Ferry boats from England to France

I'm sorry to say that the queasiest I've felt on a ferry boat was in the vicinity of the Channel Islands. This was probably 30 years ago (ships may be larger and better stabilized now), and I don't remember whether the problem occurred between France and the Channel Islands or between the Channel Islands and England. I sort of think it was on the trip from St. Malo to the C.I.

Mind you, I'm rather subject to motion sickness, and I didn't actually get sick, just felt as if I might. I had not taken Dramamine ahead of time. I did that when I realized my error and felt better, but it made me so sleepy I almost fell out of my chair.

Maybe post an inquiry on TripAdvisor, too? I don't think many travelers make the trip you're contemplating.

As with any sea travel, there is a risk that the sea will cut up rough at any time. Summer is likely to be calmer, but it depends on the state of the tide and if you are on springs or neap tides. I have made crossings which were ok one way and dreadful several hours later, even in summer. Catamarans are worse than ferries for turbulence.

Take medication, eat ginger, wear those wrist bands for sea sickness prevention and cross your fingers!

I went on the Condor catamaran from Guernsey to Jersey and the sea was very choppy. I thought it was brilliant as the vessel seemed to skim the waves with just a gentle rocking motion.
http://www.condorferries.co.uk

Don't know when you are planning to travel, but the only time I've been on the ferry was circa May time and the sea was absolutely fine. I appreciate things can change at any time though.

What about taking the Eurostar? Even if you're not planning on going to Paris, it does occasionally stop at Calais and Lille; you could rent a car there for your onward travel.

Thanks for your replies. It's been very hard getting information about the Channel Islands. This helps.

Flights go to the Channel Islands from several regional airports - as well as London. Best way to find them is on www.skyscanner.net and input various regional airports (Bristol, Southampton, or whatever) and select WHOLE MONTH. Up will come price bars and you can find out what airline.

I stayed on Guernsey and made a day trip to Jersey. From Guernsey, I also made the short trip to Herm and on another day, to Sark.

http://www.visitguernsey.com
https://www.jersey.com

Here is the main ferry ship company operating between England and France in the western channel. (They are highly regarded). .http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes
http://www.brittanytourism.com

Hi,

Between England and France I've gone by ferry only once. That was in August from Folkestone to Boulogne. It was fine. The time I saw the sea churning, it was raining, the water splashing around was on the ferry leaving Hamburg on the Elbe going out to the North Sea. Obviously, no one was outside. Seeing this from inside was exciting.

As someone who gets motion sickness pretty easily, I say better safe than sorry. Eat lightly (but don't fast) before the sailing, take Dramamine or whatever drug works for you, and bring a supply of soda crackers or Ry-krisp to nibble on so your stomach doesn't get completely empty. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, fatty foods, anything that's hard to digest.

Also wise to find out where the barf bags are before you need one (hoping it turns out to be unnecessary).