If so, where? Is it nice? How does cost compare to train/plane?
We are thinking of a short stint in London during our stay in France. Mostly interested in WWI and WWII sites and thought crossing would be interesting.
Thanks.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Of course there are ferries between various ports in France and England. My hubby and son took the ferry from England to Calais. I don't have alot of detail, but, they were driving. An english friend of ours drove over to Paris with them . It wouldn't have been the cheapest or fastest way to do London /Paris( what with gas etc) but they wanted to see some D Day sites.
Depending on where you are staying in France it isn't a bad idea. I would not choose it though for a Paris -London trip as you can take the Eurostar, city center to city center in all of 2.5 hours , and fairly cheaply too, if you book far enough in advance.
Will you have a car?
Posted by
Yorkshire, UK
264 posts
Cecily - While I have not been on the ferries myself I do know there are a lot of ferries along the English channel. Pat hit on one of the big ones -Dover/Calais. There is a Dover/Dunkerque if you want a site associated with the wars. directferries.co.uk has a lot of information in regards to available ferries/prices etc.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Cecily, google Euroline Buses to see if they still use the ferries to travel between Paris & London. They used to but maybe they use the channel tunnel now.
Posted by
Freedonia
16031 posts
What WWI and WWII sites are you talking about? In France? In England?
If the ones in France, I would rent a car for that, leave it in Lille, and grab the Eurostar from there into London (you definitely don't want a car in London). I've taken the ferry--back in the days before the Channel Tunnel--and I can assure you it is not fun if the weather is bad.
Posted by
OP
Coral Gables, FL, USA
143 posts
thank you. I am looking into all of this.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23547 posts
Ferries are fine, just a big boat. Depending on where your are and where you want to be, it could be your only choice. We took the ferry from Le Havre to Portsmouth. It was about a five hour crossing. Ferry was like a small cruise ship -- restaurant, duty free shopping, theater, etc. It was a nice way to go. It was several years so I don't remember the cost but thought it was very reasonable. The crossing at Calais is shortest but you get to and from the port on both sides. For a day trip to London from France might not be practical. Crossing on a Ferry will not be the same as a Higgins boat.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Portsmouth or Southhampton to Le Havre would most closely follow the route of the D-Day landing forces.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1850 posts
On July 2, 2008, we dropped a rental car at Calais, then took the ferry to Dover and a train to London, primarily because we wanted to approach England via the White Cliffs of Dover. Also, in mid-June, we took the Eurostar from London to Paris because we wanted to see the renovations at St.Pancras Station and experience the Eurostar. If you would like specific details, send me a PM.