Don’t Fly, Do Cruise: A Guide to the Real France by Ferry

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This summer explore the ‘real France’, from the rustic rural regions to the chic cities. Travelling to our European neighbours has never been more accessible for the younger generation, with tickets from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk starting as low as £39.

Those looking for a relaxed but glamorous getaway can visit the L’Aisne region – an area known for being the country escape of choice for the Parisians in the Nord-pas-de-Calais region. It is an area bursting with medieval towns and villages, winding rivers, rolling hills and beautiful countryside – all within a two hour drive from Calais or Dunkirk. Those who enjoy the outdoors can camp, hike, cycle, boat, canoe and fish around the region, and there’s also the Marais D’Isle nature reserve to visit too – perfect for young families looking for an adventure getaway. Not far from the reserve is the biggest city in the region, Saint Quentin, where bustling cafes and wonderful architecture are sure to keep you busy as you wander around. And just an hour South of Saint Quentin is Soissons, a popular retreat for Parisians, where they go to escape the city but still enjoy an up-market environment, which was once the capital of France.

For the young who enjoy their food and drink, the region is noted for its cider and Mariolles cheese and the Marne Valley is at the start of the Champagne trail from Chateau-Thierry to Epernay, producing 10% of the world’s supply of bubbles.

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DFDS provide 54 sailings per day from Dover, as well as unlimited baggage restrictions meaning access to France has never been easier. The vessels are well equipped with a range of restaurants and snack bars, a bar with big screen TVs to watch the latest news and sport and a shop to pick up any last minute essentials (with 20% discount on high street prices).

Prices start at just £39. To book your travel or for further information click here or call 0871 521 5522.

About Charlotte Maxwell

Charlotte Maxwell is a Vada Magazine staff writer.