French Eurostar destinations

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The Eurostar is a high-speed train service that connects London with several major cities in Europe, including London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. You might be wondering how you can travel from the United Kingdom to mainland Europe. The answer is the Channel Tunnel, which runs for thirty miles under the English Channel, and is one of the Seven wonders of the modern world according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, where it shares company with the Empire State Building and the Panama Canal.

The Eurostar was launched in 1994, and has many destinations, both direct and indirect (via Paris), the majority of which are in French-speaking regions. There are also plans for the Eurostar to branch out to Geneva and Zurich in Switzerland by 2030.

Paris

France's capital city is one of the most renowned and visited cities in the world. With a population of over 2 million, it's by far the biggest city in France, and offers endless enchantments for tourists - from visits to the world-famous Louvre to dining in a bistro on the banks of the Seine, from climbing the Eiffel Tower or watching a show at the Moulin Rouge. The Eurostar takes you directly to Gare du Nord, which is handily located near the beautiful Basilique du Sacre-Coeur.

Avignon

Avignon, once the seat of the papacy, is a jewel of southern France where rustic, Provençal culture meets classical elegance. The city comes alive every summer during its internationally renowned theatre festival, which celebrates art and culture and attracts visitors (and talent) from across the world. From Paris you can take a train right into the middle of the city, at Avignon Centre train station.

Lyon

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon is rich in history and culture, from its Roman amphitheatres to the gorgeous Renaissance buildings adorning its streets. The city is also famous for its gastronomy, and is the ideal location for visitors wanting to sample the very best of French cuisine, with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in France after Paris.

Strasbourg

Close to the border with Germany is Strasbourg, a marvellous, fairy-tale like city that is perfect to visit in all seasons. Stroll by the canals of La Petite France, the city's quaint and beautiful old town, or take a trip to the world-famous cathedral to get a sense of the city's breathtaking wonders. And if you happen to be there in winter, make sure to check out the Christmas markets too!

Lille

On the border with Belgium, Lille is a city full of architectural charm, which often reflects Flemish influences. The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the largest fine arts museums in Europe, while the Piscine Museum is exactly that - a swimming pool that has been turned into a museum, showcasing numerous artistic wonders from sculptures to ceramics. The Eurostar stops in Lille Europe, and from there it's just a short walk to the centre of the city.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice

During winter, you can also take indirect routes from the Eurostar to the Alps. One of the Alpine destinations is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a small but stunning town with amazing views of the mountains and a crystalline lake. The town leads into the Alps and serves as a transport hub for the Paradiski ski area.

Brussels

Okay, this one isn't in France, but France isn't the only French-speaking country you can visit on the Eurostar! Though Belgium has three official languages (French, Flemish and German), Brussels is located in the southern, French-speaking part of the country, and is a great place to visit for anyone wanting to put their French-language skills to the test. Brussels is a very modern city, filled with trendy bars and restaurants, while the historic centre boasts a number of gorgeous buildings designed by Baron Haussmann (the same architects responsible for Paris' famous tenement blocks). Brussels-Midi/Zuid, where the Eurostar terminates, also offers many trains going into the Netherlands and further afield.