Normandy and ferry questions

[Juanbablo]

We are going camping in Normandy but I just can't decide what to do about the ferry. Get the ferry to Cherbourg or Caen for about £600 and drive for one hour the other side or get the ferry to Calais for £200 and drive for 4 hours the other side. We have 3 dcs who are good travellers but typically don't spend long periods in the car.

How about Newhaven Dieppe?

That seems like a good option, thank you.

We used to get the overnight ferry, have the novelty of a cabin and make it the first part of the holiday adventure - kids use to love it-I miss those days! Bon Voyage!

Driving in France is, in general, less stressful then in the UK. 4 hours Calais to Normandy will not feel like 4 hours on the M1 or M25.

Calais to Normandy is really easy. Not the same as at home. Occasionally there are hold ups and generally, try to be on your way as early as poss so aim to get 7.30 ferry, get breakfast ( you will need to leg it up stairs and queue), then on way by ten. With a stop you will be in Normandy by twoish. Recommend travelling on a Sunday rather than Saturday.

There's also the Fast Cat from Portsmouth to Cherbourg or Caen. Personally, I would go through the tunnel using Tescos vouchers and drive. The road down to Normandy is easy and traffic free although there are several toll sections.

I have just booked Portsmouth to Caen for £330 using Directferries, this was about £160 more than going Dover/Calais but (both ways) will save 400 miles of fuel and about 7/8 hours of driving to get to my destination not to mention about €60 in tolls.

Thanks everyone. We decided to do the Dover to Calais ferry. The 7:25am crossing on a Monday. So hopefully might be quieter than a weekend. Hoping to do one stop on the drive down at the 2 hour mark.

Baie de Somme services are about an hour's drive and they have water, ducks and a viewing tower.