Ferry crossing
Have used Brittany ferries for many years but have never used the cheaper crossing from Portsmouth to Le Harve .Have booked a crossing on that route because of the dog friendly cabins.Woul like to hear from any members that have used that crossing with a van and what it was like.
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Two ships on that route - but service is normally with "Etretat", small ship, limited facilities, but the outward service to Le Havre is overnight so just go to bed - cabins clean, tidy and en suite with two side by side single beds, self service canteen for breakfast before arrival in France, small bit of outdoor deck near cabins where dogs can walk and wee. Solo cars sometimes parked on open deck but caravans inside and under cover. Perfectly adequate ship, does the job and gets you there.
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We haven't used this route for quite some time but always remember the shock when driving out of Le Havre to find one bit of the dual carriageway disappearing underground for a short spell. Beware of the height limit and make sure you stay above ground, unless of course they've changed matters. Perhaps EuroT can clarify.
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Yes, could be dangerous, so follow signs saying "Hors Gabarit" or follow a lorry.
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Hi, we did the crossing in January on Baie de Seine ferry ok for basic facilities as eurotraveller says but not for us as we did end up on the outside area with lorries and vehicles next to the railing that took OH some parking with the caravan and we had to wait as vehicles went off at Portsmouth so we could reverse back and turn around to get back down the ramp ferry staff very good but would not do it again so changed back to usual Portsmouth to Caen route back in March, also some of the road signs to Le Havre port were very small and in the dark not good but we did have friends who used it both ways this year with their dog and were very pleased with the route as they used to go via the tunnel because of their dog so will use it again, as we say horses for courses. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip.
We are coming over to UK next year but will use caen route as usual.
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Yes, "Baie de Seine" is different. It carries cars with dogs, and carries cars with caravans, but doesn't carry cars with caravans with dogs. Dunno why!
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My failing entirely due to lack of research but I did not know about the Pont de Normandie on the edge of Le Havre. My phobia with heights prevents my driving safely so had to find an alternative route of many miles to avoid the bridge. I will not do the Le Havre crossing again for that reason.
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I recall many years ago going via Rouen to avoid the Tancarville bridge, which is in fact a lot less scary than the Pont du Normandie. I've manage to overcome this phobia to a degree over the years so now travel by the latter. I'm still a bit nervous on thick carpet though.
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I share your dislike of heights and suffered in the autumn when i realised that our route would take us over le pont du normandie; however, buried in horrors from the past is the crossing at Nantes! The centre section is a nightmare. Just google Nantes bridge for images.
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Anyone who suffers in that way should simply go round the Nantes ring road the other way (it's a complete circle) and instead of crossing the river on the high bridge on the west of the city use the perfectly flat bridge on the east.
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I loved this bridge.
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I must say that I look out for impressive bridges as I love crossing them - and indeed seeing them! Millau Viaduct must be my favourite, although the Pont du Normandie is also very impressive.
A few years ago I was in France on a motorcycle tour ("a bridge too far") and crossed the Pont du Normandie just after arriving at Rouen. The mist was so thick I could barely see 10 metres in front of me.
So on the way back I crossed both ways - and bikes go free!
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