Ferry to France - cheapest crossing?

[internationalbeeboo]

We're going (back) to France in the summer, but for the first time we're driving down and crossing the channel, rather than flying. We're going camping in Brittany, but I was horrified by the price of the ferry crossing that would land us geographically nearest, plus it's a 6 hour crossing and I get really sea sick. Any recommendations for the cheapest crossing for 2 grown-ups, a 5 year old and a car?

I know that it's the opposite side of the country, but have you thought about the tunnel? It's about £50 return for the car and only takes 40 minutes.

I usually drive down to Folkestone, stay in the holiday inn express (about £40 per night, it's not great but it's clean and the staff are very helpful and friendly), and then take the early crossing in the morning.

DFDS have some offers on their new Dover-Calais sailing.

IME, the tunnel tends to be much dearer in the summer :(

I usually check out the folloiwng 3 and pick the cheapest:
www.ldlines.com
www.ferrysavers.com
www.norfolkline.com

Dover-Dunkirk

Ah the thought of not having to go on water was quite tempting there, but yes, the tunnel prices are a bit more in the summer. DFDS is looking promising though. I'm just off to check out the other sites...thanks! I was beginning to feel sea sick just from looking at all the different companies and variables!

We used to go Dunkerque Dover frequently. IIRC, it was about 19 euros return. Although that may have been winter prices.
Don't forget to factor in your driving costs in France. Although you may save on crossing the channel, you'll leave yourself further to drive once you are in France.

We are also going to Brittany the price is horrific. We have looked all over and ours for a family of 5 (1 infant) in august are coming out at £593. Thats an overnight with a cabin portsmouth to St malo then a day sail from roscoff to plymouth coming home. Having second week in cornwall.
We found we saved money by making it an 8 day holiday going out on a saturday coming home on a sunday. I'm booking it today, just hope the holiday park will allow this or the ferrys will go up to £747 .

We've registered with a couple of ferry and Eurotunnel companies and get sent good offers by email.

Dover to Dunkirk. I've been looking and it was about £40 one way c

Dover to Calais would be my choice - we've done it for the last three years and then driven to Spain. Came back from Dunkirk last year. The advantage with the Dover-Calais crossing is that it is the shortest (1.5 hrs) and if for some reason you miss your ferry there is usually another one in an hour - other crossings are much more expensive, longer and have less frequent ferries.

Forgot to say - we usually go with P&O but came back via Dunkirk last year with DFDS/Norfolkline. Their ferry was very nice.

Brittany Ferries have a really good deal if going on the Portsmouth-Cherbourg this summer and the crossing isn't too long (fast craft). You need to book it from their offers page though.

I would go with the tunnel and choose the antisocial hours of crossing for the cheapest fare. I make regular (6 -10 times/year) car trips to the continent and the hassle of the ferry ride (you have to leave the car, the journey is longer and can be rough at times) really does not justify the price difference. If you keep an eye on their websites and if you are flexible with the dates you can book something really inexpensive, but if you leave it til last minute the price is shocking high (but so will be the ferry crossing price also)

Ld lines is a lot cheaper than Brittany Ferries, but it takes you into Le Havre fine if you would have gone into Caen, more driving if you would have gone to Cherbourg or St Malo.
We also balance up cost of crossing, time crossing time driving either end and French toll costs.
If you get really sea sick do not consider the Cat it is not known as the 'Sick Cat' for fun.

"sick cat"? lol did not know that

We always use the Eurotunnel - even though the drive at the other end is longer.

The main reason is that it is quick. No hanging about beforehand (much) and no chance of bad weather/less chance of striking French ferry workers...

Mid summer- we usually pay £170 return? That is an early morning crossing out and an early evening return - works well for us. It isn't as cheap as they would have you believe - but to me it is worth the time saving. It does save money as there isn't anything to spend your money on - once on the 'train' either. Ifyou are on a ferry for 6 hours - the kids will want sweets/drinks etc - which obv costs more. We have a bag full of sandwiches and bottled water for them to eat in the car (tightwad!!)

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