Find local news in Kent

Home   What's On   News   Article

Short breaks in 2020: Top destinations for spring short breaks within driving distance of Calais

10:32, 03 February 2020

updated: 14:40, 11 February 2020

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Thinking of heading somewhere for a short break this spring but also looking to save money?

P&O Ferries are offering a special deal on return tickets STARTING AT JUST £90 for a three-day break and £95 for a five-day short break when you travel by car*.

P&O Ferries are also giving one lucky reader the chance to enter a competition to win VIP return tickets from Dover to Calais, including a three course meal in the Brasserie restaurant for four passengers on the return leg. For details on how to enter the competition please see below

We've picked out some of the best destinations within driving distance of Calais where you'll find no shortage of things to do and see - including for the kids - as well as some of the must-see places.

Whether it’s hiking through the gorgeous coastline in Cap Fréhel, cycling around the Bois de Vincennes, sipping a glass of Champagne in Reims or dining on some warm brioche in Les Andelys, you will be spoilt for choice once you make that short trip across the Channel.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SHORT BREAK DEALS FROM P&O FERRIES!

With its majestic coast, Brittany’s Belle-Ile-en-Mer is a popular hot spot for visitors.
With its majestic coast, Brittany’s Belle-Ile-en-Mer is a popular hot spot for visitors.

Brittany

Driving time from Calais: 6hrs and 10min

Families looking to get active during their short break will find an array of things to get up to in Brittany. The region is very popular with walkers and hikers looking to explore the famous trails in the countryside and on the coastline. Those who love cycling can’t go wrong with the spectacular bike rides around Belle-Ile-en-Mer. With its warmer climate, Brittany has everything from picturesque harbour towns to historic churches to sandy beaches. Any surfers out there? Brittany’s coastline - with its coves and open stretches - is perfect for those looking to ride some waves.

Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy is regarded among France’s most stunning sights.
Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy is regarded among France’s most stunning sights.

Normandy

Driving time from Calais: 3hrs and 45min

Looking to get back to nature and get away from it all? Why not rent a gîte (a traditional French cottage) or go camping in Normandy and really take in the breathtaking surroundings of this beautiful and unspoilt rural area of France? Whether it’s exploring the coast or strolling through the incredible countryside with its amazing greenery, it’s the ultimate place to relax and unwind. When it comes to traditional French food, then Normandy certainly ticks many boxes. With its fresh fish, crab, mussels and oysters, local beef and lamb, and hearty vegetarian dishes, the local cuisine is as delicious as it is renowned.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SHORT BREAK DEALS FROM P&O FERRIES!

Found just outside of Paris, the popular region of Champagne produces what is widely regarded as the most renowned and recognisable wines in the world.
Found just outside of Paris, the popular region of Champagne produces what is widely regarded as the most renowned and recognisable wines in the world.

Champagne

Driving time from Calais: 3hrs and 10min

A holiday hotspot that’s a dream destination for wine lovers, you won’t find a better place in the world for the finest bubbles (as the name suggests). Despite its stunning vineyards and rural setting, it’s not just about the wine. There's also a great theme park and fascinating medieval towns to explore such as Troyes. Cyclists can also do the Roc-la-Tour and explore the two rock masses dominating the surreal valley of the Semois. The area of Champagne is also neighbouring Paris with the centre of the French capital just over two hours away by car. So you can easily pencil in a visit to the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysées.

A local favourite, Belgians steam and then serve mussels in a casserole pot accompanied with chips.
A local favourite, Belgians steam and then serve mussels in a casserole pot accompanied with chips.

Belgium

Driving time from Calais: 1hr and 25min

It’s not just about France once you drive off the ferry. Calais is also within a short distance of Bruges, Ghent, Dinant and Ypres in Belgium. Famed for its rich beer, delicious chocolates and traditional mussels and chips, there is so much to see and explore in this little country that’s barely 10 times the size of Kent. You can row down the canals or cycle through the cobblestone streets and old towns with their medieval rooftops or even head into more modern cities - like Brussels and Antwerp - to check out the designer shops, museums and art galleries.

For more information and to book your short break with P&O Ferries click here.

The P&O Ferries service runs 23 times a day with a sailing duration of 1 hour 30 minutes.
The P&O Ferries service runs 23 times a day with a sailing duration of 1 hour 30 minutes.

P&O Ferries are offering the chance to win a short break crossing from Dover to Calais for a car and up to four passengers including a complimentary three-course meal in the Brasserie restaurant on the return sailing.

Click on the link below to enter the P&O competition
Click on the link below to enter the P&O competition

CLICK HERE TO ENTER A COMPETITION TO WIN VIP TICKETS FROM DOVER TO CALAIS

*Terms and conditions apply

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More