The
Brittany Ferries car ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo is their longest crossing
bewteen England and France, yet remains one of the most popular. In fact the
length of the overnight crossing from Portsmouth, almost 11 hours, is one of the
reasons for its popularity. It means you get a good night's sleep and start your
onward journey with Brittany, Normandy and the whole of Western France on your
doorstep. But be warned! The Friday evening departure from Portsmouth is
particularly popular and gets booked up early.
The ferry crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo operates every day (except
Saturdays from November to March) and leaves Portsmouth at 20.30, just in time
for dinner on board, arriving in St Malo at 8.30 French time, so plenty of time for
breakfast before you leave the ship. The return journey leaves St Malo every day (except Sundays
from November to March) at 10.30, arriving in Portsmouth at 18.15. The Saturday
sailing in the winter leaves St Malo in the evening. These times
from both Portsmouth and St Malo can vary according to tides, so
make sure you check the times of your particular
crossing.
The route is shared during the winter between the flagship of
Brittany Ferries fleet, the Pont-Aven, and the Bretagne, specially commissioned
for this route in 1991. For more about the Pont-Aven take a look at our page
about the
Plymouth to Roscoff crossing.
Throughout the summer the crossing is served
by the MV
Bretagne. This vessel is one of Brittany Ferries' cruise ferries, a title earned
because their standard of accommodation and facilities bears comparison with
many a cruise liner. The ship can carry up to 2,000 passengers and 580 cars.
There's plenty to keep you entertained on the crossing, including cabaret
featuring a DJ, a magician and a live band, activities for kids, a games room, 2
cinemas, a sundeck and lots of space both inside and outside. There is a range
of cabin types, from 2 berth ensuite to luxurious
Commodore Cabins with a standard of comfort and amenities usually associated
with up-market hotel rooms, and all cabins are air conditioned. There is also a
plentiful supply of comfortable reclining seats. WiFi is available on board.
As you would expect on a French vessel the food is excellent. The main
restaurant offers a full table service and there is also a self-service
restaurant, a coffee shop and two bars.
The Portsmouth ferry port is very easy to reach, being at the very end of the
M275 motorway. This connect directly to the M27 so within minutes of leaving the
port you are on your way. Arriving at Portsmouth by road you follow the M27 then
the M275, so wherever you are coming from this must be the easiest ferry port in
the UK to find.
St Malo ferry port is just a few minutes' drive from the centre of the town.
St Malo is beautifully situated at the mouth of the river Rance, and the
approach to the port from the sea is quite spectacular. The town is famous both
for its beaches and its Citadel, whose walls dominate the town and enclose its
ancient centre. You could easily spend your entire holiday within 50 km of St
Malo, enjoying the gorgeous beaches along the coast and lush scenery inland. But
St Malo is also a great starting point for a journey to anywhere in Brittany,
Normandy or thoughout Western France.
The route is shared during the winter between the flagship of
Brittany Ferries fleet, the Pont-Aven, and the Bretagne, specially commissioned
for this route in 1991. For more about the Pont-Aven take a look at our page
about the 
