Eurostar, the international high-speed rail operator, expects a bumper bank holiday weekend with 110,000 passengers - up 3% on the same time a year ago - likely to travel.

Almost 60,000 Brits are taking advantage of the long weekend to enjoy a late summer break with Paris, Disneyland Paris and Avignon proving to be the most popular destinations.

Eurostar links St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps.

Friday August 23 is the busiest day for departures, prompting Eurostar to add extra services to Paris to meet increased demand.

Passengers travelling from St Pancras International this weekend will be entertained by a range of free activities, including a magician, free massage, tea and biscuits, in the departure lounge.

Mary Walsh, Eurostar’s director of communications, said: “There’s been a great holiday atmosphere in our stations all summer, and this weekend will be no exception. Our seasonal Avignon services have proved particularly popular again this year as the Brits love affair with Provence and the South of France continues to blossom. For any passengers looking for a last minute getaway, there are a handful of tickets remaining for our last direct Avignon service of the season, departing this weekend.”