1. Our favourate way is via Portsmouth to Caen via Brittany Ferries, The journey to Portmouth is about 70 miles and takes 80mins. The crossings go at 9.00, 15.15 and 20.00. The drive via Falaise, Alencon, Sees and Le Mele takes about 2 hours. There is motorway all the way to Sees but after Junction 11 you have to pay a toll of about 8 Euros
2. A cheaper alternative is from Portsmouth to Le Havre via LD Lines, who took over P&O including one of their boats and many staff, This can be much cheaper but there is only one boat each day. It goes at 11.00pm or so meaning that a cabin is desirable, but often they are all gone. The journey is only a bit longer as there is a new motorway over much of the route. A ticket with cabin is about £130.
3. Much the cheapest route is to go from Dover to Bolougne with Speedferries. It is a fast hydrofoil and only takes about an hour and costs about £35 But you have the tedious journey to Dover and then 4 hours solid motorway to Belleme. We usually take 8 hours and enjoy ourselves. There are lovely beaches near Bolougne, and many delightful towns to visit and stop for a good meal. Rouen can be a problem on this journey. We have found a delightful country "bypass" that turns this part of the journey in a pleasure trip.
See maps of the Belleme area, or the St Martin area, or the La Bruyere area.
Visits we have made to the houseLast updated 18/07/2025