Holiday Inspiration

Setting off on your car journey to France, Germany or anywhere else in Europe? You need a great playlist. And there’s nothing better than to have musical facts to go alongside it! Europe’s musical history is rich and varied, from classical, to 80s synths, to Swedish pop domination. Every genre of music has found a home within Europe. Join our journey of musical facts, and maybe find some places to stop off along the way! Our journey begins, as it should, with classical music. The world’s most famous classical composer, Mozart was a child prodigy who despite being loved and revered for his musical creations, died penniless and was buried in a pauper’s grave. Fortunately, his reputation did not suffer the same fate, and he remains one of the most famous musical minds in the world. Mozart Facts Mozart’s house is a great place to go and discover the history of the great man himself. He always had a head for music, even at a young age. When he was 14, he heard Allegri’s Miserere and was later able to write it down in full, completely from memory! 14 was clearly a good age for Mozart, as it was also the year when he wrote his first opera, Mitridate Re di Ponto. Starting young, he composed his first 30 symphonies by the time he was 18. In total, he created 41 before his death at aged just 35. If you want to discover more about Mozart, there is nowhere better than his birthplace in Salzburg, Austria. Ten hours from Calais, you will pass through Germany, which is perfect if you’re planning a European road trip. It’s one of the most popular museums in the world, and a Mecca for all classical music fans. Disco in Europe Urtijë is the alpine birthplace of Giorgio Moroder. From the classical sounds of Mozart to the revolutionary synth pop that was blasted all over the radio in the 1970s and 80s. One of the most famous examples of this is Donna Summer’s I Feel Love. Although Summer is American, the choice to use an entirely synthesized backing track came from revolutionary Italian music producer Giorgio Moroder. The song is regularly featured in lists of the greatest dance songs ever, and is widely recognised as one of the most influential pop songs ever made. Moroder was born in Urtijëi, in the alps of Northern Italy, but has resided in Berlin for much of his life. For those who are looking for a holiday with breath-taking natural sites and fresh, alpine mountain air, Urtijëi is a great place to stop by on your travels. The town itself only has about 4000 inhabitants, so if you’re looking for a quiet place off the beaten track, this is it! It’s three hours from Salzburg, if you’re continuing your musical journey, or 11 hours from Calais, taking you through Germany and Austria. Disco Facts The term ‘disco’ came long before the genre of music, and comes from the French word ‘discotheque’. In the 1970s, non-UK pop bands were grouped under the umbrella title ‘Euro-Disco’. Bands like ABBA, Boney M and Arabesque were all described as Euro-Disco. Europe’s Biggest Music Event… Eurovision! Did you know the first Eurovision song contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland? One of the biggest nights in Europe is Eurovision and although we haven’t been the lucky winners in recent years, many of our European neighbours have. The last time France won Eurovision was in 1977, later Belgium took the top spot in 1986 with Germany winning recently in 2010! On a long journey, fun facts are just what you need to keep the conversation flowing. Did you know for instance that the first Eurovision song contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland? Under four hours and half away from Moroder’s Urtijëi, you could even pay it a visit! Eurovision Facts It may be 40 years since France won, but their Eurovision woes aren’t quite as bad as Norway, who have finished last 11 times, and Cyprus, who have never made it into the top four. In 1969, there were no rules for what would happen in the result of a tie, and four countries won. If that happened today, it would be the country with points from the most countries who would win. That’s not the only rule. All Eurovision songs must be under three minutes, and no more than six people are allowed on stage. Do you want to make your musical journey across Europe? With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, it is only 35 minutes to Calais, so before you know it you'll be ready to Hit the Road Jack!

Planning an autumn break? The beautiful region of Champagne is one of the most popular areas to visit in France, and in autumn the area is especially beautiful. Find out what you can do in the Champagne region during autumn. The city of Champagne is only a three hour drive from our Calais terminal. Palais du Tau 45-minute drive from Champagne The stunning Palais du Tau has been the setting to many a celebration. If you’re visiting Champagne, it’s only right you partake in a bit of luxury. You don’t get much more luxurious than Palais du Tau, a palace that was once used by French princes before their coronation, and has been the setting of more than one raucous post-coronation party. It was originally a home for the Archbishop of Reims, but is now a Unesco World Heritage Site and museum. There are plenty of treasures displayed in the halls here - make sure you visit the Gothic Great Hall when you stop by. Troyes 1 hour from Champagne Multi-coloured ancient houses line the narrow cobbled streets of Troyes.  This ancient city has stayed pretty much the same since the 16th century, despite some renovations in the 1950s to make it more hygienic. If it wasn’t for the phone you’re using to snap photos of the streets, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time when you see the narrow, cobbled roads and rickety timber houses. Avenue de Champagne 25-minute drive from Champagne No trip to Champagne is complete without a journey down Avenue de Champagne, where the creators of the wine reside. The avenue is made up of 19th century and Classical style buildings that appear modern when compared to those of Troyes. But underneath the street is where it gets really interesting. Below the depths, there are over 100km of galleries dug out, which house millions of bottles of champagne. Champagne Aspasie 1 hour from Champagne A beautiful 18th century family run vineyard, with champagne to try. Credit: Champagne Aspasie Not only should you visit the coveted Avenue de Champagne, but a trip to an historic vineyard is definitely on the cards. Champagne Aspasie is a family vineyard, passed down by generation, that has been making Champagne since 1794. With five generations of wine making in its past, this is a family that knows all there is to know about the art of winemaking. Wander through the 12 hectares of vineyard, try the various types of champagne that are made there, and be a part of the history of this region. Top Five Must-See Vineyards in Champagne Champagne Barnaut Since 1874, this vineyard has been creating fine wine, by using game changing techniques. La Cave Aux Coquillages Not only can you see how the beautiful wines are made, but you can also discover the preserved geology that helps create this champagne. Champagne Tribaut Located in the birthplace of champagne, you can come here to get first-hand experience working the grape harvest. Parva Domus The owners are known locally as mamie et papy, and love to welcome guests into their beautiful stately home, encased by acres of vineyards. Pre En Bulles Biodynamic wines, horses working the vineyard and jazz concerts. This is a vineyard that stands out from the rest. Do you want to be sampling champagne, in Champagne? It’s easier than you think, as it’s only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais with Eurotunnel. Book your tickets with us, for the best price.

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When you drive through Europe, you need a good playlist. But what’s better than live music? Check out our favourite music venues located around Europe. France It’s not just Paris that has the best music venues in France! There are lots of different spots away from the capital that host brilliant bands, and cultural highlights. Palais Nikaia Nice: 11 hours from Calais Palais Nikaia is a striking bird-like venue, in the Nice Riviera. Credit : Renzo Giusti Under the perfect blue sky, on the palm-tree-lined streets of Nice, you can find the 9000 capacity Palais Nikaia. It has hosted bands such as Depeche Mode, as well as comedy and theatre shows. As it is located so close to the sea, the architects designed the hall to look like a magnificent bird, stretching its wings. Opening in 2001, it’s unique as it’s located right next door to Stade Charles-Ehrmann, adjoined with a sliding glass door. So, for huge concerts of 50,000 or more, the two can comfortably host. Le Chabada Angers: 5 hours from Calais John Cale performing at the cultural epicentre of Angers, Le Chabada. Credit : Simon Bonaventure Based in an old slaughterhouse, Le Chabada is the cultural beating heart of Angers. For over a decade it has supported local artists, and hosted concerts featuring a variety of genres. They also run musical workshops, conferences and educational concerts, all with the aim to promote music in the local area. The Netherlands Venture further from France, to Amsterdam. The Netherlands may not be the first place you think of when you’re looking for great music venues, but don’t be put off by first impressions! Concertgebouw Amsterdam: 4 hours from Calais The beautiful Concertgebouw is perfect for any classical music fan, or anyone who just wants to chill in a beautiful setting! Credit : Lydia z Opilik Concertgebouw is slightly different to the French venues, as its construction began in 1883, and it has been bestowed the honorary title of ‘Koninklijk’ on its 125th anniversary by Queen Beatrix, which is the equivalent to an English Royal Warrant. You can go behind the scenes of the concert hall, and discover the secrets to its long and influential history. For classical music fans, this is the perfect place to visit, to hear the great sounds of Beethoven and Mozart. Even if you’re not a huge classical music fan, there’s no better place to start your musical journey. Or, just stop by for delicious cake and coffee in the café. Belgium It’s not just chocolates and cobbled streets that make Belgium a great place to visit. It’s got a great cultural scene too, that people travel from far and wide to visit. The Roma Antwerp: 2 and a half hours from Calais The Roma is an iconic part of Antwerp, and of the Belgium music scene. Credit : Paulien Verlackt For a music venue with a twist, The Roma is a must-visit. It sits in the Moroccan suburb, in a 1920s cinema. During the week (Monday-Wednesday), head there to see vintage films played on the big screen, but for the rest of the week, it becomes a foot-stomping concert venue. Since the 1970s, huge stars have been queuing up to play The Roma. Artists like Iggy Pop and Paul McCartney have taken to the stage, so when you visit here you’ll definitely be seeing a part of musical history. Ready to pack your dancing shoes? It’s only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais when you travel with us. Make sure you book your tickets with us, to get the best fairs. Top image Credit: Jordi Huisman

For those of you who are fans of cars, nothing is better than an open stretch of road, a beautiful day and a tank full of petrol. But why not really experience a car-lover’s dream and drive the autobahn and rest for the night in the V8 Hotel? Driving through Europe is a holiday in itself. Motoring through the different European cities and countryside provides a completely different driving experience. But, what is the icing on the cake for the real car fans out there? V8 Hotel and Motorworld 7 hours from Calais Located at Motorworld in Stuttgart, the V8 Hotel is the ultimate place to rest your petrol head. Before you get to your motor-themed room (more on that later) there are lots of activities you can get involved in at the ultimate place for car lovers. What to do at Motorworld Discover the history of your favourite car brands at Motorworld. Credit: Frank Hoppe Go back to where it all began, 125 years ago, at the Mercedes Benz Museum, and discover the history of the world-famous brand. For fans of speed, the Porsche Museum is the first place to go to immerse yourself in the supercar brand. Or, take to the skies and fly to your dream destination on the flight simulator. With lessons from a professional pilot, you can discover what it’s like to be in control of a plane. If the rest of your family aren’t quite as car-mad as you, there are still plenty of activities for them to get involved in. Outlet City Metzingen is near the V8 Hotel, and is packed with shops selling top designer brands. So, after your stay at the hotel you can drive away with a head full of memories and a car full of souvenirs. The Rooms at the V8 Hotel Love Mercedes? Spend the night in the ultimate Mercedes shrine. Credit: Frank Hoppe While the car-activities are reason enough to visit the V8 Hotel, it’s the accommodation that makes you stay. Every room is car based, but some are a little more special than others. Take the Mercedes Suite for example: four floors of Mercedes madness, including a panoramic bathroom and sauna! Go back in time to the 1950s and sleep in a vintage gas station. Credit: Frank Hoppe If the Mercedes Suite is out of your budget but you still want to stay somewhere a bit special, there are plenty of other options for you. Spend a night in one of the themed rooms, from Route 66, to a drive-in cinema, and even an automatic carwash, there are lots of fun options. Drive the Autobahn One of the most famous road systems in Europe, the autobahn is any speed lover’s dream. While there are many roads that motorists long to drive down in Europe (such as Route Napoléon and Col de Turini for example) there is one very famous road system that is of course, the autobahn. Rather than just one road, the autobahn is the German motorway, and stretches over the whole country, totalling about 8000 miles. The reason why so many people want to drive these roads, is due to their lack of speed limit. German authorities insist you must drive at the recommended 80mph, but you can drive faster if you wish. It’s good to always be aware of the other drivers on the road, as it’s not uncommon for cars to zoom past you at 100mph, or faster. So, are you eager to put the peddle to the metal? It won’t be long before you’re in Germany, the home of fast cars and precision engineering. It’s just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, so start planning your route now. Top image credit: Frank Hoppe

France is home to more than just sublime cheese and fairy tale castles. It has, for years, been the home of some of the most famous albums and musicians in the world. Find out where you can travel to be in the heart of musical history. When we think of iconic studios, our minds usually go to Sun Studio in Memphis, where the greats like Elvis and Johnny Cash recorded their iconic songs, or Abbey Road in London, made famous by The Beatles. But, what about in France? Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St, recorded in Villefranche-sur-Mer 11 hours, 11-minutes from Calais Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful Riviera fishing village, and the home of one of the greatest albums ever made This has been widely regarded as not only one of the Rolling Stones’ best albums, but one of the greatest albums ever recorded. The band created the album in three studios: Olympic Studios in London, Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles, and Nellcôte in Keith Richard’s rented mansion in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. Situated next to Nice on the French Riviera, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a fishing village, with multi-coloured houses stacked up against the crystal blue sea. Take time to get lost in its intricately small streets, climbing the staircases to catch a glimpse of the sparkling sea. Its musical history notwithstanding, the town has existed since the 14th Century. So, it’s perfect for anyone wanting embrace by French history, all while achieving a tan under the golden Riviera sun. Château d'Hérouville 3 hours, 19-minutes from Calais Château d'Hérouville in quiet village Hérouville is an iconic home of musical history A place where all music fans need to visit, Château d'Hérouville is where some of the last century’s definitive albums and singles were recorded. Known as the ‘Honky Château’, from this 17th Century mansion, David Bowie’s Pin Ups and Low, Iggy Pop’s The Idiot, Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Bee Gee’s iconic singles ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ from their seminal album Saturday Night Fever were recorded here. It’s not just great music that reverberated off the walls here. It was painted by Vincent van Gogh, who’s buried in the area, so when you visit, make sure you make a trip to his grave. Despite the fact that some of the greatest musicians who ever lived roamed its halls, in 1985 the headphones were hung up, the decks stopped spinning and the château’s ghosts could finally rest. The spirits that had watched these musicians from the corners certainly didn’t want them to rest though; Brian Eno was reportedly woken every morning by a mysterious entity shaking his shoulder. Even though it’s no longer the great recording studio it once was, music fans should still visit the area. It’s not a particularly touristy area of France, so it’s ideal if you want to be immersed in French culture. Visit nearby historic towns, such as L'Isle-Adam, or La Roche-Guyon with its famous hill-top castle. Avignon, Birthplace of Olivier Messiaen and Festival d’Avignon 8 hours, 47-minutes from Calais Festival d’Avignon is the perfect trip for anyone who loves arts, culture and theatre! The French composer Olivier Messiaen, known for his love of birdsong and intricate scores, couldn’t have been born in a more apt place. Avignon is also home to the Festival d’Avignon, which is a celebration of theatre, art and all things creative. It takes up most of July, and is ideal for anyone with a love of the arts. So, Wild Horses won’t get you to France, but Eurotunnel will! It only takes 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, so grab your guitar and Shine A (Head) Light towards France!

If your heart is breaking at the thought of leaving your beloved pet behind when you head off on holiday, then don’t panic. Taking your pet on holiday to France is easier than ever, especially when you follow our tips. Taking Your Dog on Eurotunnel Travelling with your pet on Eurotunnel is easier than ever. We even have a pet playground where they can stretch their legs and go to the loo before the 35-minute journey to Calais. Your pet will need their passport to travel with us, just like you! It’s really easy to arrange one for them, check out our blog post for all the tips you need. Tips for Taking Pets in the Car Your pet should be as comfortable in the car as possible. A grumpy pet travelling in a strange, new country is not ideal for anyone. Bring toys that won’t get them too excited, non-spill water bowls, plenty of snacks and a cosy bed and blanket. Pet Friendly Accommodation in France Now it’s illegal to not allow pets in holiday rentals, there’s lots of choice. Great news if you’re planning to stay in a holiday rental in France, the French supreme court declared it illegal for holiday home owners to not allow pets. So, if you’re bringing your furry friend, you’ll still have plenty of choices for a beautiful holiday home. Pet owners definitely don’t want this law overturned, so make sure that you are a responsible pet owner whilst staying there; after all, it is someone else’s property. What Should You Look for in Pet Friendly Accommodation? Even though the holiday home is required by law to allow pets, that doesn’t necessarily mean that pets are welcome. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you talk to the owner about their stance on pets, and anything you need to be aware of, such as if the garden is near a main road. Don’t forget to talk to them about your pet; how much space they ideally need, how many pets will be with you, and if they have any physical requirements. That way, you’ll be sure that your pet will have the best holiday possible. Most Pet Friendly Places to Visit You won’t spend your holiday in France cooped up in your holiday rental, you’ll be out exploring! Before you head off on holiday, do some research on the best places in France to bring a pet, so you know exactly where to go and don’t have to waste time researching once you’re there. Thankfully, as France is a very pet-friendly country, most restaurants and cafés allow dogs, with many offering water bowls for our four-legged friends to stay hydrated. Pet Friendly Parks in France Vallée de l'Eure, Uzès 2 hours, 45-minutes from Calais One of the most important aspects of picking the perfect park for your dog to run around in is how safe it is. In a strange country, you don’t want your pooch running off. Vallée de l'Eure in Uzès is a valley set far away from the main road, with plenty of forest space for your dogs to run around in, and grassy paths to sniff. The valley is set by a river, which is great if your dog is a confident swimmer, but if you’re a little wary, it’s best to keep them on the lead when near the water. Pet Friendly Cities in France Mougins 10 hours, 30-minutes from Calais This medieval town is surrounded by wooded areas, a doggy dream! When exploring a new city in hot weather, make sure you keep an eye on your dog’s paws on the pavement. They can be burnt if the ground is too hot. Stick to shaded areas, and don’t go out at the hottest time of the day (12pm-3pm). Make sure you always have water for your dog to keep them refreshed and hydrated, and for dipping their paws in to cool them down. If there are grassy areas they can walk on, then stick to them as much as possible. The Medieval town of Mougins, a 15-minute drive from Cannes, is an ideal place for dogs (and their owners). It sits in the middle of beautiful forests made up of gorgeous trees, like Pine, Olive and Cyprus. The town is a great place for grabbing a bite to eat, as well as experiencing some new culture in their art galleries. Grab the lead, the pet passport and all the treats you can carry and set off for your French adventure! When it’s only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, Eurotunnel is the perfect holiday transport.  

Most of us long for the warm sunny days of summer, but the same can’t necessarily be said for our four-legged friends. While they may enjoy joining in on the fun with camping trips, and days at the beach, dogs, cats and other pets often struggle to keep cool in the heat. We’ve put together this guide of handy tips to help you to keep your pets happy and safe as temperatures rise. Never leave your dog in a car unsupervised, especially in warm weather Never Leave Your Pets in a Hot Car This ought to go without saying, really. We’ve all seen the campaigns, and we all know that hot cars can kill. But we still often underestimate just how hot a car can get, even on a seemingly mild day. According to PETA, on a 78F (25C) day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to between 100F (38C) and 120F (49C) in a matter of minutes; and on a 90F (32C) day, the temperature can reach as high as 160F (71C) in less than 10 minutes. If you can’t stay with your pets to supervise them, try to take them with you and find a shady place to secure them outside if you need to run into a non-pet-friendly shop. It’s also a good idea to have the air conditioning on whilst you’re driving, as well, to help them stay cool. It may look cute to see a dog sticking their head out the window, but it’s actually a breach of the Highway Code, and not safe for you, your pet, or your fellow road users. Avoid the Midday Sun Just like us, pets don’t do well in the full heat of the day, so it’s best to avoid walking your dog between the hours of 11am and 3pm. Just imagine walking around on hot pavements with bare feet to get an idea of how your pup feels! To check the temperature of the ground, rest the back of your hand on the pavement for a couple of seconds – this should give you a good indicator of what it’ll be like for your dog or cat to walk around on it. It’s really important to keep your pets well-hydrated during the summer months Keep Hydrated  Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Their much less effective method is to pant, which forces air over their tongue in an effort to cool their blood. This makes it even more important to have a supply of cool water with you at all times, as it will help to cool them down as well as keep them hydrated. Ideally, if you have access to a hosepipe or water for your pooch to paddle or swim in, all the better! This will be appreciated by all dogs, big and small alike, but particularly for our more hirsute canine friends. Maybe you could treat them to a summer haircut, as well. Know the Signs of Heatstroke  Heatstroke in dogs is really serious, which makes knowing the symptoms to look out for all the more important. Is your dog panting and/or drooling excessively? Do they appear lethargic, confused, drowsy, or uncoordinated? Are they collapsed or vomiting? If you notice these symptoms in your dog, take them straight into the shade and start to cool them down gradually. Don’t let them get too cold too quickly, though, as you can send them into shock, which is just as dangerous as heatstroke. If you can, douse them in cool (not cold) water, or apply cool, damp towels to their body. If you have a fan to hand, put them in front of that, as well. And most importantly, make sure they have a supply of cool water to drink, but in small amounts at a time. If you happen to notice these symptoms in a dog trapped inside a car, the best thing to do is to call 999, and request the police come to your aid. It does actually constitute criminal damage if you break a car window to let a dog out, so this should only be done if you don’t have another choice. If that happens to be the case, make sure you take photos and videos as evidence of the condition of the dog, as well as seek out any witnesses. Once your dog’s breathing has returned to normal, and they seem to be in a more stable condition, take them straight to a vet as a matter of urgency. Follow our hot-weather tips for a happy holiday for you and your dog Other Tips for Travelling with your Dog  Try not to feed them for an hour or two before you travel, just in case they get motion sickness. Take them for a long walk before you set off to help tire them out. Schedule in regular pit stops for walkies and bathroom breaks along your driving route. Make sure your pets are properly restrained during your trip, with a crate, harness, or guard. If they’re not, and you find yourself in an accident, you may invalidate your car insurance and end up liable for a hefty bill! Pack an emergency break-down kit for your dog, including their favourite food and toys, just in case you end up stranded for a couple of hours. Our final tip is to make sure that all their microchip, vaccinations and pet passport are up to date well in advance of your trip. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friends aboard on your next holiday road trip with Eurotunnel!

In the beautiful, undiscovered Perche Region of Lower Normandy, just a 3.5 hour leisurely drive from Calais, lies Forest View: a small, rural Campsite and Chambre d’Hote with just 25 pitches, with views over the tranquil 1.5 acre Lake, or amongst the cider apple trees in the Orchard where you can watch the sunset across the fields; plus 3 cool and quiet Chambre d’Hote rooms. It’s the perfect Campsite and B&B, for your overnights en route to the South or West of France, a short break or a long holiday…Indeed, once you’ve experienced Forest View, there’s little need to drive any further.

Are you planning a holiday to Europe, but need some tips on the best places to go? Whether you’re travelling as a family, or with your mates, the Evening Standard found the best places for you to go!  When it only takes 35 minutes to get to Calais from Folkestone, you don’t really need an excuse to go on a minibreak to France or Belgium. From visiting historical medieval sites, to brisk walks on the beaches, there is plenty to do. Our friends at the Evening Standard sent 15 curious travellers on an adventure to see just what you could get up to on a minibreak there. La Rochelle The Whittley family journeyed from Calais through to La Rochelle, an area overflowing with naval history. La Rochelle is 400 miles away from Calais and there is plenty to see and do along the way! Gabriella and Marcus (12 and 10) loved stopping off on the car ride and getting a taste of the French history - as well as a taste of the local ice cream! In Southwest France, sits La Rochelle. Since the 12th century, it has been known for its fishing and trade. Its history can still be seen when you walk through the town, past the timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture. On your way to taking a step back in time to La Rochelle, stop off at the towns and cities on the way and fully immerse yourself in French culture. Indulge your sweet tooth on waffles in Rouen and then walk it off with a stroll around the flower market, or get a bird’s eye view of Anges before taking a ride on a special four-person bike through La Rochelle.   Brittany There’s nothing quite like jumping in your car with your mates, and heading off on a road trip adventure to explore new places. Aimée Grant Cumberbatch and her friends did just that, and dived into a brand new side to France! From traditional thatched cottages and looming castles, to iconic art-deco buildings, there is no one side to Brittany’s culture. If you want to reconnect with nature, you can cycle by the canals, hike the sea cliffs, or even take up a bit of canoeing. Visit Parc du Marquenterre and look out for the varied fauna, such as the 300 species of migratory birds, who have made it their home. From here, make a stop at one of France’s most famous tourist spots, Mont Saint Michel. Watch the tide dramatically change, and feast on an omelette at La Mère Poulard. Once you arrive in Brittany, spend a day kicking back on the beach.   Le Touquet Travelling with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle with a young family is one of the more stress-free ways to go on holiday. But, we know that keeping little ones entertained can end up being a struggle during a long car ride. Fortunately, Le Touquet is less than an hour from our Calais terminal, and full of adventures that the whole family can get involved in. The Beck family and their children Willem (10), Delphi (eight) and Olive (four) spent a great few days exploring Northern France. For those with a young family, there are plenty of exciting things you can get up to! Discover the creatures of the deep at the National Sea Centre at Boulogne-sur-Mer. And see if you can get your little ones to try something new at one of the area’s many seafood restaurants.   Bruges It’s not just large groups that Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is ideal for, and it’s not just France you can visit. As Nadia Balme-Price and her husband Matt discovered, Belgium is a beautiful country waiting for travellers to stroll along its famous cobbled streets. Discover the ancient town of Bruges before heading to the more fast-paced Brussels. A trip up to Bruges is a great way to wander through history. Famous for its old town, markets and horse-drawn carriages, it’s one of those ‘must-see’ cities in Europe. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the Belfort tower for a spectacular view that more than makes up for the sore legs. Finish your Belgian road trip with a visit to Brussels. Known for its history, it is still incredibly cool and modern, and the streets all feature a new bar or café for you to experience. Discover the capital by cycling through the city, enjoying the juxtaposition of the old and the new architecture.   So, where will you head off to for your minibreak? Discovering Europe is easier than ever when you travel there with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.