Ferry or Tunnel?
Discussion
Ed, I've done the Portsmouth-Caen Ferry once, never again. It's a long trip particularly coming back overnight when the ferry lays up in the Channel for a few hours. The Tunnel is for me, particularly as I live about an hour's drive from Folkstone. Using the Tunnel you also get the feeling you're on the move all the time. Driving time Calais to Le Mans depends on what day you go, the time, and how much you are prepared to risk on on-the-spot speeding fines. I have done it in 2 1/2 hours but allow more for a stop for a meal, checking out the other cars on the trip etc. and generally enjoying the day.
R.
R.
edcase said:
Actually just checked the prices, the tunnel is just as cheap?
Unless you've missed the cheapy tickets or found an amazing deal on the EuroTunnel I'd be surprised at that. Our SpeedFerries crossings are £54 per car.
But, the tunnel is the best way to do it, so if you can get it cheap then go for it.
Tunnel is slightly better, but the boat is cheaper. Also, because the boat goes to Boulogne although it takes about 30-40 mins longer you're 20 mins further down the road from Calais so it evens out a bit.
When I booked on Speedferries (out Weds AM, back Mon PM) it cost me £58 return, the tunnel was twice that.
When I booked on Speedferries (out Weds AM, back Mon PM) it cost me £58 return, the tunnel was twice that.
For me - its cos the tunnel is boooooring...
The crossing is a good way to break up an 800mile trip, so why go on the tunnel wehn you just spend it in your car, in a box, with no sunlight?
On the ferry you get to have a sit down, have some food, get some air, and go up on deck and watch the sights -
its much more special than going on the chunnel imo.
The crossing is a good way to break up an 800mile trip, so why go on the tunnel wehn you just spend it in your car, in a box, with no sunlight?
On the ferry you get to have a sit down, have some food, get some air, and go up on deck and watch the sights -
its much more special than going on the chunnel imo.
I have always found the best way is take the Autoroute all the way to Rouen, get to the other side of Rouen, (easier than it sounds!!) and then just hammer it down the N138
Not the quickest route, as there is a new autoroute/peage straight to Le Mans, but it is certainly the most enjoyable.
Great driving road, loads of exotica/interesting cars, and plenty of villages to stop and take on refreshments and full fat V-Power
Not the quickest route, as there is a new autoroute/peage straight to Le Mans, but it is certainly the most enjoyable.
Great driving road, loads of exotica/interesting cars, and plenty of villages to stop and take on refreshments and full fat V-Power
shithotfast said:
We are going Newhaven Dieppe on Transmanche ferries. its cheap! car plus 2 people return is £66 total. About 4-5 hours, great drive down (about 180 miles)mway most of the way if you are in a hurry.
Make sure you plan plenty of slack into the journey time, my parents have a house in Normandy and use that boat a lot (live 15 mins from Newhaven) and it's never, ever on time!
Also, be aware that another company has started running boats out of Newhaven, or will from May 1st I think, and there's a reasonable chance Transmanche will vacate the route soon, although hopefully not before LM for your sake.
m1nky said:
For me boat = 
so were on the chunnel thursday 12:45. If anyone going same time let me know.
Just wondered though, does anyone have trouble getting on / off - I'm in a T350 but 1 guy in our group has a Noble which is lower than his grannies nipples!
so were on the chunnel thursday 12:45. If anyone going same time let me know. Just wondered though, does anyone have trouble getting on / off - I'm in a T350 but 1 guy in our group has a Noble which is lower than his grannies nipples!
I think low cars go in different carriages, bus ones maybe??, but they dont have very steep entry/exits and no ramps.
DHA said:
I think low cars go in different carriages, bus ones maybe??, but they dont have very steep entry/exits and no ramps.
Yep, we found the really obviously low cars such as lambos were lead down the truck lanes (no speed bumps) and put on the "single storey" carriages which had tiny ramps. Otherwise they'll lead you do lower levels on the two storey. I took an S3 (TVR) which has a really low exhaust and never had any problems using the tunnel.
edcase said:
So what exactly is 'the route'? Is there a thread or a map somewhere with the 'best' way down there?
There are so many, you'll find everyone states a best, from smooth and fast autoroute all the way, using the hallowed N138 south of Rouen and enjoying the exotica to my preferred choice of going entirely cross-country. We head to Abbeville, then head SW rather than S towards Rouen, heading down roughly half-way between Rouen and Paris, through stunning tree-line roads, lovely villages with appreciative kids and some great places to stop at.
It takes a good bit longer, but is well worth it, especially as we normally stop at one of the great little towns on the way down for lunch.
Oh, and in the last three years we've encountered all of one or two police car max on the way down
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