5 of the best destinations in France easily accessible by ferry 

Why travel to France by ferry? For starters, it can be a much cheaper way to travel as you can take your car and all of your belongings – without the stress of hiring a vehicle, booking public transport, or worrying about baggage allowances on a flight.

It also means the journey becomes part of the adventure in itself. Read on for some of the best destinations in France accessible by Ferry.

Lille

An hour’s drive from Dunkirk and just over an hour from Calais lies Lille, the largest city in northern France. As well as being home to the biggest flea market in Europe, La Grand Braderie de Lille, the city attracts visitors with its striking Flemish architecture and abundance of galleries, museums, galleries, monuments, and historic buildings. To make the most of its attractions, it’s worth investing in a Lille City Pass.

Ferries available from Dover to Dunkirk and Calais.

Lyons-la-Forêt

Take the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe and be transported to picture-perfect Lyons-la-Forêt, recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Situated in the heart of Normandy’s largest forest, the Forêt domaniale de Lyons-La-Forêt, which covers an enormous 11,000 acres, the village is steeped in history. As well as being the former place of residence of the Dukes of Normandy, Lyons is home to an array of medieval buildings – many housing tea shops and antique emporiums – and a 14th-century covered market.

Ferries available from Newhaven to Dieppe. 

Quimper

Brittany’s oldest city, Quimper is located less than an hour and a half from the port of Roscoff. Dating back to Roman times, it best known for its ‘faience’ pottery with a distinctive, Breton design. Musee de Faience is well worth a visit, featuring over 500 pieces. Also worth a visit is Le Jardin de la Retraite, a beautiful oasis in Quimper’s centre, enclosed by the city walls and the only surviving tower, the 13th century ‘Tour Névet. Enjoy a picnic amongst tropical gardens overlooking the Cathedral.

Ferries available from Portsmouth to Roscoff.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

Just 20 minutes from Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer is the largest fishing port in France. While you’re here, take advantage of the fresh seafood, glorious sea views, and fantastic water sports, including windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking. The town is also known as the ‘City of Art and History’, home to its old town, Vieille Ville, built on the site of a Roman camp, The Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Basilica of Notre Dame, and the medieval crypt, the largest in northern Europe.

Ferries available from Dover to Calais.

Amiens

Ideally located in the heart of the Paris–London–Brussels triangle, Amiens was once dubbed the ‘perfect city’ by French novelist, poet, and playwright, Jules Verne. Surrounded by countryside, it was ranked the fourth greenest city in France and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amiens also houses one of France’s most beautiful cathedrals, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as a range of restaurant and café terraces along the banks of the Somme, providing relaxing places to stop. Amiens is an hour and a half’s drive from the port of Dieppe.

Ferries available from Newhaven to Dieppe.