"Passengers ... will need to get off at Lille, go up to the customs hall and in effect start their journey again.
...
Even some of those who knew of the Lille stop were surprised to find they had to carry their luggage throughout"
Who would want to do that?
Not only that, the Marseille train leaves London at 07:19! Great for people in London, not so great if you live outside. Firstly, it might not be possible to get in that early, and secondly, mid-week, peak fares in to London are extortionate.
I checked a fare in October (Fri-Fri, before half term): £178. Sat-Sat in October: £129.
Flying: £110 return with Easyjet, including baggage. Or from Heathrow with BA: £114. At more reasonable times of day. It's a 2 hour flight.
Who would want to do that?
Not only that, the Marseille train leaves London at 07:19! Great for people in London, not so great if you live outside. Firstly, it might not be possible to get in that early, and secondly, mid-week, peak fares in to London are extortionate.
I checked a fare in October (Fri-Fri, before half term): £178. Sat-Sat in October: £129.
Flying: £110 return with Easyjet, including baggage. Or from Heathrow with BA: £114. At more reasonable times of day. It's a 2 hour flight.