Readers share memories of Barfleur ferry

The Poole-Cherbourg ferry route ended earlier than planned on October 12, bringing an end to a 53-year connection between the UK and France. 

Connexion readers have shared their memories of the Barfleur, which operated on the route for 34 years, as well as their disappointment at its closure and concerns about alternative crossings.

“In 1992, I watched the new Brittany Ferries Barfleur enter Poole Harbour, and this week I watched the ferry leave Poole for the last time.

During those 34 years, my wife and I travelled to south-west France on more than 100 occasions. Like many other people with second homes in France, we found the company provided a good service. However, the way frequent travellers were informed about the changes has left a bitter taste and has been a PR disaster.

However, all is not lost. Brittany Ferries' Condor service will still operate from Poole, with sailings to Guernsey and Saint-Malo. The crossing takes around six hours, including the stop in Guernsey, and there are plenty of hotels on the outskirts of Saint-Malo for overnight stays.

There is no need to go to Portsmouth, thank goodness, or face the drive down and up the Cherbourg peninsula.

We had wonderful times on the Barfleur, and she will be missed for some time to come.”

G.L.

“We have been travelling on the Poole-Cherbourg route since 1991 and have probably travelled on the Barfleur more than 100 times.

When the initial announcement was made that the route was closing, we booked a crossing for November 1 as our final trip on the Barfleur. As we live in Poole, we are really sad that this route is ending.

When the date was brought forward, I expected some notification from Brittany Ferries, but the change was only announced on social media. I have since rebooked on the Portsmouth-Caen route, as I was unsure how many crossings and cabins would be available.

I do think Brittany Ferries has overinvested in new ships at the same time, as well as in the freight rail system at Cherbourg, which has not taken off as anticipated.

I hope another operator gives the route a go, as we would certainly use it.”

A.H.

“My family and I have used this crossing many times, including for summer holidays when we lived in Dorset until 2007. When I retired in 2006, my wife, youngest son and I moved to France.

The Barfleur became our preferred ferry. The crossing took only four and a half hours and, although it was not the biggest ship in the fleet, it was as comfortable for us as any of the others.

We travelled on the Barfleur at different times of the year to visit our family in England. Even on the roughest crossings, it always got us safely to our destination. It was not a ferry with an air of grandeur; it was a sturdy vessel with a fairly average restaurant and small shop. But to us, it was the ferry that always got us where we wanted to go in some comfort.

We have travelled on most of the other ferries, except the newer ones, and can honestly say they are no better for our needs. Our experience of the Galicia, for example, brought no improvement in crossing comfort, and the build quality seemed inferior.

We planned a holiday to see our family in November but were unable to book the ferry because the timings for the promised replacement Portsmouth-Cherbourg route had not been announced.

I cannot understand why Brittany Ferries has decided to axe this route. Its promised replacement daily service from Portsmouth to Cherbourg has yet to materialise, and it remains to be seen whether it will come anywhere near matching the Barfleur's service from Poole.

For us, this closure marks the end of a reliable short crossing for visiting family.”

A.S.

“I live in Romsey, Hampshire, and have a house near Bayeux. I was fortunate to have two options at either end of the journey: Poole or Portsmouth in the UK, and Cherbourg or Ouistreham in France.

I loved the older ships, especially the Barfleur and the Normandie. But the Barfleur was appropriately named, as it was the only ship that ever made me seasick. For that reason alone, I am glad to see it go, but with great affection.

I will really miss the trip through Poole Harbour and past Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck coast. I made my last trip in September on my bicycle.

Maybe one day someone will take up the route again.

Fond farewell, Barfleur.”

G.W.

“We are very upset that this route is being discontinued. We live in western France and have family in Dorset.

We have occasionally travelled via Portsmouth, but UK traffic is a nightmare compared with driving in France, so the Cherbourg-Poole route is perfect for us.

The Barfleur was packed when I travelled recently, as it is except during the very low season. Why not axe the route only during the quietest months and keep it running from Easter to mid-October?”

M.H