Eurostar takes high-speed route to Bordeaux

Tickets go on sale on Wednesday for the journey, which Eurostar intends to offer as a comfortable alternative to airlines – although passengers will have to change stations in Paris.

Eurostar already offers a direct-booking service on the route, but it will use the slower line until the high-speed service opens on July 2.

Fares at present start at £55 one-way (£299 in business class) for a journey that leaves St Pancras International and arrives in Bordeaux Saint-Jean between seven hours and 8hr40min later.

The high-speed line should cut this by at least an hour with fares remaining the same - £110 return.

Eurostar trains arrive in Paris at Gare du Nord but Bordeaux trains leave from Gare Montparnasse and passengers must take Metro 4 towards Mairie de Montrouge, reaching Montparnasse Bienvenue after about 45 minutes. The Eurostar website shows it allows between an hour and 80 minutes for the transfer at present.

Company commercial director Nick Mercer said: "There is a growing appetite for Bordeaux, as British travellers are drawn to the gastronomic and cultural attractions of the city and nearby regions.

"With the new high-speed line, passengers will benefit from a more civilised way to travel with city-centre-to city-centre travel, a generous baggage allowance and superior comfort on board our new trains."

Eurostar highlights its "quick and convenient check-in, city-centre to city-centre travel, and a generous baggage allowance" to give an advantage over airlines.