OK, so you want to bring back wine, confit de canard, foie gras etc. No good on the plane so driving is the option.

Here’s the lowdown.

Calais / Eurotunnel is a nightmare – just too long a journey, specially on the way home.

The best ferry option is with Brittany Ferries.

Click the link for Ferries for details of the crossings and distances to the house.

The journey takes about 24 hours if you go direct with an overnight stay. On the UK side, take the M6, M6 Toll, M42, M40, A34, M3, M27 and M275. If you get it right you’ll hit no more than half a dozen traffic lights en route. Cherwell Valley services (Burger King / Costa / M&S) is a good location for a break.

Driving in France is much easier than you might think. Always take the Autoroute option if available. All the routes from the ferries take you eventually to the A10. All the main services on the Autoroute are good and many provide decent meals.

There is a guide on the website to driving in France with all you need to know.