When you take your own car to France, you take your freedom with you: the freedom to dictate your own schedule, the freedom to take more than a T-shirt and a toothbrush and, of course, the freedom to bring home as many cases of fine wine as you fancy. If you're planning a trip this summer, the car ferry can take you right there, in less time than you might think.
The world's leading ferry company in 2012, DFDS Seaways offers huge flexibility, connecting England to France via four different routes: Dover to Dunkirk or Calais, Newhaven to Dieppe, and Portsmouth to Le Havre.
The Dover to Dunkirk route operates 12 crossings a day, with a journey time of just two hours. This means you can hop on a 10am ferry and be relaxing over a bowl of moules-frites at lunchtime. Dunkirk is well placed for easy access to the festival city of Lille, as well as neighbouring Belgium. Prices start at just £29 each way for a car and four passengers. Upgrade to first class for priority boarding and disembarkation, plus a private lounge onboard.
The Dover to Calais route has an even shorter journey time of just 90 minutes. There are 10 crossings a day, so together the two routes from Dover offer unrivalled travel choice. Well connected to many of France's major motorways, Calais is the perfect starting point for onward travel to Lille, the champagne city of Rheims, or Paris. Prices start at just £29 each way for a car and four passengers.
The Newhaven to Dieppe route operates twice a day, at 10am and 11pm, and takes about four hours. If you're doing the night crossing, you can book a cabin with four beds and ensuite facilities. At Dieppe you are perfectly situated for exploring all that Normandy has to offer, and you're only a couple of hours from Paris. Prices start at £55.50 each way for five-day return for a car and two passengers.
The Portsmouth to Le Havre crossing sets sail daily at 11pm, arriving in Le Havre at 8am the following morning. If you want a bed and your own bathroom, choose one of the onboard cabins. The ferry also has reclining lounge chairs, which are an option if you're on a budget. Once in Le Havre, you'll be perfectly placed to explore both northern and western France. Prices start at £80 each way for a car and two passengers, based on a five-day return.
All DFDS Seaway ferries offer a range of restaurants, bars, shops and kids' play areas so whichever crossing you choose, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable, stress-free start to your holiday.
For more information on travel times, prices and onboard facilities, visit dfdsseaways.co.uk
