Am I mad to consider....

[NorthernNumpty]

Driving from Calais to the Vendee in a day with a 3 year old? We can't decide whether to do overnight ferry or brave the drive - help!

We did Calais to Carcassonne with a 3 and a 6 year old in a day. It was fine. Lots of story CDs, family singalongs and story-reading from DH when it was my turn to drive. I had a bag full of snacks, new sticker books, magazines, colouring books etc to produce at moments of boredom. Might be harder if your DC gets carsick, I guess.
Couple of stops for food at rest areas and a couple more quick toilet stops. 10 hours driving all told.
I would always go for that in pref to overnight ferry, but then I get very seasick.

I would far, far rather do the drive and have control of my destiny than risk it all with an overnight crossing.

The roads in France are just so much better and the motorway stops are great.

Totally doable - and stress free unless you are thinking of a peak Saturday in August. Get a toll doodah! here It saves queuing at the tolls and fiddling with change etc - you go through the express lane and it debits your credit/debit card at the end of the month.

Ive done it lots of times. In car dvds really help! Drove to Toulouse this year in a day, and back from Geneva in a day.

Our kids know now that holiday starts with a day in the car, so they are prepared for it. Might be worth sitting down with a map and trying to explain that before you go.

Ah not the response I was expecting! It is cheaper to do the tunnel too given the £400 quid on the ferry!!

Ok might invest in a DVD for the car and cross our fingers. It's hard to imagine doing it with our son at the moment 2.5 but he will be 3.3 when we do it next June so perhaps DVD's will more entertaining for him. DH is up for the drive so thanks all for your input

We have been doing the long drives since DCs were babies. Make sure you stop regularly for toilet breaks, run around etc.

DVDs for the car are pretty cheap these days. We got one free with Tesco car insurance this year.