EUROSTAR is launching direct services from Ashford to the historic French city of Avignon this summer. The operator's decision to run through services is based on the growth in the number of passengers using TGV Med, the new high speed rail service to the south of France that opened in June 2001.

Many Kent and Medway delegates to MIPIM, the property and development expo that attracted 16,000 people to Cannes last week, took the Eurostar from Ashford International, changing to the TGV at Lille. The journey took almost two hours less than last year before the new Marseilles section opened.

The initiative to Avignon, a walled city famous for its Palais des Papes and bridge Le Pont d'Avignon, is likely to hasten the trend. Most of the route is on the French high speed network, with the end-to-end time for the 715-mile run will be six hours, 15 minutes at an average speed of 114 mph.

Trains will run each Saturday from July 20 to September 7. Fares start at £115 return for a standard class ticket booked at least 14 days in advance. First class service, including refreshments, costs £195.

*More details from Rail Europe, which has recently moved its headquarters from London to Kings Hill, West Malling, on 08705 186186 or www.raileurope.co.uk