Luxury day trips to France

Executive transport, French markets, lunch, wine tasting, and home in time for supper.

Experience the culture of Northern France in a single, effortless day, crafted for those who want to escape the fuss of travel planning. Our intimate, comfortable coaches, provided by Bayliss Executive Travel, depart from pickup points in Deal, Kent, and return the same evening, offering carefully timed itineraries, elegant dining options, and friendly, attentive hosts to guide you throughout the day.

These trips are for couples, friends, tourists and small groups who want a refined, hassle-free taste of France without overnight travel. Perfect for those new to European day trips or anyone who values comfort, ease and a polished, personal touch.

Ferry boat with DDFS SEAWAYS written on the side, sailing on the ocean under a blue sky.
Two large BayLiss Executive Travel LTD buses parked outdoors under a blue sky.

Maybe even a chance to practice your French…

What you can expect

Luxurious coach travel: Spacious, climate-controlled coaches with reclining seats, generous legroom, onboard refreshments, and discreet luggage handling.

  • Smooth border crossings: Fast, organised ferry transfer with breakfast and refreshments on the morning run. — All the travel logistics are taken care of so you don’t have to worry.

  • Thoughtful itineraries: All trips are focused on the French experience — markets, restaurants, wine tasting, artisan chocolatiers, or strolls through historic coastal towns.

  • Handpicked dining: Enjoy a locally sourced lunch at a carefully selected restaurant. Dietary requirements catered for with advance notice.

  • Personal hosting: McLean Events hosts will be with you from departure to return

A chef demonstrates pouring wine at a wine tasting event in a room with a long table, diverse participants, and a digital screen in the background.
An elderly couple walking hand-in-hand down a cobblestone street in a European village, surrounded by colorful flowers and old buildings.
A couple walking hand in hand down a cobblestone street in a European village, with colorful flowers and buildings on either side.

A day that will stay with you forever

Booking, prices & what’s included

A beautifully curated day in France, departing from Deal Castle and the Hilton Hotel in Dover, Kent. Transport is provided by leading coach operator, Bayliss Executive Travel.

Every guest enjoys a seamless, hosted experience from start to finish:

  • Return travel from the UK to France by coach and ferry

  • Breakfast on the morning ferry

  • Exploring Calais market for the real French food tasting and shopping experience

  • A 3-course lunch at a high-quality local restaurant

  • Wine tasting at a leading regional wine provider and sample over 60 wines

  • And don’t forget Duty Free, which could just pay for your whole trip in one go.

  • A dedicated host accompanying you throughout the entire journey

A chef pouring wine for a group of people dining at a long wooden table in a restaurant.
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.
A woman and a man smiling and holding drinks at a convenience store checkout counter, talking, with a store employee in the background.
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.

Your host for the day – Mclean Events

McLean Events has been organising conferences, exhibitions and public events for over 30 years in a variety of different industry’s around 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 wound down the event business and moved to Deal for a life of total relaxation.

He has been a volunteer at the Astor Theatre and a member of the Deal writing group. In 2025, McLean Events staged Deal Oktoberfest, and Nick is now 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 Fridays”, bon voyage.

Programme & Booking

The schedule for weekly trips, commencing Spring 2027, will be announced on December 1st 2026. To book on a special launch day trip on September 9th 2026, with members of the press and the travel trade, a limited number of places are available for members of the public. Click ‘Book here’ button.

Typical ‘Day Trip programme;

Depart Deal Castle / Dover Hilton (timings to be confirmed 2 weeks prior))

08.00 Ferry departs Dover.

10.45 Ferry arrives in Calais. Passengers disembark coach at the local market in Place d’Armees.

13.30 Lunch is served at La Buissonniére a typically high quality restaurant in the area

15.00 Coach departs for wine tasting session at one of the top wine providers in the area.

16.30 Start our trip home via Calais, Duty Free, Dover and Deal

20.30 Drop off Deal Castle. End of tour. (Times shown are typical but are subject to chance)

A large blue and white ferry boat with 'DFDS SEAWAYS' written on the side, sailing on the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
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