Investment Property in France

Travel and transport

Low-cost travel

France is easily accessible from Ireland and the UK by different modes of transport, and unlike some other countries there is direct access to regional travel centres. Competition between the different transport providers also keeps costs down.

By air

Flying to France is the most popular option, largely thanks to the government's policy of allowing low-cost airlines to use regional airports. This has opened up parts of the country that would otherwise have been difficult to reach. With Ryanair leading the way, and other carriers like BMIBaby, easyJet and even British Airways and Air France getting in on the act, the range of routes is comprehensive and prices are generally low.

Regional flights

Flights from UK regional airports to various parts of France are available, with flight times ranging from an hour or less to reach Brittany or Normandy, to around two hours to get to the far south-east or south-west.

By sea

Many holidaymakers still make their way to France using the ferry service between Dover and Calais, or its modern counterpart, the Channel Tunnel. This remains a good transport option, particularly if the destination is in the north. Ferry services have been cut back in recent years as pressure has built through competition, although some good offers can still be found. Journey time to Calais is around an hour.

By tunnel

The Eurotunnel service is straightforward and reliable, taking around 45 minutes for passengers to board the train and get to the other side of the Channel. In addition, the Eurostar passenger services now include direct routes to Avignon in the south and to the ski regions of the Alps.

Motorway network

Passengers on both the ferry and Eurotunnel services arrive onto the French autoroute system. This world-famous motorway network is fast, well-maintained and usually free from congestion. The autoroutes cover most parts of France, but the downside is the cost: these are toll roads and driving on the more popular tourist routes can be expensive.

By rail

France is also suitably proud of its rail network – the TGV high-speed trains travel across the countryside at great speed, delivering passengers directly into city centres and usually keeping to schedule.