As the year wraps up, many will be thinking about new places to explore in 2025. With the cost of living continuing to pull on purse strings, finding budget-friendly ways to head on holiday could be a game-changer for those eager to get away but keen to keep costs low.
Travelling to France by ferry and meandering between the charming towns of the Northern region in the comfort of your own car is a fantastic way to discover somewhere new without burning a hole in your pocket. From being able to pack up the car full of all your belongings – including bags full of snacks, camping or hiking gear – to grabbing a last-minute bargain in the onboard duty-free shops, ferry travel is a great cost-effective way to begin your 2025 adventure.
Irish Ferries encourages guests to take the seasygoing budget-friendly option when travelling next year with 2025 fares to France starting from £89 (for a car full of family or friends, or both). Whether it’s a quick trip to discover the beautiful countryside or a deep dive into the country’s rich history, travelling with Irish Ferries and bringing your car along with you gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. So, why not Sea Travel Differently in 2025, and if you book before the 05th January next, get extra great value with a 15% off early booking offer, for travel right throughout next year.
To help you start pulling together your 2025 travel plans and ditch the worries of high airfares and baggage limits, Irish Ferries has compiled the top affordable, ferry accessible ‘hop-across’ driving destinations in France for UK holidaymakers. In no particular order…but all really accessible with your car from Calais.
Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais
(Distance from Calais: 30 minutes)
Known for its jagged cliffs and magnificent castle, Boulogne-sur Mer is a vibrant coastal city with a unique range of activities for travellers to get stuck into. From winding through the narrow streets of the old town to trying the local seafood special Fricassée de Poissons or even visiting one of the ‘Belfries’, a collection of UNESCO world heritage sites consisting of a series of impressive high towers of note from France and Belgium, there are plenty of enchanting corners to explore in this busy fishing port.
Arras, Pas-de-Calais
(Distance from Calais: 1hr 10 minutes)
Arras is the perfect weekend escape for those eager to immerse themselves in traditional history. From the exquisite display of Flemish-Baroque architecture at The Grand Palace to the iconic facades of the Place de Hero, Arras invites you to soak up the story of each building as you stroll through town. And, for a deeper dive into the city’s past, visitors can even venture underground to the Wellington Quarry, where the tunnels used during World War I reveal poignant stories of the soldiers who sought refuge there.
Amiens, Somme
(Distance from Calais: 1 hour 45 minutes)
Amiens is an ideal spot for those keen to slow down and explore at a more leisurely pace. A boat ride through the ‘hortillonages’, the city’s famous floating garden, provides a showcase of contemporary works of art and landscape gardeners while a climb up to the top of The Amiens Notre-Dame Cathedral will result in breathtaking views of the city. For literature lovers, The Maison de Jules Verne offers visitors a glimpse into the author’s life and works, whilst the riverside has cosy spots to curl up with a book or enjoy a bite to eat as you watch the world pass by.
Rouen, Normandy
(Distance from Calais: 2 hours)
Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Rouen is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. Its stunning Gothic cathedral, famously painted by Claude Monet, dominates the skyline, while the city’s cobbled streets and half-timbered houses make visitors feel they have stepped back in time. Rouen is also steeped in history as the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed, with a dedicated museum recounting her story. With vibrant markets and riverside cafés along the Seine, Rouen makes for a memorable weekend away for couples and families alike.
Book now for your 2025 holiday to France. Special offers and short break deals can also be found by booking directly at www.irishferries.com.
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About Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries is the market leading and award-winning Irish ferry company, operating on routes between Britain and Ireland (Holyhead to Dublin, and Pembroke to Rosslare), Britain and France (Dover to Calais), and Ireland and France (Dublin to Cherbourg).
Irish Ferries is an operating division of publicly quoted Irish Continental Group (ICG).
On Irish Sea routes, Irish Ferries operates up to 16 sailings a day, with a fleet of modern cruise and fast ferries, including the famous Ulysses, Dublin Swift fast craft, James Joyce on Holyhead to Dublin and Isle of Innisfree on Pembroke to Rosslare.
Irish Ferries also operates the stylish W.B. Yeats connecting Dublin to France (Cherbourg) throughout the year.
Irish Ferries launched its Dover to Calais service in June 2021 and currently offers a back-to-back service with two ships on the route, Isle of Inishmore and Oscar Wilde, with a choice of up to 20 sailings daily.
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