Off Loading at St. Malo

[RobertP]

We are planning to go to France next year for the first time with a Caravan (probably Swift Challenger 540) and were wondering what it is like off loading at St. Malo.
The reason for the question is that a few years ago we were observing whilst waiting to offload the caravans offloading that seemed to be struggling turning off the ferry (not hitting the barriers) and clearing the ramps with Many Brittany Ferries personnel 'hanging' off the back of caravans (I assume so the A frame and Tow Bar could clear the ramps).
Is this situation typical at St. Malo or would I be better off considering a different port, as I will be new to caravaning.

 

[Big S]

We have been to France twice now through St. Malo and never had any problems what so ever getting on or off the ferry. Certainly didn't see anybody struggling to get off with their vans.

 

[Judy2]

We have used this route for the last 2 years and never seen any of Brittany loaders " hanging " off the back of anyones caravan.
The only fault this year , was the vans were packed like sardines.
If the price is right, hope to book this route for next summer and have a cabin well away from the engines.

 

[RobertP]

This was in 2006. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 when we used this route we didn't notice any problems so maybe the system / sequence has changed.

 

[AdifferentJim]

I've been through St Malo a dozen times or so but we did have a problem once about 17 years ago. We were first off the ferry and it was at low tide so angle between the ferry ramp down and the tarmac ramp up was a bit steeper than usual. I drove off quite slowly but something grounded. The guy that was directing us off came over, looked and gave me the all clear. I drove off but at that time there was passport control and nowhere to stop without holding everyone else up so I carried on. It was some distance before I could find somewhere to stop and have a look if there was any damage.

I had a Bulldog stabilizer fitted. One of the leaf spring types and it was the bracket that extends below the tow bar that had grounded. It had caused the towbar to bend slightly resulting in the stabilizer sticking upwards above the A frame.

In retrospect I should have got out and looked for myself and got Brittany Ferries to sort it out but I took the guy's word that it was all ok.

So my advice would be that there isn't usually any problem but take it as slow as you want to go and don't be rushed by anyone. If, in the unlikely event, anything does happen get out and look for yourself before you carry on.