France and the UK are two of the most-visited countries in the world. These neighbors share a lot of history, and they are home to some of the most beautiful towns and cities in Europe. They are also very well connected, and there are many ways to hop over the Channel and explore everything they have to offer.
Here are a few of the best excursions from Britain to France.
Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk
Depart from the gorgeous town of Dover and sail away from those famous white cliffs and toward the town of Dunkirk. The ferry to Dunkirk leaves several times a day and takes just a couple of hours. It’s short, making it a great option for a day trip and giving you plenty of time to explore Dunkirk.
The port town of Dunkirk is best known for the Battle of Dunkirk and the subsequent rescue effort, where hundreds of thousands of troops were rapidly evacuated from its beaches. But there’s much more to this town.
Its cuisine is influenced by both France and Belgium, featuring a delicious chicken dish known as coq à la bière. There are two belfries with UNESCO World Heritage status, a massive lighthouse, and a couple of museums. What’s more, Dunkirk sits just a few miles from the Belgian border, so it serves as a great destination for those seeking to explore both France and Belgium. You don’t even need to rent a car and plan a road trip, as there are buses and trains that will take you to many major towns and cities.
Train from London to Paris
The Eurostar will take you directly from London to Paris in about 2.5 hours. You can see two of the world’s biggest and most historic cities in a single day—stroll through the dungeons in the Tower of London during the morning and visit the Eiffel Tower during the afternoon. You don’t have to stop there, either, as there are day trips to the grand and glorious Palace of Versailles, as well as cities like Lyon and Strasbourg, adding more legs and landmarks to your vacation.
Paris is a huge city, so there is something here for everyone. Families can head for Disneyland Paris; couples can stroll along the River Seine or climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower; history and culture lovers are spoilt for choice by the city’s many museums. It also has one of the best underground networks in Europe, ensuring you always have a cheap and fast way to get around.
Eurostar trains depart from London St Pancras International, located in the centre of the city. It arrives at Paris Gare du Nord, which sits in the north of the city and is just a short bus or underground journey away from many popular attractions, including:
- The Louvre: A famous museum best known as the location of the Mona Lisa.
2. Stade de France: A massive stadium that hosts many big football and rugby games.
3. Eiffel Tower: An iconic landmark that needs no introduction.
4. Champs-Élysées: Arguably the world’s most famous high street.
Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe
Hop on a ferry from the town of Newhaven and you’ll be in northern France within a few hours. Explore the pebbled beach in Dieppe as you feast on the local scallops, a must-try for all seafood lovers.
Due to its location in the Normandy region, Dieppe boasts a rich history, including a 15th-century castle that houses a variety of artifacts. The town also played an important role in the 100 Years War, and you’ll get a feel for this as soon as you step off the boat. In fact, you could be taking the same route as English and French knights during the 14th and 15th centuries, or even the invading Normans several centuries earlier!
Other attractions in the town include:
- Casino de Dieppe: A mecca of modern entertainment that includes over 100 slot machines.
2. Chapelle Notre Dame de Bonsecours: A beautiful church that oozes serenity.
3. Marché de Dieppe Market: A bustling market packed with local delights.
4. Eglise Saint Jacques: A church that dates back over 600 years and is a testament to Gothic beauty.
Summary: Traveling to France from Great Britain
These are just a few of the routes that connect France with Great Britain. They offer a comfortable and easy way to hop between these two great countries, and as you can see from the above, the journey usually takes just a couple of hours. So, the next time you’re planning a short getaway, try one of these options and make some memories!
