France visitors 'looking for cheaper options'

Rather than abandoning their plans to take France ferry breaks and other trips in the country, holidaymakers are simply looking for ways to save money in order to offset the rising cost of the euro, according to an expert on the country.

Nina Richards, deputy editor of FrenchEntree.com, said the property and travel advice website is still seeing a "steady stream" of visitors to its holiday section.

She said that the strength of the euro is affecting many people's budgets, but is not leading them to stay away from France altogether.

"For example, they may choose self-catering or camping over a hotel so they can eat in. We also think more people have been booking last minute holidays this year," Ms Richards said.

"It really depends on the type of holiday. For example, a camping holiday in Brittany is affordable to many families, whereas skiing in the French Alps is not."

Ferries to France provide a quick and easy way for British travellers to reach the country, with the Dover to Calais ferry route - which is served by P&O Ferries and Seafrance - one of the most popular options.

LD Lines' ferries to Le Havre from Portsmouth provide a convenient link to Normandy, while Brittany Ferries' Portsmouth to St Malo ferry route offers access to the highly popular holiday region of Brittany.

Written by Andrew Smith

Dover - Calais

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

03/06/2012 - 03/06/2012

£13

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Dover - Calais

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

11/06/2012 - 11/06/2012

£19

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Dover - Calais

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

16/06/2012 - 16/06/2012

£19

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