Portsmouth provides easy access to France and Spain through a number of cross Channel routes. As the closest UK port to the English and French capitals, the port is a busy hub serving around 3.5 million passengers each year. An extensive road network links the ferry port with all major UK cities.
The waterfront in Portsmouth attracts a lot of visitors and is a site of constant development. The six kilometre stretch is packed with shops, bars and restaurants, creating a vibrant social scene. The Main Continental Ferry Terminal provides a gateway to France, and the Portsmouth to Caen crossing is a popular route.
The ferry terminal itself is well equipped and provides for passenger needs. A café and bar provide a range of snacks and refreshments and a newsagent offers a good selection of reading material. The bureau de change can exchange currency and there is also a gift shops, for some last minute present shopping.
Passengers choosing the Portsmouth to Caen route have a choice of two ferries. A high speed ferry can deliver passengers across to France in just 3 hours, 45 minutes, or a longer six hour cruise offers passengers a more luxurious environment to ensure a relaxing start to their trip.
The Normandie Express provides a speedy crossing from Portsmouth to Caen. Facilities include a shop, self-service café, bar and bureau de change. The Mont Saint Michel is a larger ferry boasting spacious cabins, bars, cinemas and video games rooms for teenagers.
Passengers arriving in Caen can look forward to an array of cultural and historical attractions, as this capital of lower Normandy boasts a number of interesting sites. Ferries dock in Ouistreham Terminal, which the Channel’s newest ferry port. The autoroute is nearby and Paris is easy to access from Caen.
