Here’s how to travel to France for just £240 per family over the school holidays

If your family holiday wishlist consists of seeking out a little sunshine, a change of scenery and some excellent cheese and wine, may we point you in the direction of Brittany Ferries’ fantastic short break deal. For a total of £240, families can book a return trip to France for a car and up to two adults and two children. The offer is valid on Brittany Ferries routes departing from Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre, as well as Poole to Cherbourg (crossings from Portsmouth to St Malo and Plymouth to Roscoff are just £243).  

Affordable adventures are hard to come by during the school holidays but we’ve spotted excellent availability for this deal over peak half-term and summer dates! 

And with the launch of two brand-new hybrid-LNG ships - powered by both fuel and electricity - it’s now cleaner and greener to travel by ferry. 

-Mumsnet user, Lemonsole

What’s included in the deal?

For just £240 return, this offer is valid for travel until 2 November 2025 and includes:

• Return ferry travel for a car and up to two adults and two children

• The flexibility to stay in France for up to five days (126 hours)

• A choice of routes including Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre, and Poole to Cherbourg (Portsmouth to St Malo and Plymouth to Roscoff crossings are just £243)

• Access to all onboard facilities, including restaurants, shopping, and entertainment

• The option to bring your pet from an extra £35 each way

Family holidays in France: five fantastic destinations

Caen, Normandy

The Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen.

Rich in history and packed with family-friendly attractions, Caen makes an excellent base for exploring Normandy’s best bits. Kids will love visiting the Mémorial de Caen, an interactive museum covering WWII history, as well as Château de Caen, a medieval castle built by William the Conqueror. Caen is within easy reach of the D-Day Landing beaches as well as family-friendly seaside towns including Houlgate and Deauville. 

Cherbourg, Normandy

Cherbourg harbour.

Home to the Cité de la Mer, a brilliant sea-life museum with a real submarine, Cherbourg is a great choice for families interested in exploring the coast. The nearby Cap de la Hague offers seafront walks, where you can expect dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches along the Cotentin Peninsula. Stock up on local treats at the Place de Gaulle food market and enjoy a picnic in the stunning gardens of Ravalet Castle. 

Le Havre, Normandy

Nearby Honfleur harbour, within easy reach of Le Havre.

A modernist port city, there’s plenty for families to explore in and around Le Havre. Kids can run free among the exotic plants at the Hanging Gardens, a former hilltop fortress with fantastic views of the Seine estuary. Or hit the city beach where you’ll find a lively promenade with a skatepark, boules and street basketball. Nearby, the beautiful town of Honfleur is a great option for a day trip with its charming harbour and family-friendly museums.

Roscoff, Brittany 

Roscoff harbour.

For a relaxed break, Roscoff offers a mix of seaside charm and adventure. Île de Batz, just a short boat ride away, is a charming island home to white sand beaches and Bronze Age ruins, and the Exotic and Botanical Garden of Roscoff will delight little explorers with its colourful plants and hidden pathways. After a fun-packed day, fuel up with a sweet or savoury Breton crêpe, a delicious local treat. 

St Malo, Brittany 

The walled city of St Malo.

A picturesque walled city with a fascinating maritime past, St Malo is a wonderful place for families to visit. The Grand Aquarium with its underwater tunnel and touch tanks is a must-see, and the town’s beautiful beaches are perfect for paddling and rock pooling. Explore the old town’s cobbled streets which are lined with charming shops and creperies.

-Mumsnet user, dreamingofsun

The perks of travelling to France by ferry

Sailing to France with Brittany Ferries is a fun way to get from A to B. And taking a ferry can cut down on the kind of travel stress you might associate with crowded airports, lengthy security queues and baggage restrictions. Here are some of the things we love about ferry travel with kids:

• No baggage restrictions: bundle into a car and pack everything you might need for a family holiday, whether that’s sports equipment, beach gear, or even the family pet! 

• Bypass airport stress: avoid lengthy security queues, baggage restrictions and crowded departure lounges. Simply drive onto the ferry, relax, and enjoy the journey.

• Flexibility and comfort: with space to kick back, stretch little legs and take in sea views and fresh air, ferry travel is ideal for kids.

• Children’s entertainment: with dedicated play areas, cinemas, and even live entertainment on selected sailings, kids are well catered for on a Brittany Ferries sailing 

• Onboard dining: onboard restaurants offer a variety of family-friendly options, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing meal before arriving at your destination.

• Start the holiday as soon as you board: ferry travel is an experience in itself where kids can explore the decks, spot marine wildlife and take advantage of a range of fun family facilities.

-Mumsnet user, Glittertwins

All aboard Brittany Ferries! What to expect on board ⚓

Family dining

Onboard restaurants serve a variety of dishes from authentic French cuisine prepared by talented chefs to familiar family favourites. Whether it’s a quick snack in a self-service spot, a casual meal at the brasserie or gourmet dishes at the restaurant, there are options for all tastes and budgets. Consider a pre-paid Food Pass for great value dining. 

Entertainment for all ages

The range of onboard entertainment options is impressive. Depending on the ship, you can expect:

• Live performances on selected sailings

• Cinema screenings with family-friendly films

• Play areas where little ones can let off steam

There are also comfy lounges to relax in, as well as bars serving a range of drinks paired with sea views. 

Shopping

Take advantage of the onboard duty-free shop, where you can find great savings on perfumes, makeup, chocolates, and wines. Expect to save up to 40% versus UK high street shops. 

Cabins 

On longer sailings like Portsmouth to St Malo and Cherbourg, family cabins are available for a good night’s sleep to ensure you arrive in France feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready for adventure. 

About Brittany Ferries 

Brittany Ferries is a renowned ferry travel company offering excellent services for travel to France and Spain. With a range of routes from the UK and Ireland, they provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to flying. Passengers can enjoy spacious accommodations, onboard entertainment, and amenities like play areas and cinemas. The Brittany Ferries fleet includes two new eco-friendly ships, which are the first ferries on the English Channel to be powered by liquefied natural gas and electric battery power. These sit alongside others like the impressive Pont Aven, which features a swimming pool. 

With their award-winning reputation and dedication to customer satisfaction, Brittany Ferries ensures a memorable and enjoyable journey to popular destinations in France and Spain. Brittany Ferries were recently awarded ‘Best Travel Company for Family Holidays’ at the British Travel Awards, voted by consumers!

About the author 

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.