Calais - Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel, from Sangatte, a suburb of Calais, to near Dover, opened in late 1994. Three tunnels were driven through an impermeable stratum of chalk about 100m/330ft under the surface. The 50km/30mi journey takes some 20 minutes in high-speed trains. The first plans for a tunnel under the Channel were put to the future Emperor Napoleon by a Frenchman named Albert Mathieu in 1798, but were beyond the technological resources of the time.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
A further attempt in 1883 came up against British resistance, and a proposal put forward in 1975 foundered for lack of finance.
The Chunnel is composed of three tunnels: one for traffic bound for France, one for traffic bound for Great Britain and a smaller service tunnel which connects the other two every 375m. Passenger trains and Le Shuttle are the only vehicles which drive through the tunnel.
The Chunnel is composed of three tunnels: one for traffic bound for France, one for traffic bound for Great Britain and a smaller service tunnel which connects the other two every 375m. Passenger trains and Le Shuttle are the only vehicles which drive through the tunnel.
