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Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
@philhopkinsuk
7:00 AM 1st March 2023
travel

A Quick Guide to France’s Coolest ‘Shuttle’ Cities

 
France is without doubt home to some seriously cool and effortlessly chic cities; so why not plan a short break this year? Even better, try Le Shuttle!

Whether you’re a foodie, culture vulture, outdoor adventurer or fashionista, you can discover the myriad of instagrammable hot spots on offer and all within easy reach of a mere 35-minute channel crossing on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.

Here are Eurotunnel’s top picks for those looking for a getaway that oozes plenty of opportunities for fun, food, and exciting new discoveries:

Le Touquet - 50 minutes drive from French terminal
Home to - Shopping, dining, lively nightlife:

Le Touquet is widely known as one of France's most luxurious and chic destinations, with its fabulous shopping, lively nightlife and delicious dining options, it’s definitely the place to see and be seen in this year.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is the place to treat yourself. It's an open-air mall where you can shop 'til you drop at 300 stores in the town centre and indoor market. It's a great way to unearth all manner of treasures.

Deauville - 3.5 hours drive from French terminal
Home to - Culture, beach, film festivals, polo:

Photo: Fabio Tura on www.unsplash.com
Photo: Fabio Tura on www.unsplash.com
Here at this chic resort destination where none other than Coco Chanel chose to open her first fashion boutique on rue Gontaut-Biron in Deauville in 1913, fashionistas, budding movie stars, media buffs, and the ‘It’ crowd alike, can enjoy colourful umbrellas, elegant shops, historic hotels, and a posh casino; it is especially good for a short visit. Deauville is also known for its two racecourses and globally popular polo matches, as well as cultural attractions like classical music and film festivals.

Arras - 1.5 hours drive from French terminal
Home to - Historic architecture, kayaking, traditional craft beer:

Photo: Diane-Picchiottino on www.unsplash.com
Photo: Diane-Picchiottino on www.unsplash.com
It’s not just the easy access on Eurotunnel’s Le Shuttle that makes Arras such a great place for a city break, it’s the exciting things there are to do when you get there.

Despite its relatively small size, Arras packs a big punch when it comes to things to see and do; from the well known craft beer scene to the Louvre-Lens Museum, and its Galerie du Temps (Gallery of Time) and temporary exhibitions of international stature, which makes for a journey through time and space.

The great thing about Arras is that it combines the very best elements of a city break with time in the great outdoors.

Enjoy all manner of fun activities from white water rafting and kayaking to canoeing, archery, biking and more. It’s a really fun destination, especially when loading up the car and travelling as a group of friends!

Montreuil-sur-Mer - 1 hour drive from French terminal
Home to - Cobbled streets, art galleries, bistros, Les Miserables:

Oozing both old-fashioned and bucolic charm, Montreuil-sur-Mer promises a fabulous French country escape.

Wander along the walls of the Citadel’s medieval ramparts, reworked by French military engineer Vauban, and enjoy the fantastic view of the river Canche and the streets lined with beautiful 18th-century hotels.

If you happen to see several references to Victor Hugo, it’s because the town was where he found inspiration for the first part of Les Misérables. Montreuil-sur-Mer’s pretty cobbled streets, delicious French cuisine and ever popular Les Misérables show are highlights.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle Costs:
£83 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) each way for a Short Stay Saver ticket (valid for 5 calendar days)
£104 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Standard ticket (for any duration). One way
£269 per vehicle (up to 9 passengers) for a Flexiplus ticket, turn up any time and get on the next available train, and access to the club lounge (for any duration). One way
Take your pet from £22 each way

UK residents are now eligible for tax-free shopping in France – find out more on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s tax free page Tax Free Shopping in France – Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.

For more information please visit www.eurotunnel.com