Despite the explosion of budget airline carriers over recent years, for many in the UK nothing beats starting a holiday with a beautiful ride across the English channel on board one of the many ferries that criss-cross 'Le Manche' every day.

Whether its for the freedom of having their own cars on holiday, to avoid the stress and strains of increased airport security, long queues and check-in times, or to save money on transporting the whole family across the continent, taking the ferry to France can offer significant advantages over flying the same route.

Not only are the considerable environmental benefits to sea crossings versus flying, but there is something very honest about ferry travel that sterilised airport environments don't offer. Plus of course the opportunity to break up a long drive with an overnight sleep on a ferry can't be forgotten; nothing beats arriving in France early in the morning in time for the sunrise and fresh croissants on shore.

At Ferries To France we offer a guide to all the major ferry routes from the UK mainland to France, as well as guides to the ports on both sides of the channel to help you plan connections with public transport and your onward journeys. If there's anything else we can add to help you with your travel plans, please get in touch!