High speed train operator Eurostar has announced that tickets for its new direct weekly summer services to Avignon in the heart of Provence, will go on sale on Tuesday 22 December 2009.

The direct service will run every Saturday from London St Pancras International and Ashford International from 10 July to 4 September 2010.

Tickets are available from £109 return in standard class and £249 return in Leisure Select. Connecting fares are also available from over 200 towns and cities across the UK.

The journey from London St Pancras International takes less than six hours (and less than 5h30 minutes from Ashford International) and travellers arrive within a short walk of the heart of the historic city.

Tickets for the Avignon direct summer service and for connecting services all year round are available from www.eurostar.com [4] , by calling 08432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.