Since this has never been mentioned that I have seen, is there any form of customs entering France via the Eurostar? I plan to depart at Gare du Nord. If there is. . . anything in particular I should be aware of? Thanks-

If you're going from London to Paris you will depart from St Pancras and arrive at Gare du Nord. You go through an almost airport-type security check with your bags then clear customs at St Pancras, leaving the UK then entering France before you get on the train. Other way round on the return.

Anything you should be aware of? Don't smuggle anything illegal? Same as anywhere.

This is one I can answer for sure because I just took Eurostar today. You go through French immigration in London (like US immigration in Toronto or Bermuda) but I saw no mention of customs anywhere because you are going from one part of the European trade zone to another. Customs is pretty much only for entering or leaving the zone. Bags were scanned, and we went through the detector, but we didn't have to take off shoes, only coats.

Once you get to the Gare du Nord, it's as though you'd come in on a commuter train from anywhere else, though there will be a gathering of people come to meet people, and occasionally some cops who presumably have someone specific to look out for. Otherwise, you just walk straight down the platform and off into the metro or to the taxi rank.

<<< Customs is pretty much only for entering or leaving the zone. >>>

Oh no it isn't - UK customs will be very happy to take an interest in you if coming from France with several thousand ciggies.

Thanks much, to all. It's the St. Pancras part I was wondering about. It usually seems to be "follow the crowd." I have been to both England and France before, but have never traveled between to EU countries.