Ferries have always been the traditional way to get to France although now there is new competition coming from the Channel Tunnel and of course budget airlines.  But the ferry still makes a great way to cross the English Channel.  Onboard most ferries there are great opportunities to shop, relax or have a meal to avoid having to stop in France.  Our personal favourite is to take an overnight Ferry from Portsmouth to the north coast of Brittany...it's almost like combing a mini-cruise with your main holiday.  The only drawback is that it's not cheap.  Below we list the main ferry routes and give advice on which ferry option to consider depending on what you are looking for.  As well as links to all the main ferry companies.

Lowest Cost Ferries:
- Dover to Calais (Sea France) (P+O Ferries).
- Dover to Dunkirk (Norfolk Line).

Fastest Ferry to France:
- Eurotunnel is fastest at 35 mins.

Ferry convenient for West of Brittany:
- Plymouth to Roscoff (Brittany Ferries).

Best for Vendee, Dordogne, Brittany:
- Portsmouth to St Malo (Brittany Ferries).
- Poole to St Malo (Condor Ferries).

24 hr ferry crossings, for S West:
- Portsmouth to Bilbao (P+O Ferries).
- Plymouth to Santander (Brittany Ferries).

We have stopped listing Speed Ferries after they went into administration on 12th November 2008.

Ferry operators providing services to France:

The following ferry companies provide services to/from France.  You can link directly to their home page for online booking.
 

                                          Transmanche Ferries                                   LD Lines

Click here for our Hot Tips on a great crossing.     Do you suffer seasickness ?      Want to save money on your crossing?