YEAR 2008

Well over 1,500 cottages, villas, gites and casas covering all the most desirable locations in both France and northern Spain are on offer Brittany Ferries Holidays' 2008 Cottages & Villas programme.

With more than 30 years' experience of arranging self-drive holidays, Brittany Ferries ensures all properties are of the highest quality by having their own team of inspectors.

They also have a 24/7 help-line manned by English-speaking staff in the unlikely event problems arising. This, combined with the comprehensive pre-departure briefing pack, makes these holidays ideal for the person who has never taken his car across the channel before.

Says Christiane Barker, general manager holidays: "Nothing beats the freedom and convenience of taking your car on holiday and having your own place in France or Spain - at least for a week or two. With holidays by air becoming ever more stressful, taking the family by car to France is so hassle-free and relaxing. Also, our holidays are ferry-inclusive, so planning and booking is very straightforward, either online or over the phone."

These holidays begin and end with a relaxing cruise and plenty for all the family to do on-board, plus, on overnight crossings you can enjoy a good night's sleep in your own en-suite cabin, arriving fresh for the drive to that perfect holiday cottage. Or, if time is critical, there are high speed ferries from Portsmouth and Poole taking as little as 2hrs 15mins to whisk you across the channel.

For on-line reservations CLICK HERE