There is an incredible amount to see and do in northern France this summer so if you’re boycotting airports and long-haul flights but want to venture beyond the British Isles, a cross-Channel ferry crossing could be the answer.

Journey times start from just 75 minutes on SeaFrance routes from Dover to Calais, and the holiday fun can start the minute you embark, thanks to the very extensive family-friendly facilities on-board.

While kids on an aircraft can do little more than fidget, on a SeaFrance superferry there is plenty to explore and for kids to have some fun – from games arcades for teenagers to safe play zones for smaller children. The restaurants and cafés cater for all ages and tastes so whether you are onboard for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is always a wide choice of delicious food, served in relaxed, spacious and stylish surroundings.

There is an amazing amount for families to do within a very short drive from Calais. Top attractions are within surprisingly easy reach. How about an African Safari in Le Touquet? Stalking across the fashionable seaside town’s beachfront are giant rhinos, elephants and cheetahs, carefully crafted from sand by 24 incredibly patient and talented sculptors. Throughout the summer until the end of August, this fantastic sand sculpture exhibition is expected to draw huge crowds.

The sand sculptures showing scenes from the African savannah are a spectacle in themselves, but the organisers have worked in an educational element, exploring the environmental issue of drinking water supply, and the lack of such facilities in parts of Africa. You can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon admiring these unique works of art and with prices at just €8 a head (cheaper for children) it’s pretty good value.

Also at Le Touquet is the Aqualud water park where the kids can go wild in the water. Free for children under 1m tall, Aqualud boasts both indoor and outdoor pools, a wave pool, Jacuzzis, a solarium and water chutes.

There are plenty of hotels in Le Touquet, and campsites in northern France are excellent value and renowned for their facilities.

Heading out of Le Touquet on the D940 road towards Berck-sur-Mer, you can’t miss the well-established Bagatelle Amusement Park with its rides, roller coasters, a 360° cinema and children’s zoo. Set in attractive woodland just behind the resort town, it’s ideal for the 7 to 14 age group.

Eurolac in Ardres also offers idyllic days in the sun, as it’s centred around a scenic lake. The amusement park is famed for its electric miniature ferryboats that children can sit in and sail around the lake on their own. Family fun in the form of mini-golf, sailing dinghies and kayaking is on offer at Prés du Hem leisure park on the outskirts of Lille. A day spent at this lovely country park, education centre and working farm can be incredibly good value. Entry is free (you pay for individual activities) and you can take your own picnic.

Fresh air and scenery are in plentiful supply in the region, ideal for letting the kids run off their excess energy. And because you have the car, memorable beauty spots aren‘t difficult to reach. The two coastal headlands of Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez that jut dramatically into the Channel between Calais and Boulogne are both on the D940. Each headland has a car park next to a coastal path, perfect for a breezy walk with spectacular views over the Channel and down the Côte d’Opale. Older children will enjoy discovering former WWII defences, observing the abundant birdlife and, if the wind is in favour, launching a kite – good summertime family fun.

The options for activities in northern France don’t stop there. Boulogne is home to one of Europe’s top aquariums - Nausicaa Sea Life Centre - currently exhibiting ’Cap au Sud’ which explores the seas of Africa. The family cannot fail to be impressed by Nausicaa’s 1.2 million-litre shark pool, 11,000 sea animals on display and exhibits that cover every aspect of marine life. Make a day of it – adult tickets cost €13, while for children it’s €9 each.

‘The Giant Labyrinth of the Seven Valleys‘ – one of the largest mazes in France, and made entirely of corn – is open to the public at the village of Buire le Sec between 1 July and 1 September. Under fives can explore for free, while entry for adults is €7 and €6 for under 12s. There is a different theme every year and you’re helped by clues to find your way through: what better way to encourage the kids to improve their French?

If you want a more grown up experience, the area surrounding Calais is rich with culture, architecture, art and history, and offers the customary French pleasures of exceptional restaurants, interesting markets and continental charm.

These are just some of the highlights of the region. SeaFrance is the only French operator on the Dover-Calais route and operates up to 15 daily return crossings between Dover and Calais during the summer. So what could be easier? Pack up the car, pile in the kids and set off on a Gallic adventure. One trip really won’t be enough.

Fares:
SeaFrance fares start from £29 return for a car and up to five passengers. The best fares can be found at seafrance.com or by calling 0871 702 2071.

Offer:
SeaFrance is offering TimesOnline readers 10% off new Any Duration bookings.* To redeem your discount click here

Competition:
Win a trip to Le Touquet for two adults and two children! The prize includes a return car crossing plus 2 nights’ accommodation at The Holiday Inn Resort in the beautiful seaside town of Le Touquet. Click here for more details and to enter.

* T&C's apply: The discount must be redeemed and the booking paid for by 31 July 2008, with travel completed by 31 December 2008