Travel - Going By Le Shuttle

No question about it, LeShuttle, the popular cross-channel car rail service connecting the UK and France is now an established part of British travelling Life. Jonathan Crouch reacquaints himself with it

These days, we're all so used to the Channel Tunnel that it's easy to forget just what an amazing engineering feat it really is.

Over 50km long with a 30km undersea section, it's the longest tunnel of its kind in the world, lying 40 meters below the seabed of the English Channel. In fact, to be accurate, we should say 'tunnels' for there are actually three, two rail tunnels through which the LeShuttle train, the Eurostar, and international rail freight trains pass and a third central service tunnel. As well as providing access for maintenance crews, this tunnel has a higher air pressure level than the other two, so can act as a safe haven in the event of an accident, since it will always be free of smoke and fumes.

For the casual Continental visitor of course, the tunnel has been great news. For a start, going by 'chunnel' takes less than half the time it would by ferry, and there isn't much to add to the actual journey time of 35 minutes. Just a few checks before you board, then just drive straight off the train onto the motorway at the other end. No sea sickness or messing about dragging heavy bags up and down steep stairs. Plus, if you want a meal or to do some bargain shopping, there are large, fully-stocked terminals at either end of the route.

For many travellers to the Continent, t...