Short breaks to France by ferry: quick getaways from the UK

A little time off can go a long way when France is just across the Channel. In fact, a glorious French lunch, a scenic coastal drive or a few days exploring every nook and cranny in Normandy can cost less than what you might think.

Plan your short break to France by ferry with our guide to the offers, how to book them and where to go. You’ll also find ideas to help you make the most of your time, whether you’re new to ferry holidays in France or already have a favourite spot.

• What are short break offers?
• Short break offers to France at a glance
• How to book your short break on Ferryhopper
• Short break ideas in northern France
  • Calais and the Côte d'Opale
  • Dunkirk and the Flemish coast
  • Dieppe and Normandy
• Which short break suits you?
• Tips for your short break to France
• FAQs

The beaches of Dunkirk are a short ferry trip away!

What are short break offers?

When planning a quick trip to France, you can take advantage of the special return fares for short breaks offered by DFDS and Irish Ferries. These special rates are for a return trip that can last an entire day or a getaway of up to 5 days. With these offers, you can save on your ferry tickets, provided your outward and return sailings fit the offer’s time limits.

On Ferryhopper, look for the short break label in the search results to see the offer’s duration. A “3-day short break”, for example, means you can enjoy up to 3 days at your destination before sailing back. Check the fare conditions and sailing times before booking.

Short break offers to France at a glance

When planning your trip, look out for the short break label for fare conditions and keep in mind that offers may vary.

How to book your short break on Ferryhopper

Here's how you can easily book your short break to France by ferry on Ferryhopper:

1. Search for a return trip from Dover or Newhaven to Calais, Dunkirk or Dieppe on Ferryhopper.
2. Choose a return date that fits the length of your short break.
3. Look for the short break label in the search results and pick your fare.

Beach huts in Calais

Short break ideas in northern France

Calais and the Côte d'Opale

Calais and the striking Côte d’Opale is a stone’s throw from England and easily explored over 2-3 days. You kick off your journey with the Dover - Calais ferry, which takes about 1.5 hours to cross the Channel. Start at Calais Town Hall and its UNESCO-listed belfry, then admire Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais outside. Swing by the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode to discover the city’s lace-making heritage before heading out along the coast to Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez.

If you are travelling with children (or the young at heart), Boulogne-sur-Mer and Nausicaá aquarium are around a 40 min drive from Calais. Alternatively, swap a coastal day for Lille, around an hour away by car, for shopping, cafés and a wander through the old town.

Dunkirk and the Flemish coast

Make Dunkirk your base for a 3-day break combining beach time, wartime history and a taste of French Flanders. Set sail early in the morning on the Dover - Dunkirk ferry, which takes about 2 hr to reach the French coast. Spend your first afternoon strolling along Malo-les-Bains beach, stopping for moules-frites at a seafront restaurant.

Dedicate the next morning to the Dunkirk 1940 Museum, which tells the story of the battle and Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Allied troops in 1940. Afterwards, slow the pace with another walk along the seaside or waterfront. For your final day, head to Lille, around an hour’s drive away, to browse the shops, go through the old town and settle into a café before returning to England.

Cross the border to Bruges

Fancy adding another country to your break? Bruges is in Belgium, a 1-hour car ride from Dunkirk, making it an easy optional (and oh-so-delectable) day out. Think scenic walks along the city’s canals, admiring the medieval buildings around Markt Square, and indulging in Belgian chocolate or waffles before heading back to your base in France.

Dieppe and Normandy

For an even longer break, how about a 5-day excursion exploring Dieppe and Normandy? The Newhaven - Dieppe ferry takes 4 hours and accepts both foot passengers and vehicles. If your travel dates include Saturday, start with Dieppe’s morning market, then stroll along the seafront and visit the castle overlooking the beach. You will definitely want to set aside a day for the chalk cliffs of Étretat, about a 1.5-hour car drive away, to enjoy the views and wander through town.

For a change of scenery, head over to Rouen, about 1 hour from Dieppe, to admire its Gothic cathedral and stroll through its old town. If time allows, consider a visit to Honfleur for a leisurely walk around the old harbour before returning to England.

The Etretat coastline in northern France

Which short break suits you?

Whether you’re popping over for lunch or planning a few days of exploring, there’s a ferry short break to match your plans:

• If you fancy a quick change of scenery, then nothing beats a day in Calais! You’ll have plenty of time for a little shopping and a long French lunch before sailing home in time for dinner. Our guide to a day trip to Calais from the UK has plenty of ideas to get you started.
• If you have 2-3 days, then you can take your time along the Côte d’Opale or spend a few days exploring Dunkirk’s beaches and wartime history.
• Have 5 days to spare? Sail to Dieppe and head out on a Normandy road trip, take in the beauty of Étretat’s cliffs, stroll through Rouen and perhaps Honfleur along the way.

Once you’ve decided, check the fare’s return window and choose the sailings that work for you.

Tips for your short break to France

• You will need a passport for your ferry holidays to France; it must be issued within the last 10 years and valid for 3+ months after you leave the EU.
• If you’re travelling with a car, bring your driving licence, insurance, V5C, and UK sticker, and don’t forget to drive on the right.
• When planning your ferry trip, keep in mind that there is a 1-hour time difference between the UK and France.
• Arrive early at the ferry port in Dover or Newhaven to clear check-in and border controls, especially during peak periods, such as school holidays.
• Don’t forget that you can also do your duty-free shopping on board the ferries and at the port, so you can have more time to explore France.
• For even more travel options, check out our detailed guide on UK - France ferries for more details on all routes, operators and ticket prices.

The old port of Hornfleur

FAQs

Can I travel as a foot passenger?

Yes, you can book your ferry holidays to France as a foot passenger with DFDS on the Newhaven - Dieppe route. When planning your trip, look out for the short break label in the search results.

Can I change or cancel a short break ticket?

Changes may be possible, depending on the ferry company and the conditions of your short break fare. Amendment fees and any fare difference may apply, and changes need to be requested before the applicable deadline. Short break fares are generally non-refundable if you cancel, so check the conditions before booking.

What if I come back later than my short break allows?

Your short break ticket is only valid within the offer’s return window. If you want to stay longer, contact your ferry operator before your scheduled return to check whether a change is possible and what it will cost.

Can I take my pet on a short break?

Absolutely, pets are allowed on ferries to France, provided you include them in your booking. Typically, you can keep your pet in your vehicle for the trip.

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Dogs will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to the UK.

When should I book my ferry tickets?

It’s best to book your ferry holidays to France as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, particularly for summer, school holidays and bank holiday weekends. Booking ahead gives you more choice of sailing times and a better chance of finding a lower fare.

If your travel dates are flexible, compare a few departures on Ferryhopper, as you may find a better deal by travelling midweek or choosing a less popular sailing time.

All aboard!

Book cheap ferry holidays to France

Ready to turn a few days off into a French adventure? Pick your destination, bring your car and explore at your own pace, from the Côte d’Opale to Normandy (and beyond). So pack your bag, sail across the Channel, and you can be back in England before you know it!

Compare routes, sailing times, and short break offers on Ferryhopper, then choose the return trip that fits your plans. Book your short break to France by ferry with no hidden fees and start thinking about where you’ll stop for that first croissant.