France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

I was quite nervous about the driving this summer since it was my first time driving on the right and in a RHD car on top

It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, however I would say the motorway was quite annoying on the way out. French drivers can have a tendency to drive right up behind you before overtaking

Otherwise it wasn't very stressful, and after a while I'd settled into the system. It helped that my wife was coaching me at the roundabouts (politely, not shouting at me 😂) and the kids were behaving themselves mostly in the back. If either of those weren't the case then it would have been more stressful

I could definitely see how it wouldn't be enjoyable if you find the driving stressful, each to their own as you say. The important thing is that you enjoy your holiday

Did the crossing from Cherbourg to Rosslare with Condor Ferries‘ Commodore Clipper chartered by Brittany ferries there last week and it was spot on , and for the price (338 euro one way for 2 adults 2 kids and superior cabin on one of the busiest weekends of the year) fantastic. It‘s a relatively small ferry with 300 passengers compared to 1800 on the WB Yeats, so you've just a restaurant and a small bar but that does the job for the number of passengers.

The superior cabin was smaller than a standard on say the wb yeats, not much floorspace /storage space but bathroom was surprisingly large. There was USB sockets built into the reading lights and 2x Uk sockets also with USB sockets. Beds weren't super comfy but everyone slept fine. The one MASSIVE plus point was free wifi which worked. Its not quick enough for streaming (kids have difficulty to grasp that concept but anyhow) with a speed test of between 0.6 and 1 meg, but for reading news and listening to the radio spot on.

Food on board was really good. Most seems to be freshly made on board and for the euro equivalent of €14.60 for a main, good value too. Soft drinks were 3.10 stg a pint, so for a captive audience grand, but with Guinness for €7.10 for 440ml and lagers a similar price they make up for not being a rip off for food and minerals.

Theres moves by Brittany to take an increased share in Condor and take it over, so this mightnt be the last of channel island ferries operating to Ireland in the future.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyxl99e9pvo?fbclid=IwY2xjawEh5XhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWKAv1jWnPLljA7rshTfICfSH12JWIiLhyVKpgq7qFA1zKATSW_bfv6W6A_aem_oW2QOgAyrYVrCNekHOg4DA

I wonder do the schools close earlier next year, this year is was the 1st July I think so prices were still low up to the end of June

Not much talk about Stena from Rosslare to Cherbourg, seems people prefer IF or BF.

We are bringing our dog and looking at pet cabins on the Stena Vision so WB Yates from Dublin is out. What's the general consensus on Stena?

We did the exact same thing as you and booked two nights in Caen. Did the bul of the driving on the Sat and spent Sun in the town market and in the castle and abbey nearby. Some lovely restaurants there too.

Alternatively, go to Mont St Michel and stay in that area and visit the abbey?

Stayed in a small town called Pontorson for a night recently. It was nice enough. Only 15mins from Mont St Michel.

I remember trying to book hotels near Cherbourg when our ferry home got delayed and one thing I noticed is that family rooms seem unpopular in France

Some hotels would give adjoining rooms, but most would only offer two bedrooms for 4 people (2 adults, 2 young kids)

At least that seemed to be the situation on booking.com

In a pinch the kids could share a bed, but it was something I found a bit frustrating. I'd personally prefer one point of entry to and from a hotel room, I've too many nightmares of the kids going missing on holidays

Am I missing something, or just being dumb? I might also be looking for somewhere to kill a day or two on the way back next summer

I'll admit it was a late booking on a busy weekend (D-day) but there were plenty of rooms going, just double and twin rooms only

Is it better to look for holiday homes or apartments instead? I know one family rented an Airbnb and it worked out quite well

Booking can only work with the details given to them by the hotels regarding room occupancy. A few times, we've contacted the hotel directly and they've been able to fit in an extra bed. But 4 beds in a hotel room will always be a bit of a squash, unless it's a room specifically designed to be for a family.

it’s via Brittany ferries as Brittany is chartering that ferry for one return sailing per week for the summer

Driving from Les Sables d'Olonne area to Cherbourg tomorrow and want one of our stops to involve a decent supermarket. Any suggestions of one en-route that's easy enough to get in and out of?