Luxury day trips to France

Supported by Calais Tourist Board

A refined, effortless, hassle-free taste of France without the overnight travel.

For locals, friends, tourists and small groups who want a refined day trip across the water to sample the culture and cuisine of our closest neighbour.

Tours are fully hosted by McLean Events and include coach transport from Bayliss Executive Travel. Ferry crossings are from DFDS and all tours include a three course lunch at a top Calais restaurant.

With a comprehensive tour programme being launched by McLean Events for 2027, a pre-launch outing for September 2026 is available now. Please see below for details.

Ferry boat with DDFS SEAWAYS written on the side, sailing on the ocean under a blue sky.

Maybe even a chance to practice your French…

Two large BayLiss Executive Travel LTD buses parked outdoors under a blue sky.

What you can expect

Executive coach travel: Spacious facilities with reclining seats and generous legroom

  • Smooth border crossings: Fast, organised ferry transfer. All the travel logistics are taken care of so you don’t have to worry.

  • All trips are focused on the French experience — markets, restaurants, wine and cheese tasting, or strolls through historic towns.

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

  • Hosting: McLean Events will be with you from start to finish.

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.
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 & what’s included

A beautifully curated day in France, departing from Deal Castle and the Hilton Hotel in Dover, Kent. Every guest enjoys a seamless, hosted experience from start to finish.

Tour price £135, inclusive of;

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

  • Breakfast on the ferry

  • Exploring regional market or local history encounter

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

  • Wine, beer, cheese and delicatessen tasting at a leading regional provider

  • 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

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 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.

Mclean Events - your host

McLean Events has been organising events for over 30 years in a variety of different industries 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 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”, bon voyage.

Programme & Timings

Schedule trips, commencing Spring 2027, will be announced in December 2026.‍ ‍To book on the special pre-launch outing on September 19th, 2026, see timings and activities below and Click ‘Book here’ button.

Luxury Day Trip to France September 19th 2026

This is a special pre launch outing for those on a first come first served basis and for members of the press and travel industry representatives, which is hosted throughout, to include;

Executive coach 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 Calais from Dover.

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

12.15 Calais Tourist board introduction to Calais and a trip up 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 Here