Eurostar 20th Anniversary

With November marking the 20th anniversary of Eurostar, enabling more than 145 million passengers to travel to the likes of Bordeaux, Munich and Basel so far, we thought it would be a fine time to see where the high-speed railway service can take you from London.

Antibes

Situated between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is a luxurious resort town in the heart of the Cote d’Azur. From beautiful beaches to fine dining and a spectacular culture thanks to the preservation of the historic old town, you can travel to Antibes from London on board the Eurostar, change at Gare du Nord and view the French countryside for a journey of around nine hours. Take in the view of the yacht marina (the largest in Europe) and don’t miss the authentic and extensive markets for local bits and pieces.

Cologne

A German city of stunning architecture, vibrant character and a social culture not to be dismissed, Cologne boasts one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in the world. A focus on history, there’s a museum on every corner to suit every taste, and the Old Town has captured the charm of the city with narrow alleyways, traditional housing and several breweries to while away the hours of a Sunday afternoon. There’s also the eye-catching waterfront complex of the Rheinauhafen district and the Cologne cable car for a unique view across the Rhine. All just over five hours from London on board the Eurostar, with a change in Brussels-Midi/Zuid.

Rotterdam

Around four hours from London via Brussels is Rotterdam, a growing Dutch city still in its youth with an impressive skyline, alluring arts and European cuisine. From big to small, world-renowned and as yet undiscovered, Rotterdam is quickly becoming Manhattan on the Maas, with the striking Erasmus Bridge, al fresco restaurants and bustling port. Go in winter and watch the buildings sparkle at night, or experience the colourful street parade of Summer Carnival.

Basel

A European city at its finest, Basel is strongly influenced by France and Germany due to its location on the northern border of Switzerland. A melting pot of architecture, Basel feels Mediterranean in the summer and part of the Swiss Alps in winter, with cobbled streets, shutter-window houses and shops that don’t open until noon. Relaxing restaurants, buzzing bars and plenty of German and Swiss beer, you can sit back and relax or explore the cathedral, go in search of the street art and shop the markets, chocolate shops and beyond. If you have a hotel booking, you can also enjoy free public transport as a visitor. Get to Basel on board the Eurostar in around six-and-a-half hours, changing in Gare du Nord.

Paris

An obvious one, but just over two-and-a-half hours from London (and no change – hurrah!), you can take in all that Paris has to offer. As the French capital, you can go to the heights of the Eiffel Tower, shop ‘til you drop and walk down one of the most famous streets in the world. However how much time you have, dine in fine restaurants, visit museums (Louvre or otherwise) and take a taxi around this beautiful city for sightseeing. Without the baggage restrictions of flying, going to Paris by Eurostar has serious benefits when it comes to shopping.

By Charlotte Mellor. Images courtesy of Camille King, Paul Di Bara, Thomas Robbin and Olivier Cleynen.