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This week has seen the exchange rate for the pound against the euro drop to its lowest level since the euro was introduced on 1 January 2002. The tourist rate is currently about £1.265 to the euro - in old money that is about 8.27 Francs to the pound. Admittedly I can recall exchange rates lower than that, but equally it has also reached close to 10 Francs to the pound.

Whilst this does mean France is more expensive for visitors this year than last, it still represents decent value - fuel (petrol and diesel) prices are much the same as the UK:- it always seems bizarre that diesel prices are significantly cheaper in France:-

unleaded 95 1.35 € = £1.073
unleaded 98 1.40 € = £1.109
diesel 1.20 € = £0.950

(Prices based on the best Hypermarket prices available - prices on autoroutes and major brand Petrol chains may be higher.)

If you consider hotel rates, a night at a Campanile Hotel outside Paris in February can cost as little as 45.00 € which is less than £36.00. An equivalent in the UK (Travelodge) for the same dates would cost £56.00!

It is clearly quite easy to do France without spending excessively - especially as wine prices are significantly cheaper without UK excise duties!! And the channel crossings offer some great deals especially if you book in advance!

You can check out ferry prices below:-

Ferry to France by AFerry.to