Sponsored Editorial

Sunday 20th March marks the first day of spring! As the weather brightens up and the flowers begin to blossom, many of us will be venturing out in search of sunshine and adventure.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break with your partner, quality time with friends or a family outing over the Easter holidays, northern France is a superb choice, and P&O Ferries is currently running a day trip offer you won’t want to miss out on.

For just £45, if you book before 31st March 2022, you can travel to France via ferry using the Dover to Calais crossing. There are up to 23 sailings a day at peak times and the journey takes as little as 90 minutes.

Whilst you’re on board, you’ll receive unbeatable services, which include the newly refurbished Clublounge, with all-inclusive food and beverages, and the World Duty Free store.

Once you reach the French coast, there are endless ways to soak up the culture and many beautiful destinations just a short drive away. Here are a few ideas!

Calais town

Calais town is a firm favourite with tourists, and you don’t have to travel far from the ferry at all! This pretty spot, located on the Opal Coast, has breath-taking historic buildings, cosy streets and loads of cultural attractions.

Check out the town hall with the belfry, which you can climb and enjoy stunning views; visit the Tour du Guet, a thirteenth-century tower and oldest building in the city; or head to the fascinating Musée des Beaux Arts and Musée de la Guerre museums.

Calais beach

Home to countless animal species, Calais beach is a nature lover’s dream. White beach huts line the sand, and by the promenade, you’ll find a great choice of bars and restaurants. You can even have a game of mini-golf and enjoy a ride on the huge fire-breathing Calais Dragon!

Just 10km west of Calais is Cap Blanc-Nez beach, which has white cliffs that are just like

Dover’s famous landmark. Fancy taking a selfie with the English coast and the ferries in the background and getting some good, iodine-rich sea air into your lungs? Walk up to the top of the headland for amazing views!

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer is the largest fishing port in France so the emphasis, as you would expect, is very much on seafood and all things connected with the sea. During your trip, you can explore the beautifully preserved old town, quirky shops, fab restaurants and more.

There’s the Basilica Notre Dame, which has the longest crypt in France; the UNESCO listed Belfry, where you’ll see cannonballs fired on the town by King Henry VIII; and the largest aquarium in Europe – great fun for kids and adults alike!

Saint-Omer

A 40-minute journey from Calais is Saint-Omer – perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing break with gourmet, cultural and historic charms. Charming streets, stunning architecture and comfortable terraces are in abundance! The main attraction is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. This medieval church is very special. You’ll find a magnificent Descent from the Cross by Rubens and various unique paintings and statues.

Montreuil-sur-Mer

From Calais, in less than an hour you can be in Montreuil-sur-Mer. This lovely little French town is steeped in history and there are flower displays everywhere you look. Venture through the streets and alleys, such as the famous rue du Clape-en-Bas for the distinctive low houses from the 18th century or the steep cavée Saint-Firmin.

Arras

Also under an hour away is Arras, a location bursting with culture and history. You can take a look around the Place des Héros, with its picturesque half-timbered houses and the handsome town hall, or enjoy the architecture and cafes within the famous Grande Place square.

Be sure to visit the abbey of Sint-Vaast, which features all kinds of historic paintings and sculptures, as well as the underground limestone quarry, Les Boves, from the 10th century, where you can learn all about the history of underground Arras.

For more details and to book a crossing this spring, visit www.poferries.com.

Terms and conditions for £45 Daytrip offer

Offers apply to Daytrip bookings only from Dover to Calais, prices based on Saver Ticket. Book by 31st March 2022 for travel by 14th December 2022. Offer subject to restricted space & availability, applies to new bookings only & cannot be used in conjunction with any other

offer. Valid for cars, high cars and up to 9 passengers or motorcycles and up to 2 passengers only. Excludes foot passengers, caravans, minibuses, motorhomes and vehicles designed for commercial use & bookings made at port. Excludes travel on the following dates; 11-14, 18-20, 26-27 February, 1-2, 9-10, 29-30 April, 1, 27-29 May, 22-24, 29-31 July, 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 August & 21-23 October. 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 poferries.com.