Getting to France
All you need to know about getting to France...
One of the reasons why France is so popular with British people is it's accessibility. France is on our doorstep, and with the EuroTunnel, EuroStar, pently of ferry routes and budget flights to choose from.. commuting to France from the UK has become a easy hassle-free experience.
Ferries
A short sea crossing between Dover and Calais is usually the cheapest and most popular way of getting to France. At peak times there are up to four ferry sailings an hour from Dover. Crossing times vary between 35 minutes by the tunnel, to just under an hour by high speed catamaran, to about 90 minutes by ferry.
Read moreEuroTunnel
If you are coming from Great Britain, you can use the Eurotunnel. Eurotunnel's car carrying service runs via the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone to Calais/Coquelles. Taking as little as 35 minutes platform to platform, it is a fast and exciting way to France and beyond. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with prices starting from £49.
www.eurotunnel.comDriving in France
Traffic drives on the right. France has over 9000km (5600 miles) of motorways/(autoroutes, some of which are free whilst others are toll-roads (autoroutes à péage). Prices vary depending on the route, and caravans are extra. There are more than 28,500km (17,700 miles) of national roads (routes nationales). Motorways bear the prefix ‘A’ and national roads ‘N’. Minor roads (marked in yellow on the Michelin road maps) are maintained by the départements rather than by the Government and are classed as ‘D’ roads. It is a good idea to avoid travelling any distance by road on the last few days of July/first few days of August and the last few days of August/first few days of September, as during this time the bulk of the holiday travel takes place and the roads can be jammed for miles. A sign bearing the words Sans Plomb on a petrol pump shows that it dispenses unleaded petrol. The Bison Futé map provides practical information and is available from the French Government Tourist Office.
Read moreEuroStar
Eurostar trains run directly from London to Paris in only three hours.
Trains also stop at Lille ,
which is becoming more popular as a weekend and short break destination.
Catching a Eurostar at just after 8.15am from Waterloo easily gets you into
Paris in time for lunch.
If you’re heading for Lille the journey time even shorter at only two
hours.
Once you're over the channel it is a matter of connecting trains to the
Brittany area.
French Rail Network
VFrance's rail system is comprehensive; its network of high-speed services and local trains connects all but the most minor towns.
Read moreFlights to France
Most of the low cost airlines allow passengers to book seats on flights twice a year. Usually summer seats are avalible from late December and winter seats in July. The sooner you book,the less money you pay.
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