Mumsnet Talk

We are planning a holiday with friends in southern Britanny (Atlantic coast).

We have the choice of travelling by cheap ferry/Eurotunnel to Calais and driving from there (7 hours! With overnight stop in Caen) or the much more expensive overnight ferry to Saint-Malo, and then a 3-hour drive.

We have two DCs, aged 2 and 4.

Even allowing for the overnight stop, extra fuel and tolls, it still works out almost 200 quid cheaper to go via Calais. But would the couple of days on the road be the end of us? It will be a one-week holiday.

What have other people done, and would you recommend it?

I would definitely go for the expensive ferry, much more relxing especially if you are only going for one week. There is entertainment for the children, you can get a meal - much better.

another vote for st malo one. holiday starts once you get on the ferry. or you could look at crossings to cherbourg/ le havre/caen which would be cheaper than st malo crossing and surely not as far as calais

if you do the st malo one you need a cabin, def overnight, but ideally both ways.

i wouldn't contemplate going via calais for 1 week.

Or what about taking the ferry to Caen or CHerbourg? It's much cheaper than St Malo, about 3-4 hours drive (depending where you are heading) there are no tolls and you won't need an overnight?

Thanks all for the advice and suggestions. Caen (4 hours drive) definitely worth a look. Cherbourg and Le Havre are nearer 5 hours, but may still be possible if the ferry times are convenient. We have ruled out the 7-hour road trip from Calais anyway.