The
Brittany Ferries car ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff in North-West Brittany
offers a very convenient way to take your car right into the Celtic heart of
this beautiful part of France.
The sea journey to Roscoff takes about 6 hours by day or 8 hours for the
overnight crossing. There are sailings all year round, up to two a day in each
direction in the Summer. Some crossings are operated by the Pont-Aven, Brittany
Ferries flagship and more like a cruise liner than a ferry, featuring every
facility and even a swimming pool complex. The majority of ferry crossings are
served by Brittany Ferries newest vessel, the Armorique, which came into service
early 2009. This impressive ship is spacious and features cheery decor and a
friendly crew, always smiling and helpful.
Both vessels have a range of accommodation on board, from comfortable reclining
seats through budget ensuite cabins to the luxury of a Commodore Cabin with TV,
large bed and a sitting area. Overnight crossings mean you arrive refreshed and
ready for your journey into France, whilst you can request a daytime cabin for a
really restful and relaxing journey across the Western Channel.
The high standard for which Brittany Ferries is known is reflected in the
quality of the food onboard. The Pont-Aven has no fewer than 3 restaurants and 3
bars, while the Armorique has a large self-service restaurant and a cafe-bar,
plus further bars, and like the Pont-Aven, two cinemas.
Plymouth is easily
reached along the A38 Devon Expressway which is effectively a continuation of
the M5 motorway. The journey takes around 4 and a half hours from central London
or about 3 and a half from Birmingham. And if you need to stay overnight in
Plymouth the city rewards with its spectacular position at the head of Plymouth
Sound, its high quality hotels and shops and plenty of good restaurants.
Roscoff is a delightful small Breton port. This is where Brittany Ferries
started their operations back in the early 70's, when a group of Breton farmers
got together to form a co-operative to export their agricultural produce -
cauliflowers in particular - to the UK. A good road soon takes you to the N12 at
Morlaix, a dual carriageway taking you to Rennes in about 2 hours, from where
the whole of France is within reach.
But for many, Brittany itself is the goal. In the north and west you find
wild and beautiful coastal scenery where secluded sandy coves hide between
dramatic cliffs, while in the south the scenery is softer with estuaries and
sandy beaches perfect for a family holiday. Inland the landscape is often rugged
and windswept, but deep wooded valleys offer seclusion and some great walking.
Finally, the towns and villages of Brittany, from the maritime city of Brest, to
tiny hamlets close to ancient stone circles, all have their special charm.
ferry crossings are
served by Brittany Ferries newest vessel, the Armorique, which came into service
early 2009. This impressive ship is spacious and features cheery decor and a
friendly crew, always smiling and helpful.
The high standard for which Brittany Ferries is known is reflected in the
quality of the food onboard. The Pont-Aven has no fewer than 3 restaurants and 3
bars, while the Armorique has a large self-service restaurant and a cafe-bar,
plus further bars, and like the Pont-Aven, two cinemas.
