Property in France is likely to be reached by rail in many cases this summer, according to one travel organisation.

The Association of European Rail Agents (AERA) notes that the advantages for anyone with city centre property in France include the more direct nature of rail transport.

Chair of the AERA Toni Rixson says that this begins with the fact that stations tend to be located in cities, whereas passengers usually have to travel further to reach airports.

"When you arrive you’re there, you’re in the centre – and again you haven’t got to travel from one of the airports," she adds.

She lists Lille as one of her own favourite destinations, at little more than an hour from the UK by train.

Beyond France, Ms Rixson suggests that long-haul rail journeys can be an ideal way to take in a variety of different scenery while adding an overnight element to the journey itself.

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