Escape the competition while enjoying the summer Olympics this year.
This summer, Paris will be busier than ever as 15 million* travellers flock to France’s capital for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. So, rather than splurging a small fortune on over-priced accommodation in the city or waiting hours for a taxi once the sporting action has finished for the day, why not stay a little further out to beat the crowds and discover somewhere new?
Travelling to France by ferry and driving in your own car not only means ditching the worries of baggage limits and knocking knees with neighbours – but also allows sports fans to leave the hustle and bustle of the city at the end of each day.
Leading ferry operator, Irish Ferries, encourages guests to take the seasygoing option when travelling to France this summer, with sailings from Dover to Calais taking around 90 minutes and from just £78 each way.
From free wi-fi onboard to expansive outdoor decks, Duty-Free shopping and three ships regularly servicing the popular channel route, travelling with Irish Ferries means the excitement of a trip to the Olympic Games can begin the minute travellers step onboard.
Hoping to experience the vibrant energy of the Olympics this summer, but want to avoid the chaos of finding somewhere to stay in Paris? Irish Ferries has compiled a list of cities within an hour of Paris to suit the needs of all travellers.
Chantilly
Just a 24-minute train ride or one hour and fifteen-minute drive from Paris, Chantilly offers extensive forests and beautiful gardens for travellers to enjoy before or after a busy day in the bustling city.
Chantilly is the perfect out-of-city spot for families with young ones who may not be as enthused by the sport on show as the parents are. The Portager de Princes, also known as ‘Princes’ Vegetable Garden’ is ideal for keeping kids entertained as they can enjoy ogling at the peacocks, parakeets, and sheep whilst parents can sit back and bask in the sun – a perfect compromise!
Giverny
When driving from Calais to Paris, Giverny is an ideal mid-way point to pitch up.
Being just 75 km from Paris, approximately an hour and twenty minute drive, Giverny offers a scenic drive into the capital with many picturesque spots en route for travellers to stop and explore along the way. Why not even chuck a picnic basket into the back of your car and dine al fresco rather than paying for a costly meal in the capital?
Reims
Go for gold in Reims!
As the opening to the Champagne region, Reims offers the perfect base for visitors looking to capitalise on the celebratory energy of the Olympics. With trains from Paris to Reims taking just 46 minutes, a cold glass of bubbly is always within reach after a day full of watching sports. And with no pesky restrictions on liquids when travelling by ferry, Champagne souvenirs can be cramboot-ed into the car and brought back to the UK with you.
Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with the Rambouillet. Just 36 minutes by train from Paris and the Olympic games, Rambouillet Forest is a green oasis away from the rush of the city.
Free from luggage restrictions when travelling by ferry, visitors can bring along their hiking boots, mountain bikes or running shoes and venture down the numerous marked trails that surround the town. Or if you’re in the market for a much-needed rest from all the sporting action, visitors can easily drive 40-minutes to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Versailles.
Bois de Vincennes
Families looking to escape the concrete city centre but stay connected to the games via the metro will love Bois de Vincennes. Home to the city’s zoo, Parc Zoologique de Paris, Espace René-Dumont, and Jardin Tropical, the area is a cultural hub with plenty of activities to excite the whole family.
Meaux
No trip to France is complete without diving into its culinary scene, and Meaux is one of the best places to experience the country’s world-famous cuisine. Just a 39-minute train journey away from Paris, Meaux is the home of Maison of Brie de Meaux and The Pommery Mustard Mill. And with no need to stress about luggage space when travelling by ferry, foodies can pack the car full of local delicacies and taken home to enjoy when back in the UK.
Get there with Irish Ferries: Sailing from Dover – Calais from £78 each way for a car and up to nine passengers. Departing up to 16 times per day on board Isle of Inishmore, Oscar Wilde and Isle of Innisheer.
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Notes to editors
*Data according to the World Economic Forum
For further press information, please contact:
Charlotte Wright | Becky Claxton
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About Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries is the market leading and award-winning ferry operator in Ireland, serving routes between Britain (Holyhead to Dublin, and Pembroke to Rosslare) and Ireland, and Britain and France (Dover to Calais), and is an operating division of publicly quoted Irish Continental Group (ICG).
On the 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 and Isle of Innisfree on the Irish Sea. Irish Ferries operates the stylish W.B. Yeats, on the Dublin to Cherbourg, Normandy route throughout the year.
Irish Ferries launched its Dover to Calais service in June 2021 and operates a fleet of three ships including Isle of Inishmore, Oscar Wilde and Isle of Inisheer, on up to 30 sailings per day.
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