NEED TO KNOW

■ MARI JONES stayed at Siblu’s Domaine de Soulac holiday village in the Médoc region on France’s south west coast, where a seven-night holiday starting May 26 costs from £458 for up to six people sharing a twobedroomed holiday home with terrace. For latest deals and to book visit siblu.com or call 020 8610 0186 .

■ Brittany Ferries operates the longer routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth direct to Brittany and Normandy, saving miles of unnecessary driving. Travel overnight by luxury cruise-ferry in the comfort of your own cabin with en-suite facilities or be whisked across the channel in as little as three hours. Mari travelled from Portsmouth to Caen and back. May fares start from £165 each way for a car and family of four. Book online at brittany-ferries. co.uk or call 0330 159 7000.