Options for traveling from Essex to Paris

RDR_2

We are booking an apartment in central Paris for a four day autumn break, we won't want or need a car while we are there. There are five of us. The options we have considered are:
1 fly -- expensive and slow
2 drive to ebbsfleet, park and ride on eurostar- any suggestions for nearby parking?
3 Drive -- ferry or tunnel -- park in France and get the train to Paris -- any suggestions on where to park and ride?
4 Drive -- ferry or tunnel -- park in Paris -- any suggestions on where to park?

geordieracer

Ebbsfleet has a massive car park and its £37 for the week HERE but they dont have the same frequency of departures/Arrivals as you would have going from St Pancras. Check the timetable HERE

Depending on where you live in Essex you may find it better value and with added protection if you get the train to St Pancras - there is a ticket called a London CIV(IIRC) and this gives you delay protection that a normal ticket to St Pancras will not, as in you could get the next available Eurostar from what you were booked on if you were delayed on the way.

I have no idea about parking anywhere in France close to the chunnel so I cant help on either of those bits. Sorry.

peachyprice

I'd definitely go for the Ebbsfleet Eurostar option.

We've driven from Essex to Ebbsfleet and parked in the Eurostar carpark may times, it's quick and easy and not too expensive. It's a two minute walk from the car park to the terminal, the terminal is very quite, a very relaxing start to a short break.

Although there aren't quite so many departures, I'd choose Ebbsfleet anyday rather than have the hassle of travelling into London.