The French flair for fashion and culture will be on show for all to see in Peterborough city centre over the next week during a glitzy exhibition to show how close the cities have become thanks to new rail links.

And top Parisian stylist and one-time editor of French Vogue, Barbara Baumel, will also be dropping in to provide some tips on the latest look in the French capital.

Evoking images of the River Seine, the majesty of Notre Dame and, of course, the magnificent Eiffel Tower, the exhibition is being hosted by rail giant Eurostar to promote its four-hour services from Peterborough to Paris.

A Eurostar spokesperson said: "We want Peterborough people to fully understand that the wonders of Paris are just a short rail journey away."

Already the number of city people travelling by train from Peterborough to Paris has soared by 66 per cent since the opening last year of the new St Pancras International which has helped to cut travel times to mainland Europe.

Do you think the easy rail links with Paris are good for Peterborough?.
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Continental chic and catwalk couture will arrive with Parisian pomp at the Queensgate centre on Friday.

A replica Eurostar interactive carriage installation will be in the centre from Friday to July 13 and advisers will show visitors the speed and ease with which they can now travel to Europe.

Visitors will be able to try the seats out for size, complete with the countryside speeding past at 186mph in the window simulation, before planning a trip.

An interactive itinerary, including suggestions for day trips, weekend breaks and longer holidays will be available at the touch of a button along with advisors on hand to book tickets and give expert advice. And on July 8, Mme Baumel, whose illustrious list of clients includes Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Louis Vuitton, will host an exclusive Parisian themed fashion advice event.

Having also styled the French first lady Carla Bruni, who recently wowed the crowds in London with her distinctive style, she will be hoping the women of Peterborough are equally impressed.

She will be giving style tips about how to achieve the classic French look and providing individual consultations from 12.30pm. Mme Baumel said: "I'm really looking forward to visiting Peterborough, meeting the locals and showing you how easy it is to put a little Parisian glamour into your wardrobe."

Leader of the city council John Peach was he was very encouraged by Eurostar's interest in Peterborough.

He said: "It is good for the city. I would like to think the reason they are bringing this exhibition here is because we are in a growth area. And I would also like to hope that once they have visited and like the area, they will consider bringing their companies to Peterborough and encourage more French tourists to visit our city."

Related: Video: Breakfast in Peterborough, lunch in Paris!
Intrepid ET reporter Jonny Muir proves it's now possible to enjoy breakfast in Peterborough and lunch in Paris thanks to a new high-speed rail link. 15 November 2007

External links:
Eurostar - Paris destination information.