Mit dem Eurostar der Sonne entgegen - von London nach Marseille mit dem Zug

About the destination: Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

About the destination: Paris, situated on the river Seine, is the capital and largest city in France. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world and it is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, so much so that is has been dubbed the City of Love. Paris offers historical sights, monuments, a pleasant atmosphere, lovely cafés, parks and museums to satisfy any traveler. A large part of this City of Light, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to some of the greatest old building in the world such as Le Tour Eiffel, Notre Dâme, Sacre Coeur, L´Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, the Moulin Rouge or the Hotel des Invalides. There is no ending of the list of things you have to see in this city, but Le Louvre, one of the finest museums in the world of art and culture, should not be missed. Paris remains vastly influential in the realms of art and design and is home to some of the most impressive modern buildings such as La Défense, the Centre Pompidou, the Institut du Monde Arabe or the Stade de France. Paris is a city of immense vitality and beauty and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. With its history and architectural patrimony, Paris is the city everyone wants to see.

About the destination: Historically renowned for its silk exchange and medieval fairs, Lyon is France’s second largest city and one of Europe’s finest gastronomic capitals. The heart of Lyon lies on a spit of land between the Rivers Rhône and Saône, and is split by the city’s artery, rue Victor Hugo. Part-Dieu, on the east bank of the Rhône, is the city’s financial district. The vieille ville, on the west bank, is a neighbourhood of 17th and 18th century houses and cobblestone lanes. Best seen from across the Saône, the Cathedrale St-Jean rises amid red tiles and grey stone, oblivious to the passing barges. It’s noted for its strongly articulated nave and flamboyant rose windows. From the Fourvière esplanade you can gaze down onto the urban sprawl. There is a large selection of museums with spectacular collections in Lyon, exhibiting everything from fabrics and banking to Gallo Roman life and local history. In Lyon, people don’t eat, they dine. You cannot leave without indulging yourself with the great cuisine lyonnaise. Of course whatever you eat, wash it down with a local Beaujolais or a white burgundy from the neighbouring Mâcon villages.

About the destination: Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city of the département of Vaucluse, and is on the banks of the Rhône river. Avignon was one of the European Cities of Culture in 2000. Avignon is home to the world’s largest Gothic edifice, Le Palais des Papes, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1995. The city is sprinkled with buildings and monuments ranging from the new to the old, the very old, and the ageless. Another world heritage site is Pont Saint-Bénezet, better known as le Pont d'Avignon, a famous half destroyed bridge. Avignon's charm, though, lies in the narrow streets of its medieval walled city which contain numerous Gothic and Baroque churches, as well as stunning maisons.Avignon is a vibrant and lively place that captures an ancient ambience that one can feel even around the crowds. Charming Avignon is truly a Medieval Jewel.

About the destination: Marseille is the second largest city in France, the biggest Mediterranean port and the economic hub of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Marseille is set in a beautiful location, snuggled between craggy limestone hills and a sweeping bay, and is rich with history, which wasn’t always pleasant. Marseille is a popular holiday destination, as it has 300 days of sunshine a year. Today Marseilles still keeps traces of its tumultuous past, this ancient city is today very active and attractive. It has powerful charm which encourages visitors, to stroll through its old districts around le Vieux Port, in the gardens with the ancient ruins or the gardens of Longchamp Palace and, of course, on the esplanade of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Cathedral, which overlooks the entire city Marseille is atmospheric and charming and a real must.