Exciting Rail News for Travellers and Homeowners

The way we travel between the UK and France is evolving, bringing excellent news for explorers, second homeowners, and international property investors. Eurostar’s upcoming Celestia trains, scheduled for 2031, will deliver faster, more comfortable, and greener crossings. These double-decker trains can hold up to 540 passengers each, and when two are linked, they provide over 1,000 seats per trip!

This increase in capacity means easier travel between the UK and Europe, but this isn’t just good news for Brits and European travellers; it’s a significant boost for international homeowners and property investors, too.

Why This Matters for Property Buyers?

When travel becomes easier, more people begin to look for homes in places they can reach quickly. With Eurostar’s expansion, buying a second home in France or elsewhere in Europe has become much more appealing. Imagine being able to hop on a train in London and arrive in Paris, Lyon, or even the French Riviera in just a few hours, no airports, no long security lines, and a significantly smaller carbon footprint. This kind of convenience makes owning a home abroad feel more achievable for many.

For investors, this results in increased demand for properties in prime locations with good connectivity. Areas such as Paris, the Riviera, the Alps, and Bordeaux are already attractive to British buyers. As travel becomes more convenient, these regions might attract even more interest. This could strengthen rental markets and improve resale values for properties close to Eurostar routes.

We’ve seen this happen before. When Eurostar first launched, cities like Lille and Ashford experienced property price increases because they became more accessible. Now, with new direct routes to cities like Frankfurt and Geneva, similar developments could occur in those areas. If you’re considering buying property in France, focusing on cities with strong rail links might be a wise choice.

French Engineering at its Best

The Eurostar Celestia exemplifies French engineering. Built as a custom version of Alstom’s Avelia Horizon, the flagship double-decker high-speed train, the Celestia fleet showcases France’s industrial expertise.

Valenciennes, in the French region of Hauts-de-France and home to Alstom’s train interior design centre, plays a central role, refining details to match Eurostar’s luxury. The Celestia’s assembly occurs in La Rochelle, a hub for high-speed trains. Belfort produces its engines, intermediate carriages are made in Aytré, bogies, vital for stability, are built in Le Creusot in Burgundy, known for metallurgy, and traction systems in Tarbes, where my grandfather (Louis) worked as an engineer, before my family moved to join him in the Hautes-Pyrénées.

This initiative, built on decades of French innovation, ensures that the Celestia fleet surpasses Eurostar’s standards for performance, safety, and comfort. It assures travellers of reliability and quality, showcasing France’s industrial skill and ingenuity.

A Greener Way to Travel

The new Celestia trains represent a significant advancement for environmentally conscious travellers heading for France.  They are crafted to consume 20-50% less energy than the existing Eurostar fleet, enhancing the appeal of rail as a greener alternative to air travel. As demand for sustainable travel options grows, properties close to high-speed rail stations are expected to increase in value.

Better Prices and Services

Eurostar won’t be the only option for long-distance travel. By 2029, companies such as Trenitalia, Virgin, and Evolyn plan to launch their own services connecting London and Paris. This competition is expected to drive down fares, increase train frequency, and improve onboard amenities, making travel between the UK and Europe even more convenient.
 
For property owners, this is a positive development. More trains and lower prices can attract more visitors, encourage longer stays, and strengthen the rental market. If you’re considering purchasing a holiday home or an investment property in France, now might be an ideal opportunity.

Take the Eurostar Snow Train to the Alps

If you’re ready to hit the slopes this winter, the Eurostar Snow Train service transports travellers and winter sports enthusiasts from London St Pancras International station to the ski resorts, with a straightforward connection at Lille. It takes you directly to the French Alps without complicated transfers. The route includes stops in Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, dropping you off right at the base of some of the top ski resorts in the Alps.

A Great Time to Invest

For travellers, the future of UK-Europe rail travel has never looked brighter. For homeowners and investors, it presents an opportunity to capitalise on rising demand, improved accessibility, and long-term growth. Whether you’re dreaming of a holiday home in Provence, a city apartment in Paris, or a ski chalet in the Alps, the expansion of Eurostar and the arrival of new competitors make Europe feel closer than ever.

If you’ve been considering buying property in France, now is the time to start exploring your options. With improved trains, expanded routes, and growing competition, Europe is set to become much easier to reach. Hopefully, ticket prices will be cheaper in a few years’ time.

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