Dover ↔ Calais
1h 30m – 2h DFDS, P&O
The fastest and most frequent crossing. Perfect for northern France, Belgium, Paris, Champagne and the east.
By sea
Ferries to France
Compare Channel, Irish and western France ferry routes — durations, ports and the best choice for your itinerary.
Dover ↔ Dunkirk
Around 2h DFDS
A quieter alternative with less port congestion. Ideal for Flanders, northern France, Reims and the Ardennes.
Portsmouth ↔ Caen / Cherbourg / Le Havre
5h 30m – 8h (day or overnight) Brittany Ferries, DFDS
Puts you straight into Normandy and the western Seine. Great for Paris, the Loire, Brittany and the D-Day beaches.
Portsmouth ↔ St-Malo / Roscoff
8h – 11h (overnight) Brittany Ferries
Longer overnight sailings that land you in Brittany, western France and the Atlantic coast.
Ireland ↔ Cherbourg / Roscoff
14h – 18h (overnight) Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries
Direct routes from Rosslare and Dublin into Normandy and Brittany. Cabins are essential for the overnight sailings.
Spain ↔ France
Varies Balearia, Brittany Ferries, GNV
Crossings from Bilbao, Santander and Barcelona to Portsmouth, or via the western Mediterranean ports for the south of France.
Booking tips for ferry travel
A little planning turns the crossing into part of the holiday.
Book early for peak season
July, August and Easter crossings sell out. Book at least three months ahead for cabins and vehicle spaces.
Overnight saves a day
Sail from Portsmouth or Ireland overnight and wake up in France, saving a hotel night and a long drive.
On-board comfort
Larger ferries have restaurants, cinemas, shops, kids' play areas and pet-friendly lounges. Cabins are worth it on routes over 4 hours.
Choose the right port
Calais is fastest but busiest. Western ports cut driving time if your destination is Brittany, Normandy, the Loire or the south-west.
French ports
Which port suits your trip?
- Calais — the busiest and most frequent
- Dunkirk — good for Belgium and north-east France
- Caen (Ouistreham) — direct for Normandy
- Cherbourg — direct from Ireland and the UK
- Le Havre — useful for Paris and the Seine
- St-Malo — gateway to Brittany and Mont Saint-Michel
- Roscoff — direct from Ireland and the south-west
- Sete & Marseille — Mediterranean connections from Spain and North Africa
HexaRêve does not sell ferry tickets directly, but we can plan your entire France trip around the crossing you choose and recommend the best operator for your dates.
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