Irish Ferries Holidays remind us that places are beginning to fill for their Autumn and pre-Christmas holiday hotel breaks to Cherbourg as shoppers flock to the French port for bargains in wine and DIY products.

With large savings to be made compared to Irish prices, shoppers see France as the place to go when it comes to finding value for money in Euro cash terms, according to the ferry operator.

Priced from just €167 per person for a car plus 2 adults including return ferry, en suite cabin & one night hotel B&B, an Irish Ferries Holidays hotel break provides shoppers with ample time to visit Cherbourg's many wine cellars and DIY outlets.

The city has two giant hypermarkets and a choice of four fantastic wine stores all within easy reach of the port, some of which accept advance orders by phone, fax or e-mail from customers wishing to make the most of their time ashore.

One recommended outlet offering exclusive promotions for Irish Ferries customers is the Normandie Wine Warehouse where discounts range from 5% on 12 bottles of the same wine, 8% on purchases of 10 dozen or more and 10% for purchases of 300 bottles or more.

A regular Wine of the Month deal includes one free bottle for 12 purchased and there are regular special offers on particular wines with discounts of 15% for just 12 bottles.

Customers travelling from Ireland can expect to save around €48 on a case of still wine and €72 on a case of sparkling wine. Customs wise, customers buying for their own use are limited only by the size of their car's boot and the strength of its suspension. With a case of wine weighing 16 - 20 kilos (10 kilos for a 24 pack of bottled beer), even the smallest load could deliver savings greater than the cost of travel and accommodation.

Typical of the value to be had in DIY goods are cordless drills from €13.90 (save 30%), power washers from €49.95 (save 65%), work benches from €9.90 (save 46%), garden table & chairs from €27 (save 61%), electric barbecues from €44.90 (save 25%) and 3-step aluminium ladders from €24.95 (save 50%).

Click for information on Irish Ferries holidays as well as our guide to wines and shopping in France with ‘where and what to buy’ information (plus maps which pinpoint the recommended outlets)

Bookings can be made by telephoning 0818 300 400 (ROI).