Cheaper fares are available on longer Channel crossings in the next three weeks, after a price cut announced by Brittany Ferries on Monday. Holidaymakers heading for France and beyond with their cars must be prepared to be flexible to get the best deals, and even those travelling on the Dover-Calais route will find low prices if they avoid peak periods.
A couple taking their car with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to the Normandy ports of Caen or Cherbourg, from Poole to Cherbourg and from Plymouth to Roscoff in Brittany could pay £198 return if they depart by July 22. This is for departures from Mondays to Thursdays, returning within seven days. The price for extra passengers in the same car is £40 return.
Mike Bevens, group commercial director, says: “Between now and the start of the school holidays, we have quite a lot of space on our midweek sailings which we are able to sell at a lower fare. This should appeal to customers who are prepared to be a little flexible in order to get a good deal.”
The new fares will be a boon to those who normally choose the cheapest crossing from Dover but then face a long drive to destinations in Brittany, the Loire, Dordogne and Bordeaux.
P&O Ferries and SeaFrance, which operate on the Dover-Calais route, now price fares in a similar way to low-cost airlines, which means that early booking or travel at unsocial hours will be rewarded. SeaFrance has fares of £25 each way for a car and up to five passengers, booked online. A spokesman says: “During the busiest days, passengers will need to be flexible to secure the lowest fares, but there’s still plenty of availability throughout summer.”
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P&O’s fares start at £30 each way for a car and up to nine passengers and apply to visits of any duration.
www.brittanyferries.com/99pounds — 0871 2441400
www.seafrance.com — 0871 2222500
www.POFerries.com — 0871 6646464