revtothelimit - motorbike forum

Just returned from a few days in Normandy on the Harley.

Went Portsmouth / Caen ( Ouistreham ) overnight and same on the way back - U land in France @ 6.15am. Ferry's very clean and they are carefull in strapping the bike down. Had cabin on the way home - decent enough as we had a 5 hour ride back to Swansea. Pushed the boat out and as the ferry was so cheap stayed in a Chateau on the outskirts of Bayeux as apposed to the normal Campanile. Did all the usual military stuff as we are guests of the local Harley club and the food and a few pints in Bayeux was well good and not silly expensive. Racked up 850 miles by the time we got back.

Main point is I've heard the £96.00 return deal ( bike and rider 5 day short break ) is on over the summer - which compared to other ferry routes / destinations ( Newhaven Dieppe / Pembroke Roslare ) is well cheap. Was looking to have a few days in the Yorkshire Dales for a change but will be heading back to France now. U might have to go midweek but thre we are.

If you're looking to have a break on the bike would certainly recommend it.

I've used Brittany for that run (Portsmouth/Caen) loads. It's a great service. I've done the P&O Portsmouth to Le Have once: it was shit. Yes it was cheaper, but it was obvious why.

I highly second your recommendation.

You can double your Tesco points with Irish Ferries. May only be Dover to Calais though and the tunnel train take the points also.

Another vote for Brittany Ferries and the Portsmouth to Caen Ouistreham route. I use it at least twice a year, often more. It's my clear favourite of all the cross-channel ferry routes.

Imho you can't beat Le Shuttle, especially if you use Tesco clubcard points.

It's quick and easy.

KungFooBob wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 3:34 am Imho you can't beat Le Shuttle, especially if you use Tesco clubcard points.

It's quick and easy.

The shuttle is quick and easy, but you're then faced with having to find a way past Paris. You're also starting a lot further North (and East) than you would be if you sailed to Caen/Ouistreham so you'll be doing a lot more miles and spending a lot more time to arrive at the same place (unless of course you're travelling to Paris). You'll also be sampling the delights of the Paris Peripherique...

Happy to hear good things about Brittany Ferries as I've booked us back from Santander this summer.

Surprised it wasn't pricier - £340 each for two people with a cabin. What's petrol back through France - £180 or so? Plus a night in a hotel. Plus not having to ride back though France.

mangocrazy wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 10:58 am You'll also be sampling the delights of the Paris Peripherique...

I did that once on Good Friday. In a car.

Still not over it.

ChrisW wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 5:55 pm

mangocrazy wrote: Sat Apr 05, 2025 10:58 am You'll also be sampling the delights of the Paris Peripherique...

I did that once on Good Friday. In a car.

Still not over it.

In the early days of visiting the moneypit (when I was still trying to find the best route) I did Paris and the Peripherique. On one memorable occasion I got totally and utterly lost in the sprawl of greater Paris and didn't get to our pre-booked hotel until 4 a.m. I found the only viable way of dealing with the Peripherique was to treat it like a video game - once you've overtaken anyone, they no longer exist. And it's mandatory to go for a gap, even if you don't really want to.

Never again.

Only done the Peripherique during/after the 100bhp limits demo back in 1994 & it was magnificent, as le Gendarme has closed the road to any other traffic & just wanted us the fuck out of Paris

Back on topic, is the 5 day deal on the Portsmouth to st Malo route? Just checked & £123 for mid sept - can feel a wee trip coming on