Travellers catching ferries to France this year will be able to save money on eating out following a recent reduction in VAT.

The rate of tax added on to the price of meals in restaurants and cafes in France has been cut from 19.6 per cent to 5.5 per cent, bringing it in line with taxation on food sold in supermarkets.

High-speed rail operator Eurostar welcomed the move, saying that it helps to offset the recent strengthening in the value of the euro against the pound for British travellers.

Simon Montague, director of communications for the company, said: "This is really good news for travellers wanting to take a short holiday in France.

"A little break can make a big difference, and this large reduction in VAT on meals in restaurants and cafes will make people's money go further."

Eurostar offers high-speed rail services to Calais, Lille and Paris.

Holidaymakers who would prefer to catch ferries to France can use LD Lines' Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry service or travel on the Dover to Calais ferry route operated by Seafrance and P&O Ferries.

Source AFerry.to by Mark Robinson