They are available for travel from now until the end of September. Shopping on board is at low French duty rates and at Calais there's a shuttle bus for foot passengers connecting the ferry terminal with the town for £1 a ticket.

For a Calais day trip attraction check out the new showpiece heritage centre that traces the history of lace making in the town over almost two centuries. Cite Internationale de la Dentelle cost €15 million and opened earlier this summer.

To book day trips with P&O Ferries on the internet enter 'summerfootpassenger' in the code box - click here and on the P&O Ferries page click on Dover Calais Web Fare from £30