By Peter Godsiff Despite being our nearest continental neighbour, France always seems such a long way away. Ferry trips from the South West Plymouth, Poole and Portsmouth seem to take for ever.

As for the long drive to the Kent coast for the shorter crossings, I have always been put off by the distance 180 miles from Bristol or 250 from Exeter, for example.

But a recent visit via the Eurotunnel did much to end many of my reservations. It takes just 35 minutes on the car train leaving the M20 at Folkestone to enjoy the luxury of driving directly onto the motorway at Calais.

Companies like French Golf Holidays even market day trips to the attractive northern French courses of Le Touquet and Hardelot firm favourites of the English.

Although I wouldn't fancy a day trip from this part of the country, a short break has much to offer. And that is exactly what my wife and I enjoyed, despite snow that made playing Harry Colt's design at Le Touquet something of a challenge.

The French Open has been played on the Sea course, while a third course, The Manor, circles the clubhouse.

The following day, after sampling the four-star comfort and cuisine of the Westminster Hotel in the holiday town of Le Touquet so beloved by Brits, the weather brightened for the round over Hardelot's brilliant Pines course.

The club celebrates its centenary this year and Prince Edward is attending a special celebration this summer.

I had played there before but, until now, did not really appreciate the beauty and feel of the course. We Brits account for almost two-thirds of the rounds played there and at the nearby Dunes course.

The club's switched-on manager Ken Strachan, a Scot who has been living in France for 20 years, markets the courses superbly and there is a high take-up among visitors for deals that include a superb midday meal.

One purpose of our visit, hosted by Morgan Clarke, managing director of French Golf Holidays, and Robert Gregory, commercial development Manager for Eurotunnel, was to take advantage of the FlexiPlus service that enables instant check-in, a comfortable lounge with complimentary food and drink, and no waiting.

It costs a lot more than the basic standard charge of £49 each way and is geared to business travellers, but it is certainly a comfortable way of getting across.

Eurotunnel has teamed up with French Golf Holidays and have formed a partnership for golf trips to France. There are also some cracking deals, notably in the close season when the weather is generally kinder than here.

French Golf Holidays have introduced the best golf holiday brochure I have ever seen. Not only does it give a detailed account of the hundreds of French courses and hotels available, it also embraces golf trips to 15 other countries, including Spain, Italy, Dubai, Cyprus, Canada and South Africa in the GolfPlanet Holiday division.

l French Golf Holidays (01277) 824100 or www.frenchgolf holidays.com; or visit www.eurotunnel.com