Eurostar will add two weeks to its summer service to the south of France next year, with plans to extend it all-year round in 2015 if the trial is a success.

The 2014 weekly trains to Avignon will run from June 28 to September 13, with tickets going on sale today.

The extension follows high demand for its spring services to Lyon, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

Direct journey times to the region from London’s St Pancras International are less than six hours.

Eurostar also operates trains from Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations.

Eurostar commercial director Nick Mercer said: “The popularity of our 2013 Lyon Provence trial and our annual summer Avignon services shows us that the Brits’ love affair with the south of France is stronger than ever.

“By opening sales to Avignon earlier than usual and by extending services we are serving the growing number of people choosing high-speed rail over air.

“Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and increasingly passengers see their rail journey as part of the holiday itself.”

Prices for Eurostar’s direct summer Avignon services start at £109 return. Visit www.eurostar.com.