I did my first proper channel crossing last weekend (with me as sole pilot in the aircraft, and no help from anyone else)
I agree with DVR - Cap Gris Nez, as it keeps you to a minimum over water. The route for the flight plan I used was
DCT DVR DCT 5100N00130E DCT 5052N00135E DCT
as points such as "Cap-Gris-Nez" are no longer accepted. Also, it gives the FIR boundary crossing point. If its good weather, cross at FL055 as it minimises the time out of gliding range for land, plus the views much better !
Personally, I spoke to Manston Radar all the way to the FIR boundary, and then called Le Touquet Tower,
AFAIK Lille Info don't really give a toss about VFR traffic going to LFAT. On the return journey, I also called Manston after leaving LFAT zone, and told them I was keeping a listening watch on their frequency until I passed the FIR boundary - again, because Lille really don't seem to care.
Good luck, and enjoy it.