Vive la difference with Brittany Ferries' French Collection 2006

    Brittany Ferries Holidays now has the widest-ever range of self-drive holidays in France

Brittany Ferries Holidays, part of the leading ferry operator on the Western Channel, and one of the UK's largest self-drive tour operators to France, is offering an even wider range of holidays for 2006. Having built its enviable reputation on the vast range of self-catering gites and cottages in French Collection, the 2006 programme includes an impressive array of new activity holidays, from wine tasting, river cruisingand cycling through to spas, theme parks and golf.

Christiane Barker, General Manager Holiday Products comments: "We have tried very hard indeed to provide something for everyone in next year's programme and our new activity holidays really do offer some exciting new experiences. As a French company we, of course, know France well and not only inspect every product but we also provide support for our clients whilst they are on holiday, not through agents, but through our own highly trained local staff. This, together with our price match guarantee*, means that our clients can be confident they have got the best possible deal and feel reassured that in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, they will not be left to fend for themselves as they would if they to built their own package."

Ferry inclusive pricing doesn't mean any loss of flexibility. With so much to choose from and the freedom to mix and match ferry crossings, types of accommodation and even add golf green fees, you can create a holiday that's perfect for you.

Here are some examples to illustrate what great value these French Collection holidays are:

• Self-catering in a Gite
Discover the joys of living as the French do! A gite makes an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area and, because you can cater for yourself, it is a really economical holiday - perfect for young families. A week in a gite set in rural Normandy from 1 July for a family of four can be had for only £536 including a return ferry crossing with car and travelling at a weekend – that's just £134 per person.

• River Cruising in the Western Loire
Can you imagine a more peaceful and relaxing way to explore the glorious French countryside than from a river cruiser as it glides sedately along gentle canals and rivers? As skipper of your own easy-to-handle craft you'll experience the freedom to explore places that are normally way off the beaten track. A week in April for a family of four hiring a cabin cruiser on the Loire including ferry crossings is £1202 (only £300 per person).

• Potter around Poitou
This new 6 night cycling tour in Poitou Charentes is ideal for those who like active holidays. You stay at pre-booked hotels on a half board basis, your baggage is transported between the hotels, transport is provided back to your first hotel to reunite you with your car, and you can take your own bike or hire one for £65. Travel mid week in June and the cost for four is £2006 – just £501 per person including the return ferry crossing with a car.

• A wine trying time!
This break takes you to the heart of the Saumur vineyards in the glorious Loire Valley. Stay for 3 nights in Le Chai de la Paleine, a beautifully converted former 19th century wine warehouse, from £324 for a double room & breakfast including return ferry crossing with car – just £162 per person. And included in the price are early evening vineyard visits to taste and discover the process of wine making.

• Spa break
The 4-star Grand Hotel des Thermes in St Malo offers you the opportunity to treat yourself to 3 days of unashamed pampering. Each day guests can choose between a programme of either 4 different seawater spa treatments or 2 special health & beauty sessions. A 3 night stay in March for two sharing a room with sea view costs £1371 (only £685 each) - this includes the spa/beauty treatments and free access to the aquatonic pool, fitness centre, sauna and Turkish bath, plus dinner & breakfast at the hotel and a return ferry crossing with car. 

• Chalet Camping – Fun for all the family!
The campsite of Domaine de Kerarno is only 800m from the beach near the small seaside village of St Philibert in southern Brittany and, as well as being in an area with plenty to see and do locally, it has an impressive range of onsite facilities. These include outdoor heated swimming and paddling pools, table tennis, boules, volleyball, and a free children's club in the summer.  A 7 night stay for a family of 4 in June costs £554 (only £138 per person) and includes weekend ferry crossings with car.

Bookings for French Collection holidays can be made by calling 08705 360 360 or online at www.brittanyferries.com to save £10 per booking. Additionally, there is a 10% early booking offer on all holiday reservations made before the end of 2005.

*If you can find an identical holiday for less, Brittany Ferries will match the price and give you £38 worth of dining vouchers for use in any on-board restaurant.

-Ends-

Released 5 December 2005