Let’s go to France, just for the day

Sometimes all you need is a day away. Leave the Kent coast behind and discover the charm of northern France on a beautifully planned escape.

Wander markets, linger over coffee and pastries, immerse yourself in the classic tastes of a French restaurant, or simply soak up the atmosphere— all before returning home that evening.

From the moment you sign up, we'll take care of everything. Whether you're travelling with friends, family or simply treating yourself, enjoy a little taste of France that's closer than you think.

Book special pre-launch trip 19th September 2026

KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD

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KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD

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KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD

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KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD

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KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD

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KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD ☀️ KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD 🍷 KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD 🧀 KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD 🛳️ KINDLY SUPPORTED BY CALAIS TOURIST BOARD 🥐

Your escape - all included

Departing from Deal Castle, luxury travel services provided by leading local operator, Bayliss Executive Transport — leaving you free to relax, explore and enjoy the day.

Your French Escape — £135 per person

Your day includes:

  • Return executive transport & ferry travel from Kent to France

  • Breakfast on board ferry as you cross the Channel

  • A taste of local life, from local French markets to exploring historic towns

  • A delicious three-course lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant

  • Wine, beer, cheese & delicatessen tasting with a local providers

  • Time for Duty Free — the savings you can make might just pay for your escape!

  • Your dedicated McLean Events hosts, with you from departure to return

A wine tasting class in a restaurant with a sommelier pouring wine for a group of diverse people seated around a wooden table, with wine glasses, notebooks, a camera, and a large window in the background.
Outdoor market stall with various food items including meats and baked goods under a red and white checkered canopy. People are shopping and walking past, with trees and a building in the background.
  • Logo and packaging mockup for Bajo Zero artisan ice cream brand featuring vibrant colours and playful typography.
  • Artist branding for Maria Underwood artist and Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023 contenstant: website design, logo, brand colours, showcasing figurative artwork.
  • Brand identity and website visuals for Sophia A. Bayly, stylist: elegant brand development, moodboard with soft palette and elegant typographic layout.

  • We take care of the travel arrangements, including your ferry crossing and border formalities, to make getting to France as easy and stress-free as possible.

  • Every trip is designed around the French experience, from local markets and historic towns to sampling a variety wine, beer and French food delicacies.

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a classic French restaurant selected from one of our carefully chosen list of eateries. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

  • The McLean Events team will be with you throughout the day, taking care of the details so you're free to relax, explore and enjoy your French escape.

What you can expect

Programme & Timings

Scheduled trips to be announced later in the year.‍ ‍To book on September ‘26 pre launch trip, see timings below and click the ‘Book here’ button.

  • This is a special pre launch outing across the water incorporating the following programme, plus a few added treats along the way.

    Executive transport. Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais. A visit to City Hall Tower. A 3 course lunch at the famous La Buissonnaire restaurant. Wine, beer, cheese and delicatessen tastings at a leading local provider of traditional food and drink. A visit to the Calais duty free warehouse. Hosting throughout the day.

    Timings;

    Depart Deal Castle. Timings to be confirmed 2 weeks prior

    09.10 Ferry departs to France from Dover.

    11.50 (Local time) Ferry arrives in Calais. Coach to town centre (10 minutes)

    12.15 Tourist board introduction to and a trip up the city hall tower for some amazing channel views

    13.15 Lunch is served at La Buissonnaire restaurant

    14.45 Coach to wine, cheese and delicatessen provider for tastings sessions, or coffee and cakes as you prefer

    15.45 Coach to Calais ferry port (10 minutes)

    18.05 Ferry departs Calais, after a visit dockside, to the Calais Duty Free Warehouse.

    19.00 (Local time)Drop off Deal Castle. End of tour. (Times are subject to change)

    All timings shown are approximate and are subject to change.

Book special pre-launch trip on 19th September 2026

Mclean Events - your host

McLean Events has been organising events for over 30 years in multiple industries across the world.

The opportunity to operate all-inclusive luxury day trips to France presented itself to the company’s founder, Nick Needs, who, in the last few years, has moved to Deal.

Nick has been a volunteer at the Astor Theatre in Deal and in 2025, McLean Events staged Deal Oktoberfest. Nick is also promoting two local bands, both of which have appeared recently at key venues.

Nick says, “Deal deserves a regular high-quality ‘Day Trip to France’ and in 2027 this will hopefully run regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays”.