Ferries from the UK to La Rochelle
Reaching La Rochelle by ferry means crossing to Brittany or Normandy, then driving south down the Atlantic coast for four to five hours. There’s no direct sailing, but the western ports get you closest. Best for travellers set on the Atlantic coast who don’t mind the onward drive.
Routes
Our experience
We sailed from Saint-Malo to Portsmouth with Brittany Ferries as a family, and this day crossing felt much more like part of the holiday than just transport. Saint-Malo is a brilliant place to leave from, the views on departure are beautiful, and there was enough on board to keep the children busy during the crossing. It is not the fastest way to England, but if you are travelling from Brittany or western France, it is a relaxed and very logical route to the UK.
Our experience
We sailed overnight from Portsmouth to Cherbourg on Brittany Ferries’ *Santoña*, and this was one of those crossings where the ferry genuinely made the journey easier. The cabins were comfortable, the ship felt modern, and the children were not tied to their seats for hours: they could move around, explore and wind down before bed. Sleeping through the crossing meant we arrived in Cherbourg well rested and ready to continue through France.
Ferry services from the UK to La Rochelle
Brittany Ferries sails into western France for the onward drive to La Rochelle.
From the western ports to La Rochelle
After arriving in western France, La Rochelle is a drive of several hours south along the Atlantic coast. The western ports such as Saint-Malo and Cherbourg get you closer than Calais, cutting the onward miles. A Crit’Air sticker is needed for low-emission zones such as Rouen on the way.
Still weighing up your options?
We have crossed the Channel to France more times than we can count, on most of the routes and with most of the operators. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.
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