When we went to Normandy, we took the train from Paris. I'm wondering who has taken the ferry from Portsmouth to Caen. I realize it takes longer, but I'm wondering if it's a good way to get to Normandy? Would you do it again?
Posted by
Kirn, Germany
331 posts
Sharon I have used this crossing many times. It is by far the best crossing from Britain to Normandy despite being one of the longer crossings. So much more relaxing than pounding the motorways. Have breakfast or lunch on board and arrive in a good frame of mind. If you do a shorter crossing it ends up taking just as long but you spend your time driving rather than relaxing. The ferry is a great experience, even if all you do is read your book!
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
Whoops - my husband gets motion sickness. Perhaps this would be a problem.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33859 posts
It is about 110 miles of open sea - could be clear as a bell and flat or choppy or heavy seas. It all depends on the weather on the day. It is the English Channel after all.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I would be interested in taking this particular ferry trip because it closely approximates the route the Allies took in 1944 to land on the Normandy beaches. This could be a good way to start an exploration of the D-Day beaches area.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
That's what I was thinking, Swan. We visited the beaches in August (with a Battlebus tour), and it was so fantastic, we want to go back.