For many of us the whole idea of travel by train brings back feelings nostalgia. If you’re old enough you might even remember the days of steam and the unforgettable aroma of coal smoke.

In Europe, the train has moved on and the continent is now linked by an impressive, high speed network. Arguably one of the most interesting train rides in the world is Eurostar that links London to Paris.

The Eurostar journey time is now only 2 hours and 35 minutes from London St. Pancras to the Gare du Nord in Paris. Remember this is city centre to City centre. Compare this with the plane with the hour or so journey to Heathrow, the 2 hour check in, waiting in crowded lounges, extensive security checks, flight time, baggage collection and another hour by taxi or bus to the centre of Paris.

Did you know that you can buy a coffee in the restaurant car on Eurostar as you near Dover and if you drink it slowly, 20 minutes later you burst from the Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel) into sunlight and race through the French countryside as you finish the same cup of coffee?

The great thing about Eurostar is that it links neighbouring nations that, because of the existence of the English channel, are so totally different. Whichever direction you travel through the tunnel on Eurostar, two hours on a train takes you into a different world.

Bargain Return Eurostar Fares to Paris

So is it expensive? No, particularly not if you book ahead and look for the best deals. Currently Eurostar are offering bargain fares to Paris for as little as £59 return. There are some really good short breaks too where typically 1-3 nights in a hotel in Paris are included. Pretty good when you consider you could spend more than £59 just on taxis just to get you from the two airports to the city centres.

Why not check out Eurostar fares online?

If you’re travelling from outside Europe why not spend a few days on each side of the channel? London and Paris together are full of fabulous contrasts. But both have amazing buildings, wonderful museums and galleries and great theatres and shows. Two holidays for the price of one!

If getting to St Pancras is a problem; for example if you live outside London and St Pancras isn't on your local line you might want to consider Ebbsfleet International. EbbsFleet is near junction 2 on the the M25 and the giant Bluewater shopping complex.

You can park here for £8 a day or £37 per week and the bonus is you are even nearer to Paris! (around 2 hours) For a Short Break in Paris this may well be a cheaper alternative to using train, taxi or tube to get to St Pancras.

So what are you waiting for? Get online right now and check out those cheap Eurostar fares to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam or better still book a long weekend with someone special to Paris. There is nowhere quite like Paris for romance and a little Oh La La!