It's innovative thinking, dynamic in their presentation and flexible in their response
Kate Bowman, Sunday Times Travel Magazine
Why France in 2011?
Why France in 2011?
Why France in 2011?
By making the most of its convenient position just across the Channel as well as its quirky accommodation options and varied landscapes, France has continued to attract travellers during the recession. In 2011, holidaymakers are looking set to find the best prices in years thanks to a euro shaken by financial troubles in Greece, Ireland and Portugal as well as a flurry of new, great value boutique B&Bs. France is firmly on the map as a great value holiday destination for all travellers and all budgets.
Driving costs
By taking their car across the Channel with SeaFrance, holidaymakers to France can save even further. Not only do they avoid huge baggage charges and the cost of a hire car, but they can also fit in five people from just £35 each way for any duration travel. Fuel costs in France are favourable in comparison to the UK, especially considering the rises in fuel tax and VAT. On 4 January 2011, petrol costs were roughly comparable in France and the UK, but diesel was significantly more expensive in the UK. For example, the cheapest price for diesel in Dover was 126.90p per litre in comparison to just 108.0p in Calais.
Restaurant prices
Whilst France has not yet taken on the voucher culture of UK dining, the recession and tax decreases have prompted top end restaurants in France to lower prices and offer great value set meals using locally sourced ingredients. For example, top seafood restaurant L'Aquar'aile (www.laquaraile.com) in Calais has introduced a three course "VAT drop" lunch menu for £20 including delicacies such as oysters, sea bream in a port sauce, and a shellfish one-pot.
Food and drink prices
There has been much made of the booze cruise being a thing of the past. However, if UK consumers do make the trip over to France, they will generally find that prices are still cheaper over there. Branded champagne is at least 20% cheaper in France, as are French or Belgian lagers, and bottles of wine are generally around £2 cheaper in France because of the UK's high taxes on alcohol. As for food, most products are comparable although dairy products, fish, vegetables and conserves are generally 20% cheaper. Having said that, it is not all about the prices - the variety and quality tends to be better in France, with processed food generally lower in fat and sugar.
Accommodation
The last few years has seen a real boom in French boutique B&Bs - small properties in character buildings for exceptionally good prices. Here are some of SeaFrance's favourites:
Le Vert Bois, Neuville-sur-Montreuil, Pas de Calais
Situated on the edge of Neuville-sur-Montreuil in the Seven Valleys area of the Pas de Calais, Le Vert Bois is a majestic looking farmhouse with old outbuildings centred around a courtyard. The rooms are all decorated in a rustic, French country style and have their own bathrooms. The great rural location means that guests can enjoy walking trails from the front door. Double rooms start from €60 on a bed and breakfast basis. http://gite.montreuil.online.fr/
La Gacogne, Azincourt, Pas de Calais
This mid 18th century orangery, La Gacogne is set in the fields of Azincourt, just next to the famous battlefield. Guests will find roaring open fires, a jumble of curiosities and numerous antiques, making for a memorable stay. The romantic rooms are surpassed only by the stunning garden - overgrown with wild flowers, rambling roses and old statues. A double room starts from €60 on a bed and breakfast basis. http://www.gacogne.com/
Maison Warlop, Fresnes-Mazancourt, Picardy
This is one for the modern architecture fiends. Maison Warlop is an unusual, bright coloured building in the middle of the Somme countryside. Its waved roof is vaulted so that the Picardy sky pours in onto the stone floors, and the owner Madame Warlop is a fabulous cook who provides wonderful French meals for her guests. A double room starts from €65 on a bed and breakfast basis. http://www.maison-warlop.com/
Getting there
SeaFrance operates up to 30 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to five passengers start from just £35 each way (£70 return) online for any duration and from £19 return for a day trip.
For more information or to book your crossings visit seafrance.com or call 0871 22 22 500**
**Calls cost 10p per minute from BT landlines, calls from other networks and mobiles may vary.
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