The announcement that Brittany Ferries will end the Portsmouth-Le Havre route and replace the Poole-Cherbourg service with a Portsmouth-Cherbourg alternative has prompted strong reaction from Connexion readers.
Many are worried that changes will disrupt long-established travel routines between the UK and France.
The Portsmouth-Le Havre route will close in October 2026, while the Poole-Cherbourg service will end in November 2026. The company has said the changes are part of wider cost-saving measures.
Helen Schneider, a former conference interpreter who arrived in Paris from Scotland around 60 years ago, said the Portsmouth-Le Havre route had been her preferred crossing throughout her years of travel between France and the UK.
She said its main advantage was its location for travellers heading beyond south-east England. “The main point about that crossing, Le Havre–Portsmouth, is it was specifically good for all those who do not live in London or the south-east”
Ms Helen Schneider
She said the closure would mainly affect those trying to avoid driving through London or taking longer, more complicated routes. “You come out and you go down to Cornwall, you go up to Wales… or up to Scotland and avoid the whole mess in the south-east of England.”
She added that the loss of the route “would be very sad” for people who had relied on it over the years as it offered a straightforward alternative to other crossings. “If we were still using it, I would be really annoyed.”
The routes currently operate daily in both directions. Fares range from around £20 to £65 per adult (excluding vehicles). The Portsmouth-Le Havre crossing takes around six hours and 30 minutes, while Poole-Cherbourg takes around four hours and 45 minutes.
For Ms Schneider, the ferry was more than just a way to get from A to B. She recalled staying in the cabins on special occasions. “I was able to treat myself to a cabin for Christmas.”
She added that she would often socialise with other passengers, “you’d have a bite of dinner, meet colleagues in the bar, have a nightcap, and then everybody would go off and sleep.”
Other readers expressed similar views about the importance of the routes, particularly for practical travel between the two countries.
One reader said the Le Havre crossing had been particularly convenient:
“What a pity. I have found this route really convenient and the check-in and passport controls very quick. The port at Ouistreham seems less well organised. Portsmouth is so much easier to use than the trip and traffic and delays for Folkestone and Dover. Then, Le Havre gives easy access to almost all of France.” M.V
Poole–Cherbourg: a key connection
“We are very upset that this route is to be discontinued. We are living in Western France with a family in Dorset. We have occasionally come into Portsmouth but the UK traffic is a nightmare compared to driving in France so Cherbourg-Poole is perfect for us.” M.H
“We have used the Poole Cherbourg route for many many years and residing in West Dorset, Poole is so close. Every time we have travelled the boat has been or appears to have been well used. A very sad decision. C.S
Concerns over impact and alternatives
Some readers said the changes would make travel more complicated, particularly for those travelling to western France.
“The planned closure of Poole-Cherbourg will have a massive impact on my family. The longer routes to St Malo are more expensive and take too long if you have further road travel to parts of western France.” A.P
They also added concerns about the impact on certain groups of travellers:
“Many travellers to France are older, not keen on night driving and will be severely impacted while those with young children will require hotel accommodation to be there on time.” A.P
