With flights out of the UK grounded due to the volcanic ash cloud drifting over from Iceland, many families might be considering alternative ways of reaching property in France.

One possibility is to travel by ferry – a method that could prove advantageous for a variety of different reasons.

For people who are heading out to their own property in France, the chance to take the family car across to the continent could be welcomed.

A spokesman for French tourism organisation ATOUT FRANCE also notes the economic advantage of ferry travel, claiming crossing the Channel by sea offers "the most inexpensive deals to go to France".

He adds that anyone travelling back from the continent can also bring produce such as cheese and wine back with them by sea.

For anyone whose travel plans have been disrupted by the ash cloud – and whose travel insurance covers the cost of any flights that had been booked – a ferry crossing could prove the perfect alternative.

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