UK bookings to Normandy with France accommodation specialist, Pierre &  Vacances are up by eight per cent compared with this time last year, with other regions in Northern France displaying a similar increase.

Picardy and Brittany are both also showing strong bookings in comparison with the rest of France.

Cathy Rankin, UK + Ireland Sales and Marketing Director said: “We are seeing a distinctive booking trend this year in favour of French holiday destinations easily accessed by car via good ferry and Eurotunnel links.”

Pierre & Vacances’ figures show bookings decreasing incrementally as car journey times from Calais increase. Traditionally popular destinations in the South have seen the biggest reduction in UK visitors this year.

Cathy continued: “The spectre of the ash crisis does still seem to be hanging over air travel, and Normandy in particular, is benefiting from the fall out.”