After months of staying home, dreaming of being outdoors, of taking a longed for break in France – the summer is back on!
Whether you dream of cycling on traffic free roads through gorgeous countryside, lazing in the sun on a golden sandy beach, sipping wine in a vineyard, visiting castles, hiking in the pure mountain air or exploring picturesque villages – France has everything to make your holiday dream come true.
Book a stay in one of our gorgeous gites, fabulous villas, apartments overlooking the sea, beautiful chalets in the mountains, chateau rentals and more – we have thousands of listings in every part of France…
Getting to France
If you want to avoid air travel, there’s a great choice of routes…
Eurotunnel car train from Ashford to Calais takes just 35 minutes and you don’t even need to get out of your car en route. Just drive on one side, drive off the other.
P&O Ferries operates sailings between Dover and Calais – a journey of 1.5 hours.
DFDS Ferries operate sailings between Dover and Calais, a journey of 1.5 hours. They also operate sailing between Dover and Dunkirk (2 hours) and Newhaven to Dieppe (from 4 hours).
Brittany ferries operate several routes from the UK to Normandy and Brittany ports: Portsmouth to Caen, Portsmouth to St Malo, Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Portsmouth to Le Havre, Poole to Cherbourg, Plymouth to Roscoff, Cork to Roscoff.
All rail and ferry operators have put enhanced hygiene and safely protocols in place and have details on their websites.
Driving in France
The freedom of the open road in France means you can have adventures galore. Take the slow road and let yourself make unexpected discoveries with detours en route. Or take the efficient autoroutes to speed you on your way.
There are a few key essentials to remember.
You’ll need to have with you in the car at all times the following documents or risk a fine or confiscation of your vehicle:
A valid full (not provisional) driving licence
A vehicle registration document (V5c) - the original not a copy, called "carte grise" (grey card) in France
Motor insurance certificate
Passport(s)
If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.
In your car you must also have: Warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest.
You also need to have a GB sticker clearly displayed on the back (unless your car has 'Euro-plates').
And, if you’re driving in a classified low emission zone (Paris, Grenoble, Lyon, Lille) you’ll need to display a sticker which can be bought on line before you travel.
There are full details of requirements for driving in France at theAA.com and rac.co.uk
Find your perfect French holiday home
Now all you need to do is sort out your perfect French holiday home! Browse our thousands of listings all over France and use the filters to pick your ideal property from B&B to pet-friendly, wheelchair access, couples only and heaps more.
Welcome to summer in France…