FUEL PRICES
Given volatile oil prices he prices, the only advice we can give is to shop around, usually the best price being at Supermarkets; otherwise, you will pay substantially more.
FERRY OPERATORS include
LD Line
Deliberately not put a link to LD Line as every time I go to their site, it locks the page and prevents you going 'Back' to the previous page. That's bad, and I am even remotely cynical am left wondering why?
TELEPHONES
For obvious reasons, the phone in the house will not make outgoing calls, unless you have France Telecom Carte Globeo. Whilst very convenient, they are expensive. If you really need one, telephone 0800 897955. This will get France Telecom in Paris and they will be happy to arrange a card for you. Allow two to three weeks. Telephone kiosks can try your patience! If you try the ones that take coins make sure you have a good supply of change. Not all kiosks offer external service but those that do are good. Start with small denomination coins, i.e one Franc, as if you mis-dial, you will lose your money. Suggest that you write out the full number before you start to dial. Dial 00, wait for dialing tone, then 44, followed by the full STD code omitting the first "0". e.g. our home number 01260 ###### now becomes 00 44 1260 ######. Best of all buy a phone card. Available from bars, tabacs, or any post office. They work the same as the ones over here. The nearest phone, up by the Gendarmerie takes phone cards for International calls.
Your mobile should work fine but make sure that you have roaming enabled before you go, and remember to switch it off if you are on a night crossing. You will be overjoyed to get a text message at 03.15 welcoming you to SFR. So overjoyed that you will probably not get back to sleep, and all the more so if you have read this bit and forgotten to switch it off.
HOLIDAY INSURANCE
The "Client" is strongly recommended to arrange a comprehensive travel insurance policy (including cancellation cover) and to have full cover for the party's personal belongings, public liability etc., since these are not covered by the "Owners" insurance.
Personal accident insurance is a must as the E111 form gives only basic cover. An annual premium is the best buy and can be used typically for up to sixty days in one trip. Annual family cover will quite probably cost you no more than you will be quoted for a couple of weeks. This is best negotiated with an insurance broker rather than a travel agent.