Eurotunnel

The Cross-Channel Geopark is a proposed UNESCO Global Geopark project linking southern England and northern France, focused on celebrating the shared geological heritage of the chalk landscape that connects the two countries. Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) is a partner of the Geopark and a sustainable transport link, built directly through the chalk marl layer beneath the English Channel. This geological formation was key to the tunnel’s construction and is a defining feature of the Geopark.

The Eurotunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering and an integral part of the Cross-Channel Geopark’s geological and cultural story. Built deep beneath the English Channel, the tunnel follows a unique chalk layer known as the chalk marl. Formed over 90 million years ago, this chalk is exceptionally stable and impermeable, providing the perfect foundation for tunnelling. Without it, this world-famous link between England and France would not exist.

The chalk marl that carries trains between Folkestone and Calais is the same geological formation that rises in the White Cliffs of Dover and the Cap Blanc-Nez in France. The tunnel quite literally travels through the same rock that shapes the landscapes above, reminding us that geology connects both sides of the Channel in profound ways.

When the tunnel was built, 4.9 million of cubic metres of chalk marl were excavated and reused to create Samphire Hoe, a new landscape at the base of Dover’s cliffs. Today it is a thriving country park and nature reserve, turning a by-product of construction into a living example of sustainability and renewal.

As an official partner of the Cross-Channel Geopark, Eurotunnel LeShuttle continues this story by supporting sustainable travel and tourism. Travelling by LeShuttle produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional ferry crossings, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of cross-Channel journeys. By linking communities, landscapes, and economies on both sides, Eurotunnel is a vital part of the Geopark’s mission to celebrate and protect our shared heritage.

Travelling to Geopark Festival via Eurotunnel

  • Depart from Calais or Coquelles terminal in France

  • Journey time: approximately 35 minutes to Folkestone terminal in the UK

  • Suitable for cars, campervans, and coaches with luggage remaining in vehicles

  • Environmentally friendly travel option, with lower carbon emissions than traditional ferries

  • From Folkestone to Dover Castle:

    • By car or taxi: around 30 minutes via the A20/M20

    • By train: Folkestone Central or Folkestone West to Dover Priory, approx. 25–30 minutes, then a short walk or taxi to the castle

  • Wheelchair and mobility aid accessible vehicles available on LeShuttle

  • Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early to ensure smooth travel to the festival