Guide on Journeying to Europe in a Motorhome
In this article, we delve into the world of campervan travel across Europe, focusing on the most popular ferry services connecting various destinations.
For those planning a journey through German-speaking regions and France, DFDS operates the most popular ferry lines, linking important ports across the North Sea and the English Channel. This includes routes from Germany to France, such as the Portsmouth-Caen ferry which saves you 200 miles and four hours of driving en route to Western France. DFDS also extends its services to Amsterdam, with ferry trips from Newcastle.
Brittany Ferries is another prominent name in the industry, offering a wide range of services from Portsmouth. Destinations include Santander and Bilbao in Spain, Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo, and Roscoff in France, as well as Cork in Ireland. For those heading towards Normandy, Brittany, or the west coast of France, the Portsmouth-Caen ferry is recommended to save time and reduce stress.
If your travels lead you to Spain, Brittany Ferries' crossings from Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao offer a floating hotel experience, complete with amenities like bars, cinemas, and cabins. These longer journeys, lasting 24 to 36 hours, provide ample opportunity to relax and enjoy the voyage.
For the quickest, albeit not the most economical, route, the Eurotunnel is an option. This underwater rail link between England and France takes just 35 minutes via a vehicle train.
When it comes to reaching Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, Poland, and the Baltics, consider a ferry to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or the Hook of Holland. Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, and Stena Line offer services from Dover to Calais and Dublin to Cherbourg, respectively. The Dover-Calais route, often likened to a McDonald's drive-thru, is quick and relatively cheap, taking just 90 minutes.
Lastly, this article offers valuable advice on maximising storage space in a campervan, as well as more general campervanning tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first campervan adventure, this guide is a must-read for your European travels.
