Eurostar has announced that its popular direct summer services to Avignon will open for sale earlier than usual, available from 20 December 2011. The early sale is to cope with traveller demand for its services to the stunning Provence region of France.

Holidaymakers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment for the weekly direct services that will run from 7 July to 1 September 2012. With direct journey times of less than six hours from St Pancras International in London and Ashford International in Kent, the summer service is a favourite with travellers and tickets sell fast every year. Customers can take advantage of these Eurostar deals by boarding a Eurostar service in the UK, then travelling non-stop through the magnificent French countryside, directly to Avignon in the heart of Provence.

Nick Mercer, commercial director for Eurostar commented: "Our direct Avignon summer services grow in popularity each year, as people across the country see how easy and enjoyable it is to travel across Europe by high-speed rail. By opening sales to Avignon earlier than usual we are giving customers even more flexibility when planning their summer trip to Provence. Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and increasingly, passengers see their journey as part of the holiday itself."

Direct Eurostar tickets are available in both Standard class Standard Premier. If direct services are full, Eurostar offers connecting services all year round that arrive into Avignon TGV station, which is located just outside the town centre.