Summer is by far and away the best season to take a break in France. Only a short journey across channel, we Brits are very lucky to be so close to the most popular holiday destination in the world.
France offers so much to see, with sights such as Le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and The Notre Dame Cathedral, and that’s without even leaving Paris!
The Notre Dame Cathedral is famed for the iconic gargoyles, originally built to aid water drainage. They still hold that function, but have become a huge attraction for tourists visiting the capital.
But it's not just grotesque statues that make French architecture great, there are plenty of beautiful buildings both old and new to explore.
The food is the main thing that draws me to France. World famous for cuisine, the approach to food is truly unique. Bread is baked daily so that it is always consumed fresh, so you will always find a bakery close by. There's no need to toast the last stale slices here, as you will always be able to tuck into fresh bread.
As a super scrimper from the South of England, I spent a lot of time looking at the best value ways to get to France. After a good deal of searching on the internet, the ferry was the standout winner for me.
The summer is a great time to hop on a ferry to France. You simply cannot beat the fresh sea air on a sunny day and the sound of the water hitting the bow. Seagulls bring a certain charm to your journey, and can be particularly partial to anything you may be eating on deck. On a ferry to France you can take your own car, and fill it with as many belongings as you care to bring. Don’t fill it up before you set off though, as you will want to leave room for souvenirs!
Once on the ferry there is so much to see and do, more so than on a plane. Browse the duty free, play in the arcade or even relax in front of a film. If you are feeling famished then there are always restaurants and cafes to refresh yourself with a quick bite and a coffee. Alternatively you can sit out on deck, which on a clear day is spectacular as you approach the French coast. The white cliffs of Dover are also a sight to behold.
I found that ferry travel was a great option when I went to France last summer, which is why I plan to do the same this year. Less expensive, less hassle – and most importantly, more fun.
