The port you use to leave the country and enter France obviously depends on where you live in the UK. The most popular crossing is the Dover to Calais, followed by the Portsmouth to Cherbourg or Le Havre crossing.

A short sea crossing between Dover and Calais is usually the cheapest and most popular way of getting to France. At peak times there are up to four ferry sailings an hour. There are also crossings with high speed catamarans, sailing from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and Caen, and 135 minute express service from Poole to Cherbourg. Click on the logos in the left panel to compare prices and availabilities for your next crossing.

Driving a car in France gives you the chance to see more of the country. Roads are generally very good, with less traffic that experienced in the UK - cities apart that is. And there is a network of autoroutes to speed you to your holiday destination, nearly all of which have tolls, especially between cities like Paris and other main cities of France.

The tolls can be expensive and you should be prepared to stop several times during your trip to pay (toll booths are called péages). Cash and nearly all major credit cards are accepted.

There are plenty of flights to France from many local airports in the UK and ticket prices have certainly become cheaper over the last few years.

The cost usually depends upon the airline and the airport used, with the major city airports usually being the most expensive. Normally the best prices are with forward reservations, particularly with the low-cost airlines, although it is always possible to get bargains with last minute bookings. Click on the airline carriers logos in the left panel to compare prices, destinations and availabilities.

Hire your car as you plan your holiday - don't leave it while the last minute. Europcar and Hertz usually have good prices. However it pays to shop around as prices and conditions change often.

And you do need to make sure that the price quoted is what you pay - ask what is and is not included. A person described a bad experience he had with Budget car hire when booking a car - he was led to believe the price was lower then the bill he eventually paid. Click on the company logos shown on the left to compare prices and to make a reservation.

France is a big country and when travelling to your holiday destination it sometimes pays to break your journey with a stop-over. This is particularly true after perhaps a long journey in the UK to the ferry or train. You can choose from expensive hotels to budget - there are plenty in each category and many in between.

If it's just one night you need for a stop-over then compare the hotels listed on the left (click on the icons to visit the websites) and then choose a hotel or motel that meets with your requirements.