VisitBritain has teamed up with Visit London and Eurostar to mark the countdown to the 10th anniversary of the Eurostar link between London and mainland Europe.

Since the first train left London for Paris on 14 November 1994 around 59 million passengers have made the journey.

The countdown begins today with a series of giant images of London’s Big Ben belltower displayed at three of Paris’s main railway stations: Gare Du Nord, Gare St Lazare and Gare Montparnasse.

The images will show Big Ben transformed into birthday candles and be displayed outside the stations.

“Today, London is only two hours 35 minutes away from Paris,” said Tom Wright, chief executive of VisitBritain.

“In 2003, more than six million passengers travelled on Eurostar between Britain and the continent. Eurostar has been responsible for introducing many more international visitors to the pleasure of life in our unique capital and enhancing Anglo-French relations.”

Between 26 October and 10 November, Visit London will showcase the entertainment available in London on a dedicated stage at Gare St Lazare.

Acts being performed will include renditions from West End show Chicago and Monty Python as well as street performers from London.