Driving Holidays in France

As our nearest European neighbour, France is easily our most accessible holiday destination. Since the opening of the channel tunnel in 1994 and the subsequent completion of the Channel Tunnel rail link connecting St Pancras International station directly to Paris, the travel time from London to Paris has reduced to two and a quarter hours! Alternatively, it is possible to drive onto a ferry in Dover and enjoy a more leisurely sea crossing, arriving about 1 hour 30 minutes later in Calais.

Drivers to France should note that since 1st October 2008, drivers in France have been liable for an on-the-spot fine, or "deposit" if they are not carrying a reflective jacket and warning triangle. It is not permitted to use, or even carry, radar detectors and holders of EU driving licences exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km per hour (about 24 mph) will have their driving licences confiscated on the spot. The AA warns too, that a new type of fuel, the SP95-E10 (Sans Plomb 95 Octane, Ethanol 10%, or lead free 95 octane containing 10% of ethanol) now being sold in France is not suitable for use in all cars and you should check with your vehicle manufacturer before use. If in doubt use the standard SP95 or SP 98 Octane still available.

For families with small children the first thought is probably a beach holiday and France has beaches a-plenty. There are three coastlines; facing the English Channel, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; boasting mile after mile of beach destinations of every type, from sleepy fishing villages to lively resorts with amusements for all. Visitors keen to reach the southernmost areas can use the Auto-train from Paris to several southern destinations. This differs from the discontinued Motorail service from Calais, in that car and passengers travel separately on different trains.

Of course there is much more to France than beach holidays and many vistiors are attracted by the different areas of natural beauty; the world-famous gastronomy and vineyards; historic Chateaux and gardens; and prehistoric megaliths and cave paintings. Driving holidays are a popular way for visitors to experience all that France has to offer. There are many self-catering options (known as gîtes) for accommodation and the clement weather during the holiday season also makes camping an attractive low-cost option. Particularly in the popular holiday destinations, there are camp sites offering ready-pitched tents or mobile homes. For those looking for something off the beaten track, choose one of the best Marmot tents and check out some of the smaller sites. The facilities may be a little more basic but still streets ahead of similar establishments in the UK.

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