Lille station and Eurostar

If they are changing from a Eurostar to a train to Avignon they probably will not have to change stations. It will just be: Get of train. Go up to concourse. Look at departure board. Head for next train. Pretty much like any other station.

Signage in Lille Europe is trilingual: French, English and Dutch.

it is unfortunate that the railways force them to waste an hour on this connection though. In a better world the connection would be 10 minutes, and cross platform.

with the option to buy food as the train does not have a buffet car?

With regard to food, I’d suggest that they just buy something at St Pancras. The M&S Simply Food in the station has lots of options. There are also some shops in the Lille station.

Check the ticket to see if the station is Lille-Europe or Lille-Flandres. The train from London uses Lille-Europe. As mentioned above, they will probably also be using Lille-Europe for their departure to Avignon.

No worry about food, you can buy sandwiches, coffee in Lille Europe railway station and nearby in shopping mall Euralille are many places selling food too. No experience, but the stewards at the station must be able to help you in your own language.

With regard to food, I’d suggest that they just buy something at St
Pancras.

No, don't do that! It's a really bad idea since they will most likely not be allowed to bring that food to France. The EU has strict rules on importing food.

No, don't do that! It's a really bad idea since they will most likely not be allowed to bring that food to France. The EU has strict rules on importing food.

Wow, that never occurred to me. I definitely took a sandwich on the trip when I last traveled (Sept 2023) so I am surprised they didn’t make me throw it out. I ate it on the train … probably on the England side. I won’t do that again.

edit: o.k., I just read that you are allowed to take food that you will consume on the journey onto the train so I didn’t violate any rules.

The two stations in Lille are attached by a longish covered corridor. Make sure they read the rules and arrive at St Pancras 90 or more minutes before departure. No fudging, no nonsense.

We can't guarantee that there won't be lines for food, but they will have time to buy some non gourmet, pre prepared food. Have they got some Euros, just in case their credit cards have a problem?

It’s an easy journey. My daughter has done this route a few times by herself - including the first time she traveled along in Europe when she was 19 and going to a summer program in Avignon. The Man in Seat 61 has a very useful website with details instructions, tips, and pictures of the journey.

https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/eurostar-to-lyon-avignon-marseille.htm

If you have mobility issues or a large amount of luggage there is a tram between Lille Europe and Lille Flandres, but it's not worth it if you are able to walk.

Thanks everyone for your help. I am booking tickets on Wednesday and this is much clearer now.