Sponsored Editorial

Have you given much thought to your 2023 summer holiday? It’s May already so now is the time to book! If you’re looking for a sunshine-filled beach break to relax and soak up the vitamin D, as European countries go, France is a top contender.

Because it’s so close to the UK, you can enjoy an easy travelling experience, and there are many beautiful coastal destinations to explore which will go down a treat if you’re holidaying solo, as a couple, with a group of friends or with the whole family.

This summer, P&O Ferries will be the transport of choice for millions of holidaymakers. The Dover to Calais crossing takes just 90 minutes, and there are a host of excellent facilities and luxuries on board, including the all-inclusive Club Lounge and Word Duty Free shop.

So, what offers can prospective passengers take advantage of this July? For just £126, you can book a five-day return trip or a three-day trip for £99. P&O’s day trip offer of £39 is also running.

If you’re interested in visiting France this summer, read on for some beach break inspiration, provided by the P&O Ferries team…

The Opal Coast

The coastline from Calais down towards Boulogne and beyond is known as the Opal Coast. It offers 120km of splendid sandy beaches, dunes and cliffs, with a variety of charming seaside towns and villages to explore.

Whether you want to relax on the beach with a good book, take in the magical sea views with a hike along the clifftops or try your hand at some exciting water sports, the Opal Coast caters to all. Bologne-sur-Mer, Berck, Le Touquet, Wimereux, Wissant, Etaples, and Montreuil-sur-Mer are worth a visit on a sunny French day and they are all within 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Calais.

Roscoff and Île de Batz

If you’re happy to venture further afield on your travels, check out Roscoff, a picturesque town in Brittany. 7 hours from Calais, it boasts a lively harbour and marina and beautiful architecture – a wonderful destination to spend a few days or as a stop on a road trip. During your time there, take a quick 15-minute crossing to Île de Batz, a small island off Roscoff, which has gorgeous sandy beaches.

La Rochelle and Île de Ré

La Rochelle is a 7-hour scenic drive from Calais. This delightful fishing port offers something for everyone – excellent shopping and plenty of attractions to learn about the history and maritime traditions of the city, which has been a centre for fishing and trade since the 12th century. Île de Ré, a small neighbouring island, is perfect for a romantic holiday or with the whole family, with pretty harbours, vineyards and expansive beaches.

Mont-Saint-Michel

For an unforgettable experience this summer, visit Mont-Saint-Michel, a majestic island and bay situated on the borders of Brittany and Normandy. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers breathtaking views, with a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey at its centre point. Tourists travel far and wide to explore the wonders of the island and learn about its rich history. Mont-Saint-Michel is a 5-hour trip from Calais and its surrounding areas are equally as stunning!

Parc naturel regional d’Armorique

7 hours from Calais, Parc naturel régionald'Armorique is an expansive national park abounding with spectacular coastlines, gorgeous beaches and natural wonders. This holiday is perfect if you enjoy cycling and exploring nature, and what better time to visit than when it's warm and sunny? Pack the bikes and as much as you can fit into the car and get ready to embark on a new family adventure.

To find out more about travelling with P&O Ferries and to book your crossing this summer, visit www.poferries.com.

Terms and conditions

5-day short break: This offer is available on all Dover to Calais short break bookings booked by 8th July for travel by 13th July 2023.Excludes long breaks, day trips, 2-, 3- and 4-day returns, foot passengers, bicycles, vehicles designed for commercial use, minibuses, motorhomes, caravans or vehicles towing a caravan or trailer. Travel between any day for £126. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.

3-day trip: This offer is available on all Dover to Calais short break bookings booked by July 10th and travelled up to July 13th 2023. Excludes long breaks, 2-day returns, day trips, foot passengers, bicycles, vehicles designed for commercial use, minibuses, motorhomes, caravans or vehicles towing a caravan or trailer. Travel between any day with 3-day break from £99. P&O Ferries reserve the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.

Day trip: Offer applies to Dover to Calais service only. Book by 12th July for travel by 13th July 2023.Offer subject to restricted space and availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for travel for a car and up to 9 passengers or a motorcycle and up to 2 passengers. Excludes motorhomes, vans, minibus, special vehicles, vehicles towing a caravan and foot passengers and bookings made at port. Certain travel date exclusions apply. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. The price for return travel with a car only is £39, different prices apply to travel with other vehicles. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.