Traveling down to France Sept 2025

[otherclive]

Yes we did it once via Dunkerque. Although Eurotunnel run far more services than the ferries so you should be able to find one that is suitable and drops you into France at a reasonable time, to travel a shortish distance to a pre booked dog friendly hotel.

 

[Tony Hickman]

This is a really handy book. Obtainable from Vicarious books.

View attachment 9222

Thanks Mr P.

 

[Hutch]

Yes, we used to travel to Switzerland, just south of Zurich, Get the dogs wormed in the local vet there and then travel To Dunkirk to catch the ferry.
The Ibis hotel group allow dogs.

 

[otherclive]

Yes, we used to travel to Switzerland, just south of Zurich, Get the dogs wormed in the local vet there and then travel To Dunkirk to catch the ferry.
The Ibis hotel group allow dogs.

We got the dogs treated in Eperleques whether with the van or not. Ibis in nearby St Omer convenient for ferries or tunnel and near autoroute too.

 

[woodsieboy]

Why not drive to Portsmouth during the day, catch the overnight ferry to St Malo, gets in at approx 7.30 am and drive to Rochelle in the day?

 

[Hutch]

We got the dogs treated in Eperleques whether with the van or not. Ibis in nearby St Omer convenient for ferries or tunnel and near autoroute too.

We used to stay at Montreuil Sur Mer, ( La Fontaine des Clercs ) with the van, Get the dogs done there then an easy tow upto Dunkirk .

 

[Buckman]

Why not drive to Portsmouth during the day, catch the overnight ferry to St Malo, gets in at approx 7.30 am and drive to Rochelle in the day?

I forgot about the St Malo ferry, but the drawback is the return trip which gets back to Portsmouth late. It is then over 3 hours back to our home, but I supposed St Malo outward and Caen return?

 

[woodsieboy]

I forgot about the St Malo ferry, but the drawback is the return trip which gets back to Portsmouth late. It is then over 3 hours back to our home, but I supposed St Malo outward and Caen return?

We have done Caen return, it is about 11 oclock at night departure, but further to drive on French side, we use the St Malo return crossing, leaves about 8 ish in the evening gets in to Portsmouth about 7.30 am, downside is that it doesen't run every day, so need to check your dates, Brittany Ferries website gives the timetables.

 

[Jcloughie]

Don’t forget Cherbourg.

John

 

[Mr Plodd]

Cherbourg to Poole. Leaves early evening, gets in to Poole 22:30 ish. Roads out of Poole at that time of night are empty!

 

[Buckman]

I don't want to be travelling 4 hours back to the West Midlands during the night.

 

[Jcloughie]

I don't want to be travelling 4 hours back to the West Midlands during the night.

It is worth looking into. There are other times. And I think there is a Cherbourg to Portsmouth option.

Brittany Ferries

www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

Also. You might consider staying in an F1 hotel or Campanile. At the port and coming back at leisure the next day.

John

 

[Mr Plodd]

I don't want to be travelling 4 hours back to the West Midlands during the night.

That I understand, but........

You can, if you wish, "camp" around the edge of the check in area at Poole port once you have disembarked. Many do exactly that.
You. can also camp on the check in lanes overnight in preparation for the 08:30 sailing. I live 23 miles from Poole ferry port, and I always travel up the night before and camp on the check in lane. You even get an early morning call courtesy of the check in staff !

There's a cafe that does bacon butties etc, and toilets that are open all night.

 

[otherclive]

That I understand, but........

You can, if you wish, "camp" around the edge of the check in area at Poole port once you have disembarked. Many do exactly that.
You. can also camp on the check in lanes overnight in preparation for the 08:30 sailing. I live 23 miles from Poole ferry port, and I always travel up the night before and camp on the check in lane. You even get an early morning call courtesy of the check in staff !

There's a cafe that does bacon butties etc, and toilets that are open all night.

Despite the Lexus having comfortable seats I’m not sure that I would want to “camp” in it overnight. But why not the overnight crossing with a cabin?

 

[Mr Plodd]

Despite the Lexus having comfortable seats I’m not sure that I would want to “camp” in it overnight. But why not the overnight crossing with a cabin?

Ah, now I THOUGHT you would be travelling with your caravan, as you are not that puts a whole different light on the matter!
There is a Premier Inn in Poole. Just saying like!

 

[otherclive]

Ah, now I THOUGHT you would be travelling with your caravan, as you are not that puts a whole different light on the matter!
There is a Premier Inn in Poole. Just saying like!

I don’t think Premier Inns accept dogs, but Travel Lodges do……for a fee…

 

[Buckman]

I don’t think Premier Inns accept dogs, but Travel Lodges do……for a fee…

Maybe better to drive around Weymouth to find an empty Motorhome sitting on someone's drive and use that? 🤣 🤣 🤣

 

[Mr Plodd]

Maybe better to drive around Weymouth to find an empty Motorhome sitting on someone's drive and use that? 🤣 🤣 🤣

I reckon you would never find mine, its totally hidden from the road