Western Channel specialist since 1972
From Breton farming roots to a major UK–France–Spain network
Brittany Ferries grew from an unusually practical idea. Breton farmers wanted a direct sea link to Britain
for agricultural exports, so Alexis Gourvennec and fellow farming cooperatives created the company in
1972. The first service began from Roscoff to Plymouth in January 1973. More than five decades later, the
same Atlantic geography still defines the business: Brittany Ferries links southern England and Ireland
with western France and northern Spain, while keeping strong commercial and cultural ties with the regions
at both ends of each route.
Brittany Ferries’ current UK–France alternatives include Portsmouth–Caen, Portsmouth–Cherbourg,
Portsmouth–St Malo and Plymouth–Roscoff. Portsmouth–Le Havre has ended, and the direct Poole–Cherbourg
route is being withdrawn early in October 2026. Poole’s Channel Islands services are separate; check the
dated timetable for the route you want.
The Ireland network adds a different set of long-distance choices. Cork connects directly with Roscoff,
while Rosslare links with Cherbourg and Bilbao. For winter 2026/27 Brittany Ferries has also published
selected Rosslare–Santander departures. These sailings allow motorists to bypass long drives through
Britain or France and arrive much closer to the Atlantic regions of France and Spain. Brittany Ferries is
particularly well suited to travellers who see the vehicle as part of the holiday. Cars, motorcycles,
caravans and motorhomes can cross with their occupants, luggage stays with the vehicle, and the longer
crossings can replace a night of driving or accommodation with a cabin at sea. Foot passengers are also
carried on many routes, but availability and port access should always be checked for the chosen sailing.
The onboard product varies substantially. A six-hour Channel crossing might be about a meal, a lounge and
a comfortable seat; a 20-to-36-hour Spain sailing is closer to a short cruise, with private cabins,
restaurants, bars, entertainment and substantial time to rest. That variety is why comparing the route and
ship matters as much as comparing the headline fare.
Route-planning note: seasonal frequency and vessel assignment change. Use the exact
sailing shown at booking as the final authority for ship, check-in time and onboard accommodation.
France, Spain
& Ireland
Cruise ferries +
fast craft
Cars,
motorhomes & pets
