arrive, you can take a shuttle bus into town, which depart every quarter of an hour. Alternatively, if you have a lot of luggage, there is a taxi rank at the station.

Visit the official Eurostar web site to book your train tickets to Avignon.