For
many, the self-drive option, via one of the ferry routes
or the Eurotunnel, offers the simplest and most enjoyable
travelling experience. No matter which day you travel you
will be joined by a mass of Brits on the ferry and on the
glorious French open roads. Many of them will be travelling
in exotic sports cars old and new, making the drive a memorable
experience. Click the map icons below for help in planning
your journey right to your destination and see the table
below for a rough comparison of your options. Finally,
see the button on the left for tips on getting around once
you make it to the circuit.
| Crossing |
 |
Operator |
|
Price |
|
Crossing
Time |
|
Driving
Time to LM |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dover - Boulogne |
|
Speedferries |
|
cheapest |
|
¾
hour |
|
4½
hours |
| Dover
- Calais |
|
P&O/Seafrance |
|
cheap |
|
1¼
hours |
|
5
hours |
| Portsmouth
- Caen |
|
Brittany Ferries |
|
expensive |
|
5¾
hours+ |
|
2½
hours |
| Portsm'th
- St Malo |
|
Brittany
Ferries |
|
expensive |
|
10¾
hours |
|
2
hours |
| Portsm'th
- Le Havre |
|
LD Lines |
|
average |
|
5½
hours+ |
|
3 hours |
| Folkstone
- Calais |
|
Eurotunnel |
|
average |
|
½
hour |
|
5
hours |
When driving in France the following items
are required by law:
fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning
triangle, headlight deflectors, GB sticker, spare bulb set,
vehicle documents (drivers license, ownership document,
insurance certificate).
Following a traffic offence, the French
police have the power to produce you with on the spot fines,
confiscate your license and, at worst, impound your vehicle.
Be aware that they have a zero tolerance towards British
motorists around the week of the Le Mans 24 hours. In recent
years this has meant €750 on the spot fines for speeding.
However, with a little decorum, the drive across France
can be one of the most relaxing aspects of your trip so
take the time to appreciate your surroundings and arrive
with car, body and wallet intact!
|
tickets 
