Eurostar to Le Creusot

Le Creusot is a gorgeous little commune in Bourgogne, in the east of France. It used to be a mining town; however, in the last twenty years the town has focused on tourism, and it is now a wonderful place to visit. It's one of the Eurostar's connection services, so it's easy to reach from London, or the other Eurostar terminals at Ebbsfleet or Ashford International. Journey times are about 4 to 5 hours. Le Creusot is definitely worth a trip to see some wonderful sights.

About Le Creusot

One of the main tourist spots in the town is the Parc des Combes. It's only about twenty years old, but it's definitely the place to go for a fun family day out. The main attractions here are the trains, but there are plenty more rides to entertain you for a day, including a carousel and some rollercoaster rides. But it's worthwhile going just for a train ride around the seventy hectare park.

If you're looking for a bit more history, or if architecture is right up your street, spend a few hours looking around La Verrerie Castle. The building dates back to the eighteenth century, when it was originally used to store a collection of crystal belonging to Marie-Antoinette. However, in the nineteenth century, the Schneider family bought the castle and turned it into a home. Since 1969, the castle and its grounds (totalling twenty-eight hectares in all) have been open to the public. These days, the tourist and council offices are here, as well as the Museum of Man and Industry. Speaking of which, that's definitely another attraction worth a visit! The Museum of Man and Industry dates back to the early 1970s, and charts the industrial history of the region. So, it includes displays on the town's history of mining, glass makers, ceramic works, steel manufacturers, as well as a replica glassworks display.

Another great tourist attraction of Le Creusot is the famous steam hammer. It was designed by François Bourdon, an engineer, in 1877, as a monument to the Schneider Company and all they achieved technologically. It was in full working order until 1930, but was then moved to the main square in Le Creusot as a symbol of the town's industrial history. At twenty-one metres high, it's quite a sight.

Le Creusot by Eurostar Trains

You can get to Le Creusot on one of the Eurostar's connection services. This means you'll have 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. Your simplest option of connection services after getting on the train at London is to change at Paris Gare du Nord, which will only take two hours and fifteen minutes. From here, you'll need to get to Gare de Lyon. You can either grab a taxi or take the Metro. Once you arrive, there are a number of TGV services that will take you east to Le Creusot. All in all, if you travel from London, you can expect the journey time to be about four and a half hours.

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