France holidays

People holidaying in France might bring this keepsake home without thinking twice

It may seem like a harmless memento to slip into your suitcase before heading home, but one common holiday habit could end up proving very expensive. Beach holidays are hugely popular, and while many travellers like to collect natural souvenirs as keepsakes or gifts, doing so in France could land them with a fine of up to €1,500 – which is around £1,300.

The little-known rule applies to natural materials including sea shells, pebbles and sand collected from French beaches. While many holidaymakers think nothing of taking home a small reminder of their trip, doing so is prohibited under French environmental laws designed to protect the country’s coastline.

Authorities say taking such items from beaches contributes to coastal erosion and can damage fragile ecosystems. Shells provide shelter for small marine creatures, while pebbles and sand play an important role in maintaining the stability of beaches.

France is home to more than 5,500 kilometres of mainland coastline and thousands of beaches stretching from the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. According to Atout France, the country’s official tourism development agency, its coastline attracts millions of visitors every year, making conservation efforts increasingly important.

The restrictions form part of France’s Environmental Code (Code de l’environnement), which protects the country’s natural coastal heritage. Anyone caught removing these materials without authorisation can face fines of up to €1,500, depending on the circumstances.

Environmental experts say the impact of individual tourists taking just a handful of sand or shells can quickly add up when millions of people visit beaches each year. According to the European Environment Agency, coastal erosion is already affecting many parts of Europe’s shoreline because of a combination of natural processes and human activity.

France remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. Many head to coastal hotspots along the French Riviera, Normandy and the Atlantic coast, where authorities encourage people to leave beaches exactly as they found them.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises travellers to familiarise themselves with local laws before visiting overseas destinations. Even seemingly harmless actions can carry penalties if they breach environmental regulations.

Holidaymakers planning a trip to France are therefore encouraged to resist the temptation to pocket shells, pebbles or sand as souvenirs. Taking photographs instead is a simple way to preserve memories without risking an expensive fine or harming the environment.

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a triple discount on holidays with hundreds to save on once-in-a-lifetime trips

The summer holiday season is officially here – and those who are bored of lazing on a beach every year might want to try something a little different by embarking on a cruise. While the cost factor may usually be enough to put travellers off the idea, one popular cruise line has launched some huge discounts on holidays for 2026 and beyond.

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering a series of stacked deals on voyages setting sail from ports across the UK. With more than 200 holidays to choose from, there’s 20% off to be had on selected cruises running from London, Liverpool, Newcastle and more in a sale running until July 29.

Holidaymakers can also score an additional 5% off all no-fly cruises using the code SMILE5, on top of all other sale offers, with just hours left to nab this deal. And to top it off, Ambassador is offering an extra 15% off a handful of its winter sun trips with the discount code SAILMORE15 – giving holidaymakers the chance to save up to 40% in total on a cruise to the likes of the Caribbean or Canary Islands.

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One of the biggest deals gives passengers the chance to kick off the New Year in style with the Gems of the Caribbean Sea cruise setting sail from London Tilbury on January 5 for an incredible 42 nights. Calling at 14 countries, stop-offs include iconic destinations such as Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Antigua.

At £3,415 per person, this six-week trip doesn’t come cheap – but those who book before 9 am on Friday, July 17 and stack their discount codes can get on board from £2,049 with a huge 40% saving, working out at less than £49 per night. And the beauty of a cruise is that travel, accommodation and dining are all included in that price.

Get up to 40% off Ambassador cruises

From £202pp

Ambassador Cruise Line

Book here

Ambassador Cruise Line is offering multiple discounts on holidays from the UK to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands and more.

Another top deal comes on the Gems of the Adriatic & Mediterranean Autumn Sun holiday, which also has 40% off if passengers book before 9am on Friday, bringing prices from £2,903 per person down to starting at £1,742. Setting sail from London Tilbury on November 3 for 31 nights, this journey has 15 ports of call across seven countries, from beauty spots in Greece and Croatia to hidden gem destinations in Morocco and Tunisia.

And for those seeking a shorter and more budget-friendly option, there’s also the Autumn Escape to the Canary Islands, which not only has 10% off all cabins and an extra 5% off on top, but is also on a Cruise of the Week offer, spelling an extra 10% discount. Now available from £991.50 per person, this 14-night holiday from London Tilbury promises “volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and stunning beaches” as it visits Madeira, La Palma and Tenerife.

Meanwhile, those who plan ahead can also bag a buy-one, get-one-half-price deal on Ambassador cruises from April 2028, meaning passengers can bring a loved one along for less. But this isn’t the only cruise line offering savings on holidays departing from the UK.

Fred Olsen is also running special offers on selected winter sun cruises, such as the Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth holiday in November 2026. Passengers can get a half-price drinks package and a free flight at the end of the cruise back to London or Manchester.

Half-price drinks and a free flight are also available on the Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta. As well as a discount for solo travellers on B-grade cabins.

In addition, TUI Marella Cruises is also offering a selection of last-minute cruise deals for summer holidaymakers, although it’s worth bearing in mind that these also include flights. Top offers for the summer holidays include the Mediterranean Medley trip sailing from Palma on August 1 for seven nights, now priced from £1,114 per person with a £712 discount.

Another option is the Aegean Delights cruise from Cyprus for seven nights from August 5. Now £1,095 per person with a discount of £822.

It even has special features to ensure drivers don’t feel like they’re ‘floating’

The world’s tallest bridge is so high that an entire skyscraper could fit underneath it. While many would expect the highest bridge to be in the likes of China or the US, it is actually in France.

The Millau Viaduct is part of a motorway that connects Paris to the Mediterranean. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster and is in Southern France.

Work completed in 2004 and the cost of construction was approximately €394 million (£345 million). It has an impressive height of height of 343 metres (1,125 ft), which is higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower.

The Paris skyscraper stands at 330 metres (1,083 feet). Millau Viaduct is 2460 metres long and touches the bottom of the Tarn valley just nine times along its length.

Le Shuttle said: “Plans for a road crossing to alleviate the traffic through the town of Millau date from the 1980s.

“British architect Sir Norman Foster was among the team that designed the viaduct, which was considered the most viable solution to cross the valley and river, with the least ecological impact on the area. Construction of the viaduct began in 2001.”

There is no pedestrian access to the viaduct as it is a high-speed motorway. However, it does attract tourism and there are guided informational tours.

Tours include taking a designated nature path to a viewing platform below the bridge and even inside one of the tallest pylons. A marathon takes place every year over the viaduct, and the Tour de France has passed under the viaduct a number of times.

The viaduct features a slight curve that extends up to 20km on the road on either side. It helps drivers settle the feeling of “floating” when driving on a long, straight bridge.

Enjoy Travel explained: “It has two lanes in each direction and interestingly, the bridge is not straight as this could induce a sensation of floating for drivers.

“To remedy this, the architects designed the bridge to have a slight curve, which is 20km in range. Another design feature that improves safety, is the road’s slight incline of 3%, which improves visibility and reassures the driver.

“The bridge is exposed to strong gusts of up to 151km/h, so designers installed side screens that cut the wind’s impact by 50 per cent.”

Visitors have left positive reviews about their experience of the viaduct on TripAdvisor. One said: “Love bridges. This is one not to be missed. Be sure to take a look at it from below to get a real sense of it. Real engineering feat.”

Another added: “An absolutely superb place! The viaduct and the surrounding landscape are so beautiful that you feel like you are part of a painting or drawing! It is truly a work of engineering of the highest level.”

Someone else commented: “Visited today after it been on my bucket list. Great visitors centre, cafe and toilets. Parking is free and you can walk up a 470m path to an awesome view point. You can see the viaduct and surrounding areas. Drove over the bridge with stunning views.”

The Foreign Office’s latest France travel advice has been updated with more information for Brits as wildfires have been raging across Europe and seen thousands evacuated from high risk areas

Wildfires have been raging across parts of Europe this week, affecting destinations including Spain, France, Portugal and Greece. Thousands have been evacuated as a result, with locals and tourists also being urged to ensure their phones can receive emergency alerts.

In southern France, over 10,000 people were evacuated from small towns and villages in the French Pyrenees, near the border with Spain, reports the BBC.

Meanwhile, spectators heading to watch the third stage of the Tour de France were urged to stay away on Monday, to make access easier for emergency vehicles in the area.

Following the wildfires, on Tuesday (July 7), the Foreign Office updated its France travel advice to warn Brits of the ‘high risk’ of fires in France over the coming months, and point to the existing advice it has on what to do if you’re staying in or near a high-risk area.

The updated advice warns: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.”

The Foreign Office already had existing advice about the risk of wildfires in France, which always sits within its guidance. The latest update just reminds Brits that the advice exists, and where to find it.

At the time of writing, the guidance on wildfires in France reads: “Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica.

“The French weather service has launched a fire alert map to help travellers stay up to date.

“Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. Causing a wildfire is illegal in France, even if it is started by accident. You could get a fine or a prison sentence.

“If you’re staying in, or near, a high-risk area see advice from the French government (in English) for information about:

• what to do if a wildfire breaks out
• how to prevent wildfire outbreaks
• protecting your home from wildfires (including mandatory bush clearance)

“If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services).”

The routes have long been popular with holidaymakers visiting the Brittany area of France, offering a range of daytime and overnight services, and the company has confirmed it’s making changes to other lines as well

Brittany Ferries has announced its making big changes to its UK to France routes ahead of the autumn months as it blames the financial impact of Covid and the ongoing effects of Brexit.

The ferry operator will sell two of its ships, including one that operates the current Poole to Cherbourg route, which it has confirmed will be closed from November 1. Passengers will need to travel to Portsmouth where there’s a daily service to Cherbourg operating in its place.

It also confirmed in a statement that: “in the face of unfair competition on the Eastern Channel, caused by subsidies to run the loss-making Dieppe-Newhaven route, the company is looking to close the Portsmouth to Le Havre route from October 2026.”

Brittany Ferries confirmed the closure date as October 1, saying: “It has operated this route for as long as possible while legal challenges are still being considered by Brussels.”

It also clarified that it’ll be moving to a “more efficient schedule” from November 1 for its ships serving Guernsey, Poole and Cherbourg. Brittany Ferries Island will “serve a triangular route as follows: Portsmouth to Guernsey, Guernsey to Cherbourg, Cherbourg to Portsmouth”. While it’s fast craft the Brittany Ferries Voyager “will continue to serve Poole to Guernsey, but with the option to travel on to St Malo”.

The company confirmed there would be: “No job losses in the UK, but potentially a small number in Le Havre subject to a consultation process currently underway.”

Brittany Ferries began running the Poole to Cherbourg route back in 1986, and it runs on the 1992 ferry Barfleur, which the company has confirmed will now be sold. The Portsmouth to Le Havre route has been operated by Brittany Ferries since 2014. Sailings to Le Havre were run during the day, while the return journeys to Portsmouth ran overnight.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries, said in a statement: “Brittany Ferries has a track record in adapting its business to long- and short-term challenges. We overcame Covid when borders were shut, we continue to wrestle with the consequences of Brexit and we are taking steps to make a holiday in France or Spain as reasonable as possible.

“But we have to be realistic. We need adapt and that means a plan to secure a future that will continue to bring opportunities for all those who live and work in the regions we serve. We have informed our ports and will work with everyone affected on this plan for the future.”

The company’s statement went on to add that it’s still feeling the effects of its Covid loan, saying it has repaid half of it, but that “the long tail of the crisis continues”.

The ferry operator’s statement goes on to say: “Into this mix has been thrown the rising tax burden of ETS, the EU’s Emission Trading System. Brittany Ferries has invested in the cleanest, greenest fleet on the Channel, including five new vessels in five years, two of which were launched in 2025.

“Despite this, the company faces a bill of some €27 million in 2026, with no allowance for the industry-leading investment already made. That’s an EU financial burden even before the UK begins to introduce an equivalent scheme for ships operating in British waters.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

There are several Jet2 rules to note when planning your trip

Jet2 has clarified its baggage allowances after an enquiry from a holidaymaker. The customer asked for help as they got ready for their summer getaway.

The person contacted the provider over social media on June 23. The traveller had booked their journey through Jet2holidays, and was due to jet off the following week.

They posed a question about their luggage entitlement. The customer wrote: “We have 3 x 22kg baggage allowance. Assume we are good to check in just two bags provided weight doesn’t exceed allowance?”

They went on to ask if they could check in one suitcase weighing 23kg and another at 25kg while remaining within their total allocation. Jet2 replied to set out the options available to the customer.

Combining your baggage allowance

The airline confirmed: “You can pool your luggage into two suitcases as opposed to three, as long as this doesn’t exceed your combined allowance of 66kg, and that no single article of luggage exceeds 32kg. I hope this helps.”

According to Jet2’s official guidance: “Any baggage that exceeds your total weight allowance will be carried subject to availability and at our discretion. You’ll also need to pay an excess baggage fee, which is £12 per kg. Please note that no single item of baggage can weigh more than 32kg.”

You can add extra luggage when you book or through the Manage My Booking facility. Simply enter your booking reference, surname and departure date, then navigate to ‘Add Holiday Essentials’.

Query over 10kg allowance

Jet2 was also recently asked another question about its baggage weight rules after a passenger reported receiving contradictory information. The person had a booking for two adults and a six-month-old infant.

They explained: “Told we get two extra carry ons such as a buggy and travel cot that will be checked into the hold at the gate.”

They said they had two 22kg checked bags and that on a prior Jet2 holiday they had been told they qualified for “an extra 10kg for the baby”. According to Jet2’s official website guidance for bookings with children, passengers receive “an extra 10kg allowance for infants” plus “up to two items per child or infant free of charge”.

The passenger asked whether the additional 10kg could be combined with one of the 22kg cases, creating a 32kg allowance. They described receiving mixed messages on their last Jet2 journey. The customer recalled: “On the way out with you we were told it’s fine to have a 32kg case (22kg + the 10kg).

“On the way back we were told the 10kg should be a separate small checked case. Please can you clarify which it is and what the rules are because on our last holiday with you we were told different things.”

Setting the record straight, Jet2 responded to the passenger: “The additional 10kg is applied to one adult’s baggage, allowing for a total of one bag at 32kg and one bag at 22kg.”

A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of up to 40C by Wednesday, with this latest UK heatwave expected to surpass the June record set in Hampshire in 1976

The UK Government has issued an ‘extreme’ travel warning for Brits heading to France, Spain and Portugal as a heatdome settles over western Europe.

The weather front is predicted to deliver temperatures approaching 40C by Wednesday, with this latest heatwave anticipated to eclipse the June record established in Hampshire in 1976.

Red heat alerts have been issued in France, Spain, and other nations across western and central Europe as heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify in the coming days.

More than half of France’s regions are currently under the harshest weather warning. Tragically, two children aged two and four were found dead in their family car in the town of Carpentras in the south of France, in an incident believed to be linked to the weather.

In a section on the Foreign Office’s website titled ‘extreme weather’, an update for France issued today reads: “Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in France. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Meteo France website.”

A similar warning for Spain reads: “Extreme weather can affect many areas of Spain, particularly over the summer months. Follow the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET) and European Meteorological Services for severe weather warnings.”

And the Portugal advice reads: “In Summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.”

Back in the UK, record high temperatures are forecast over the coming days.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East. Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.

“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range. It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story. The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”

Throughout the night, temperatures remained above 20C at nine sites across England, registering what the Met Office classifies as a tropical night. Scorching temperatures gave way to thunderstorms and lightning strikes across England in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Commuters also faced significant disruption across London’s transport network on Tuesday morning. The Elizabeth Line was hit by flooding caused by heavy rainfall, resulting in no service running between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Heathrow Terminal 4, Transport for London confirmed.

Passengers on the Mildmay Line also faced severe delays, with the line operating a reduced service due to the sweltering conditions. On the national rail network, soaring temperatures are also forecast to cause sagging overhead electric wires, buckled rails and lineside fires, with passengers urged to avoid non-essential travel and, if a journey is unavoidable, to ensure they have a bottle of water with them.

Avanti West Coast announced it intends to operate fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday, warning that “there’s a risk of further disruption”.

Chiltern Railways has scrapped more than half its services across those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible.”

The RAC revealed it is handling 10% more breakdowns than usual at this time of year and expects demand to “increase significantly as temperatures peak”.

The scorching weather is also set to cause considerable disruption for parents as schools shut or close early to shield children from the heat. Pupils have been told they may wear PE kit rather than full school uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers. A number of after-school clubs have also been called off.

If you’re planning to go on holiday this summer, you may need a new passport

With the summer holidays now in full swing, many travellers need a new passport. Anyone intending to go abroad will need the document, and there are specific criteria it must meet.

For instance, following Brexit, anyone travelling to the EU using a UK passport must ensure their passport’s “date of issue” falls within 10 years from their arrival date. The “expiry date” must also extend at least three months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area, which encompasses 29 countries, including Spain, Greece, France, and Italy.

According to His Majesty’s (HM) Passport Office, when you submit an application for a new or replacement document, “you’ll usually get your passport within three weeks”. In an effort to inform travellers precisely when they can anticipate receiving theirs, independent website “UK Passport Waiting Time” is monitoring how long people are presently waiting for a new or replacement passport to be delivered.

The team, which operates independently from HM Passport Office, collects data from members of the public, including the dates they submitted applications for and received their new documents recently. Based on the most recent figures, people are waiting 19 days on average for a first adult passport, and 14 days for a replacement or renewed passport.

According to the website, the average processing time for a first child passport stands at 16 days, while a replacement takes 15 days. One traveller, using the Corby passport office to apply for a replacement passport, shared on the site that they submitted their application on May 19.

They said: “My passport was initially water damaged (to the point where the signature and previous immigration information had smudged) so required a replacement. No issues with digital photo submission from myself, just making sure to have a lot of light and a white background, and setting a timer to take the headshot (as I had no one else available) seemed to be sufficient.”

They subsequently received their new passport 23 days later, on June 11. A second applicant revealed they had applied for a first adult passport through the Hemel Hempstead passport office.

They submitted their application on May 1 and received their travel document on June 6, 36 days later. Naturally, timescales can differ between applicants, and HM Passport Office notes that: “It may take longer than three weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you.

“We’ll tell you this within three weeks. There are different turnaround times if you’re applying from another country.”

Should you require a replacement passport as a matter of urgency, the one-day Premium Service is available to you. Bear in mind, however, that this comes at an additional cost, with an adult passport setting you back £239.50.

There’s also a one week Fast Track service available for renewing or replacing an adult or child passport – or for applying for a first child passport. The price is £192 for an adult passport, or £156.50 for a child’s.

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.

It works for breaks across Europe and even long-haul holidays

Holidaymakers could snap up bargain return flights from as low as £30 to the most popular holiday hotspots thanks to a little-known TUI Airways booking trick. The ‘insider trick’, revealed by TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, reveals how travellers can snap up last-minute flights weeks before departure which include bargain breaks across Europe and even long-haul escapes for a fraction of the usual price.

On TUI’s dedicated ‘ Cheap Flights ’ page Brits can find seats on return routes which are regularly released at heavily reduced prices in the weeks and months leading up to departure. “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats,” said Chris Logan.

“We’re talking everything from quick European breaks to long-haul trips across the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 airports across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest regional airport.”

The best deals tend to be snapped up by those who can be flexible on dates and airports, with flights leaving from more than 22 UK airports. And it’s not just quick getaways. The deals can stretch from short breaks to two-week holidays or even longer.

Chris added: “For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”.

Right now, Brits can find deals such as: