Dover to Paris post May 10 Jewel Cruise

[Aries 65]

Planning to visit Paris after disembarking the Jewel on May 22. What are my alternatives. All suggestions are appreciated.

[sddsddean]

I was going to to suggest getting a train from Dover to Ashford then catching the Eurostar to Paris. However on that date the Dover to Ashford fare is only £7.30, but the Eurostar is £178 each!! (Fridays are popular and all the Non flexible tickets at £137 have sold out). Of course, you can still do this, but its a bit pricey. If you decide to do it, book the Eurostar NOW...it will only get dearer. So, whats plan B. 2 choices I think. Either fly from Gatwick (you will have to get yourself to Gatwick, either car or train), or you could catch a ferry to Calais from Dover (as you are already there) and get the train to Paris. Ferry is about £14 each for a foot passenger. I searched for a direct train to Paris and apparently a TGV runs direct, but I can't find a price for it! You can certainly do Calais - Paris with one change at Amiens for about £40. I'll let others suggest airlines, but I think the ferry/train route might be the way to go if you are happy toting your bags all the way!

 

Simon

[Globaliser]

Either fly from Gatwick (you will have to get yourself to Gatwick, either car or train) ...

No flights from Gatwick to Paris, unfortunately.

[Aries 65]

Thanks. Ferry - train seems the way to go. I'll look at French train schedules. Does anyone know how far the Ferry dock is from the cruise terminal?

[sddsddean]

I'm stunned there are no flights from Gatwick to Paris. Ah well, thanks for that G.

 

OK, go to Google Earth and put in as co ords " 51.116666N,1.33333E" . This will hopefully bring you to Dover harbour. If you look bottom left, you can see 2 ships. This is the cruise terminal. Look top right and there are 4 or 5 piers, one with a ship at it and another ship steaming out of the harbour. Thats the ferry terminal. Not far apart, but a taxi is required I think...only about £5.

Here are some sites to help you out. Probably best ferry to use is at http://www.poferries.com/tourist/index.html?TYPE=sponsoredsearch .

For european rail timtables, use the German rail site http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?ld=212.136&seqnr=1&ident=hc.013702136.1234460499&rt=1&OK#focus

It does mention on that site that you can't pre book the TGV to Paris...perhaps thats why the fare won't come up. If you are looking for fares try http://www.sncf.fr/en_EN/flash/ or http://www.raileurope.co.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=948

 

Simon

[sddsddean]

Just a bit more info. Did a quick google search and apparently there is a free shuttle bus from Calais ferry port to the train station (Calais Ville) about a mile away.

 

Simon

[Aries 65]

Thanks for all your help.

[Aries 65]

Just to let any one else interested in this itinerary know, I was able to book Eurostar Asford to Paris on the US site at the senior rate of $129 per person. Much faster than ferry train. Again thanks to all who helped.

[sddsddean]

Brilliant. That will be much better than the ferry/train. Glad you could work it out. Just so you know, don't worry about pre booking Dover Priory - Ashford...just buy it at the station on the day.

 

Simon