Dover to Calais is a short crossing for those who wish to save money or who do not especially enjoy sailing. The crossing is short (about 90 minutes), however you have a long journey in France (about 400 miles). If you are in no rush, it may be a good idea to break the journey in France. Hotels in France are much less expensive than in the UK.

By choosing the Dover to Calais crossing (or the tunnel), you will make a significant saving on the price of the crossing, less than half the price of the other cross-channel routes. Despite the long drive in France, you will find it  less stressful than driving in the UK. The roads in France are excellent, the density of traffic is much less and there are no heavy goods vehicles on the road on a Sunday.

Portsmouth to Cherbourg or Caen are long crossings (5 to 6 hours) and you will have plenty of time to unwind and  rest and enjoy the luxury facilities the modern cross-channel ferries have to offer, eg. Casino, bars, restaurants, shops and cinemas (depending on the boat). Many people prefer taking the night crossing with a cabin so that they are refreshed for the journey ahead of them in the morning. From Caen it is motorway all the way (non-toll) and it will take around 5 hours, but from Cherbourg the first 100 miles are on A roads and later some of the motorways are toll.

Portsmouth to St Malo is another popular crossing. The  night crossing takes about 10 hours but if you are asleep in your cabin you will be unaware of the time. You will have plenty of time to unwind and  rest and enjoy the ferry.  This crossing leaves the shortest drive in France in the morning (about 4 hours).

Approximate driving distance in France from the different ports.

• Calais : 400 miles

• Dieppe : 321 miles

• Le Havre : 290 miles

• Cherbourg : 270 miles

• Roscoff : 250 miles

• Caen : 240 miles

• St Malo : 170 miles

Fly to Nantes

Ryanair

It is now very convenient to fly to Nantes from most UK airports without the stress of the long journey by car. 

Ryanair now offer competitively priced flights from East Midlands and Stansted airports. There are also indirect flights from most other UK airports. 

Nantes Atlantique airport is about 1 hour/ 15 minutes' journey by car. 

The price of a hire car is approximately £20.00 to £40.00/ day, depending upon the size of the car you decide to hire. Booking your car hire at the time you book your flight often results in better deal. 

Click on the the Ryanair link above to find out the price of flights and car hire (do a simulation!).

We offer an airport collection service from Nantes (price: £45.00/ 65.00€).