Hotels in London and Paris
A tunnel linking England and France was first dreamed up around 1800, but Napoleon's rampages and invasion fears put an end to that. In fact, it took nearby two centuries for the dream to become reality, with the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994.
Known in France as Le Tunnel sous la Manche or simply Le Tunnel, this 50 km (31 mi) double rail tunnel runs from Folkestone to Calais and handles both vehicle shuttle trains plus high-speed passenger services.
The latter are run by Eurostar, offering a fast journey at up to 320 kph (200 mph) between the city centres of London and Paris. With the (somewhat belated) completion of the high-speed line at the English end, it is now possible to take a day trip from one great capital to the other, to do business, shop or just look around.
From London, this stylish journey begins at the excellent new terminal within the magnificent, refurbished Victorian station of St.Pancras. There, travellers find everything they need (such as a ticket office, currency exchange, newsagent, cafés and lounges) and some things that are more about setting in the mood (like the Champagne Bar).
Passangers may carry baggage straight onto the sleek, ultra-modern trains prior to their journey. After speeding through the English countryside via Ebbsfleet International and Ashford Stations, Eurostar shoots through the Tunnel before racing across France via Lille to Paris Gare du Nord. It's a great railway journey that everyone should do at least once.
There are different classes available - Business Premier, Leisure Select and Standard - and Eurostar regularly wins award for the all-round quality of service it offers. As a result, the service is heavily used and it is advisable to book in advance to be sure of a seat on the train of your choice.
HOW
By train
WHEN TO GO
Any time of year (but who can't resist Paris in the Spring?)
TIME IT TAKES
The fastest London-Paris journey time is two-and-a-quarter hours.
HIGHLIGHTS
A great view of the Dartford Crossing high-level bridge over the River Thames.
The old tunnel-boring machine on display near the English end of the Channel Tunnel.
Crossing beneath the English Channel in just 20 minutes (the ferry on the ocean wave above takes much longer!).
YOU SHOULD KNOW
The American Society of Civil Engineers has included the Channel Tunnel on its prestigious list of Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Hotels in London and Paris
A tunnel linking England and France was first dreamed up around 1800, but Napoleon's rampages and invasion fears put an end to that. In fact, it took nearby two centuries for the dream to become reality, with the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994.
Known in France as Le Tunnel sous la Manche or simply Le Tunnel, this 50 km (31 mi) double rail tunnel runs from Folkestone to Calais and handles both vehicle shuttle trains plus high-speed passenger services.
The latter are run by Eurostar, offering a fast journey at up to 320 kph (200 mph) between the city centres of London and Paris. With the (somewhat belated) completion of the high-speed line at the English end, it is now possible to take a day trip from one great capital to the other, to do business, shop or just look around.
From London, this stylish journey begins at the excellent new terminal within the magnificent, refurbished Victorian station of St.Pancras. There, travellers find everything they need (such as a ticket office, currency exchange, newsagent, cafés and lounges) and some things that are more about setting in the mood (like the Champagne Bar).
Passangers may carry baggage straight onto the sleek, ultra-modern trains prior to their journey. After speeding through the English countryside via Ebbsfleet International and Ashford Stations, Eurostar shoots through the Tunnel before racing across France via Lille to Paris Gare du Nord. It's a great railway journey that everyone should do at least once.
There are different classes available - Business Premier, Leisure Select and Standard - and Eurostar regularly wins award for the all-round quality of service it offers. As a result, the service is heavily used and it is advisable to book in advance to be sure of a seat on the train of your choice.
HOW
By train
WHEN TO GO
Any time of year (but who can't resist Paris in the Spring?)
TIME IT TAKES
The fastest London-Paris journey time is two-and-a-quarter hours.
HIGHLIGHTS
A great view of the Dartford Crossing high-level bridge over the River Thames.
The old tunnel-boring machine on display near the English end of the Channel Tunnel.
Crossing beneath the English Channel in just 20 minutes (the ferry on the ocean wave above takes much longer!).
YOU SHOULD KNOW
The American Society of Civil Engineers has included the Channel Tunnel on its prestigious list of Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Hotels in London and Paris
