Travel to France by Ferry ⛴: A Ferry fabulous trip to France ??Childhood memories of hopping across to Calais or Bologne sur Mer – in those days the crossings were just £1 on the famous hovercraft- came flooding back to me as we prepared for this fun family summer holiday.With the temptation to just book a Eurostar to Paris, I was determined avoid the very modern route and to take my family on a more traditional voyage – packed with fun and excitement to recreate the memories of sailing we had as children growing up on the coast of Kent. So Showbizmama teamed up with P&O Ferries for the adventure.Once boarded from Dover onto one of their gigantic vessels with all the mod cons, you are a stone’s throw away from another country with all its magnificent culture to soak up. We travelled as foot passengers, and with a buggy in tow, kids as well as elderly passengers, it was very baby friendly, family orientated with ramps, lifts and friendly staff to help out on both sides. Duty free was calling, and while the kids and grandparents hit the arcades and enjoyed a sumptuous full English breakfast as well as croissants and cereals, us ladies were off to bag a bargain on our favourite fragrances and sample the champers on tap too. Well, it would be rude not to try before you buy ?

Once arriving in France after a crossing that’s just an hour and a half long, going through customs is pretty stress free and a lot quicker than flying. Still, wear comfortable shoes as you do get a work out when you are coming on and off the coach for passport control and baggage.
A ten minute taxi ride gets you bang in the middle of the centre Ville, where the restaurants serve the delicious and quintessentially French cuisine from mussels and chips, to crepes, and stunning seafood pastas as well as traditional dishes like Croque Monsieur (as well as pizza and burgers if you’ve got fussy eater kiddies like me ??)
Strolling along there’s plenty of sights and statues of modern art to see, as well as traditional churches and lighthouses.
The beach is a little drop of heaven on a hot day – splashing in the waves and collecting shells on the sandy shoreline was a highlight for kids and grown-ups alike.
With a busy train station linking to Paris and further afield, and buses to other small neighbouring towns, Calais is often the gateway to discover more stunning beauty spots beyond north France.
So why not hop across a ferry to France…its plain sailing ⛵️??

For deals on affordable family holidays to France, check out www.poferries.com and for destination ideas visitFrance.com