THE FERRY BEST WAY TO GO ON HOLIDAY!

France is still the most popular destination in the world...and its proximity makes it ideal for Brits, especially families.

Theme parks are always a favourite with the children and for short hop across the Channel you can have as much fun as you'd find in America.

Most popular is Disneyland Paris with its pounds 65 million Space Mountain, a serious white- knuckle ride. It's open all year, has six themed hotels nearby, and thanks to Eurostar can be reached in three hours from London's Waterloo Station.

Under three hours' drive from Calais is Parc Asterix, a shrine to the cartoon book hero. There are more adrenalin-pumping rides here, such as the fearsome Goudurix, a 100ft roller coaster which loops over water at 50mph! Asterix is open until October 12.

Futuroscope is the unique European Park of the Moving Image, near Poitiers western France. Check out the new nocturnal Lake of Images laser show. Or whet your appetite at Nausicaa, an undersea world - complete with sharks - in Boulogne.

The closer French ports are also ideal for a short break.

Calais is tops for shopping and, further afield, historic Caen has the D-Day beaches and Bayeux tapestry.

HOW TO GET THERE

Operators to Disneyland Paris include Paris Travel Service (01992 456 100), Cresta Holidays (0161 926 9999) and Cosmos Holidays (0181 313 1980)\. Sally Holidays (0181 395 3030). P&O European Holidays (01992 456 045) do packages to Parc Asterix. Futuroscope (0171 499 8049 for entrance details) by rail, Railshop (0990 300 003); by coach, Eurolines (0171 730 8235); or self-drive, P&O European Ferries Holidays (01992 456 457). For Nausicaa Hoverspeed (01304 240241) operate Folkestone to Boulogne.

Lots of ferries serve Dover-Calais. Brittany Ferries (0990 360 360) sail Portsmouth to Caen.

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