ferry travel to france

• A complete guide to ferries to France 2023

Book your ferry… et allez!

• Ferry Tickets

Are you planning a ferry trip to France from the UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain, or North Africa? Here you can find all ferry routes to the ports of northern and southern France , wherever in Europe (and not only) you are coming from!

Find out all about available routes, compare ferry prices to France and book your tickets  on Ferryhopper at the same prices as ferry companies .

• Ferry routes to France (the UK, Balearics, Sardinia, etc.)
• Ferry companies traveling to France
• Planning a ferry trip to France

The lovely port of Cherbourg filled with sailboats

Which are the most popular ferry routes to France?

If you wish to travel to northern France by ferry, you can get there from England, Ireland and the Channel Islands (Guernsey, Alderney and Jersey). The French ports that you can reach from there are: Roscoff, Saint-Malo , Cherbourg , Caen , Le Havre , Dieppe, Calais , and Dunkirk .

To travel to southern France , you can catch a ferry from Italy (Sardinia), Spain (Balearics), and North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco). The French towns and cities that you can reach from there are Marseille, Toulon , and Nice in the French Riviera, as well as Sète .

Here you can find all ferry routes that you need to check if you want to travel to France by ferry:

Cross-channel ferries from the UK to France

Traveling by ferry to France from England is one of the easiest and most popular ways to reach France from the UK. The ferry is also very convenient if you want to cross the English Channel and bring along your vehicle . Many British ferries to France depart daily from the ports of southern England , such as Dover , Plymouth , Poole , Portsmouth , and Newhaven .

The Dover - Calais ferry is probably the most popular UK - France connection, with up to 25 daily ferry crossings and tickets starting at around €35. Note that on DFDS and Irish Ferries you can't travel from Dover to Calais as a foot passenger. You can only travel with a vehicle .

The ferry companies operating on routes from the UK to France are: Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Condor Ferries.

Find out all about ferries from England to France:

Ferries to France from Dover

Dover to Calais ferry Dover to Dunkirk ferry

Ferry to France from Plymouth

Plymouth to Roscoff ferry

Ferries to France from Poole

Poole to Cherbourg ferry Poole to Saint-Malo ferry

Ferries to France from Portsmouth

Portsmouth to Saint-Malo ferry Portsmouth to Caen ferry Portsmouth to Cherbourg ferry Portsmouth to Le Havre ferry

Ferry to France from Newhaven

Newhaven to Dieppe ferry

Map of ferry ports in northern France connected with the UK and Ireland

Ferries from Ireland to France

You can also travel to Brittany and Normany in northern France from 3 ports in Ireland: Dublin , Rosslare and Cork . The fastest and cheapest Ireland - France ferry connection is the one from Cork to Roscoff , normally available up to 2 times a week. The crossing takes 14-15 hours and tickets start at around €55 for foot passengers.

Ferry tickets to France are also pretty cheap on the Rosslare - Cherbourg   route , starting at around €70. With about 3 weekly departures, the trip takes 15.5-18 hours.

The ferry companies operating on routes from Ireland to France are: Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries and Stena Line.

Here some of the most popular ferries to France from Ireland:

Ferry from Dublin to France

Dublin to Cherbourg ferry

Ferry from Cork to France

Cork to Roscoff ferry

Ferries from Rosslare to France

Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry Rosslare to Le Havre ferry

Ferries from Spain and Italy to France

With Corsica Ferries vessels, you can reach important ports in southern France and the French Riviera all year round from:

• 2 ports of Sardinia in Italy: Golfo Aranci and Porto Torres . There are about 3 weekly sailings to Toulon and 2 weekly departures to Nice from Sardinia. Tickets start at around €30 and the trip takes around 12.5 hours.
• 2 Balearic islands in Spain: Mallorca and Menorca. The French port Toulon is connected to Alcudia (Mallorca) with around 2 weekly crossings and Ciutadella (Menorca) with 1 weekly crossing. The Balearics - Toulon trip lasts 14-17 hours and tickets start at around €30.

Here’s a list of all available Sardinia - France and Balearics - France ferry routes:

• Golfo Aranci - Toulon ferry
• Porto Torres - Toulon ferry
• Porto Torres - Nice ferry
• Mallorca (Alcudia) - Toulon ferry
• Menorca (Ciutadella) - Toulon ferry

Major ports on the southern coast of France: Sète, Marseille, Toulon, and Nice

Ferries from North Africa to France

Did you know that, apart from European ports, you can also reach southern France from 3 countries in North Africa? In fact, you can get to France by ferry from:

• Morocco : you can travel to Sète and Marseille from the ports of Nador and Tangier . Ferries from Morocco, such as the Nador - Sète ferry and the Tangier (Tanger Med) - Sète ferry , usually take over 38 hours to reach France and tickets start at around €70.
• Algeria : you can get to Marseille from 3 ports in Algeria: Algiers, Béjaïa and Skikda. There are up to 8 weekly Algeria - Marseille crossings in total, operated by Corsica Lines. Ferries usually take 25-26 hours to arrive in France, while tickets normally start at around €135.
• Tunisia : you can also reach Marseille from the port of Tunis with up to 5 crossings a week . The ferry trip takes around 23 hours and tickets start at about €124.

The ferry companies operating on ferries from North Africa to France are: Baleària, GNV, Corsica Linea, La Méridionale, and CTN.

Ferry companies operating routes from/to France

There are 12 ferry operators traveling to France from Europe and North Africa:

• Brittany Ferries
• Irish Ferries
• P&O Ferries
• Condor Ferries
• Corsica Ferries
• GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci)
• Corsica Linea
• La Méridionale
• CTN (Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation)

The majestic “Stena Horizon” traveling between Rosslare and Cherbourg

FAQs for planning a ferry trip to France

What about vehicles, amenities and pets on ferries to France? Can you travel by high-speed ferry to France? Find answers to these and more questions below.

What's the fastest ferry to France?

The fastest crossing to France is the ferry from Dover (UK) to Calais . The ferry ride from Dover to Calais usually lasts 1 hour 30 minutes . The second fastest ferry to France is the one from Dover to Dunkirk, which takes approximately 2 hours.

As for high-speed ferries to France, there are only a few. For example, there is a high-speed ferry to France from the UK by Brittany Ferries, operating on the Portsmouth - Cherbourg crossing in about 3 hours.

Can I bring my car on the ferry to France?

Yes, you can bring your vehicle on all ferries serving crossings to France, as the majority are conventional vessels with car decks.

Tip : if you are traveling with a vehicle, make sure you book your ferry tickets well in advance , as car-deck spaces usually sell out fast on popular routes.

Which ferries to France allow pets on board?

The majority of ferries to France are pet-friendly so you can normally travel with your dog or cat (or other pet). Usually, pets can travel in a designated pet cabin or in a cage/kennel, or they can stay in your vehicle during the journey. They are not allowed in indoor areas but can walk around the deck as long as they wear a leash and a muzzle.

Depending on the operator, you might have to pay an additional fee for your pet. Make sure you bring your pet’s passport and health certificates , and fill out any form necessary for pet embarkation.

Note : each ferry company has its own pet policy, so make sure to check it or contact the company before your trip.

What documents do I need to board a ferry to France?

To travel by ferry from the UK or North Africa countries to France, you should carry a valid passport with you.

If you travel to France from Spain, Italy or Ireland, and are an EU citizen (Schengen Area), you just need an officially recognised European Union ID card . If you are not an EU citizen, you will need a valid passport.

At the moment, there are no Covid-19 restrictions in effect for ferry travel to France. That means that you have no formalities to complete (rapid antigen test, form of entry, etc.) and that you don’t need any Covid-19-related documents, such as a vaccination certificate, to enter the country.

The glorious Baleària “Regina Baltica” connecting France with Morocco

What to expect on board the ferry?

Depending on the company you book with, you can find a wide range of amenities and facilities on board ferries to France. The vast majority of these ferries are large conventional ferries, equipped with restaurants , cafés, lounges with TV, children’s playgrounds and game rooms, and shops.

Moreover, there are cabins available on almost all ferries to France (except for the Dover - Calais and Dover- Dunkirk routes). We strongly recommend booking a cabin, especially if you are traveling by ferry from Ireland, Sardinia, the Balearics or North Africa, as overnight ferries to France are very common and have a long duration (over 12 hours).

What is the cheapest ferry to France?

The cheapest route to northern France is the ferry from Dover to Calais . More specifically, you can book very cheap tickets to France with P&O ferries if you travel as a foot passenger . In this case, a single-passenger ticket starts at about €36 .

As for cheap ferries to southern France , the Corsica Ferries routes to Toulon from Mallorca, Menorca and Sardinia start at about €30 .

There are also several deals  on ferries to France available by ferry companies, such as Irish Ferries, P&O Ferries, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, on return tickets for short trips to France from Dover, Portsmouth and Poole. Bear in mind that any current offers on ferries to France are automatically applied when booking your tickets on Ferryhopper.

The stunning Old Port of Marseille on the French Riviera

Book ferries to France on Ferryhopper

In the north or in the south, the coasts of France are fascinating and well connected to the mainland. Ready for a magical ferry trip to France? Compare routes and schedules to and visualize your trip to France on our Map of ferries . Don't worry; it’s super easy to use!

Tip : want to use a mobile app where you can have your ferry tickets on your phone ? Download the Ferryhopper App for free, to keep your e-tickets (if available) in one place and track your ferry in real time !

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Ferry to France

• Why with a ferry
• Book in advance
• What to see

Compare prices, find connected routes and book the perfect ferry to France according to your needs. Save on baggage fees, bring your car and enjoy scenic sea views.

Looking for romance, world-class cuisine and a fascinating history? France beckons! From the famous Eiffel Tower and luxurious Palace of Versailles to the lovely lavender fields of Provence and the stunning coasts of Normandy , France provides a memorable experience for all visitors. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, sample tasty pastries and regional wines and explore a nation where art, history and beauty coexist on every corner. Welcome to France!

Booking your ferry crossing to France

• Choose arrival port : France owns various ports in order to serve multiple ferry connections due to its high demand. Choose the one that fits your needs best
• Compare options : When comparing ferries, consider journey duration, pricing and onboard facilities (restaurants, bars, stores)
• Advance booking is recommended : Ferry tickets tend to sell out rapidly, especially during high season (the summer months). Book your tickets early to assure your seat, especially if you're going by vehicle

Documentation needed

• Valid passport and/or ID card : Make sure you have a passport that is valid for your nationality. Visa requirements may vary based on your nationality and length of stay. Check with the French embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information
• Immigration procedures : Be prepared for immigration inspections on both sides of your travel. Have your passport and any other relevant travel paperwork readily available

Additional tips

• Cash exchange : Consider exchanging some cash for Euros before boarding the ship, while currency exchange services may not be available aboard
• Relax and enjoy the journey : Many boats include pleasant lounging spaces, restaurants, cafés and even stores on board. Relax, enjoy the beautiful sea views and get ready for your French experience!

Why choose a ferry boat to France?

There are several reasons why you should take a ship to France instead of flying:

• Savings potential : Ferry travel is typically less expensive than flying, especially if you're traveling with a car or a large group. You can carry extra bags aboard the cruise without incurring the excess baggage fees that airlines occasionally charge
• No airport hassles : Avoid the security lines, luggage check-ins and probable flight delays that come with air travel. Ferries offer a less stressful way of traveling
• Bring your car : Car ferries allow you to bring your own vehicle, eliminating the need to hire one in France or use public transportation. This might be especially helpful if you're planning a road trip through France
• More room & amenities : Many ferries include large lounge areas, restaurants, cafés, shops and even entertainment options like movies or children's play facilities. This can make travel more comfortable, particularly for families with young children
• Scenic journey : Enjoy the beautiful sea sceneries and fresh air as you ride in the infinite blue sea.
• Prone to seasickness? If you are prone to seasickness, a boat ride may be a more relaxing choice than the turbulence found on aircraft
• Travel with your pet : Some ferry companies welcome pets on board, making it easier to travel with your pets (see pet travel limitations in France)

If you prefer a more leisurely, cost-effective travel experience or the ease of bringing your car, taking a ship to France might be a terrific option!

Ferry routes to France

You may go to southern France by boat from Italy (Sardinia) , Spain (Balearic Islands) , or North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia  and Morocco ). Marseille, Toulon , and Nice on the French Riviera, as well as Sète , are all accessible from there.

Ferry from Spain to France

• Alcudia - Toulon: 2 times per week, avg. duration 16 hours
• Ciutadella - Toulon: 1 route per week, avg. duration 14 hours

Ferry from Italy to France

• Porto Torres - Toulon: 3 times per week, avg. duration 16 hours
• Porto Torres - Nice: 2 times per week, avg. duration 9 hours

Ferry from Africa to France

• Nador - Sete: 2 times per week, avg. duration 20 hours
• Tanger-Med - Sete: 2-4 times per week, avg. duration 24 hours

Why book in advance your ferry to France?

Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to France? Book your ferry adventure with us today and experience the magic of this remarkable country. Our user-friendly online booking system allows you to conveniently select your preferred departure date, choose your cabin type ( available accommodation options for the ferry to France ) and customize your travel options. Start planning your dream getaway to France now and create memories that will last a lifetime.

There are many reasons why you should book your ferry to France in advance !

Here's some of the most important:

• France is a popular route that sells out early
• Reduce stress
• Don't waste time with the local agencies in France or elsewhere
• Lock in your ferry ticket price
• Currency changes will not affect you
• Save vacation time
• Balance your vacation budget
• Charge ferry coasts on this month's credit card bill

What to see in France

France, with its romance, cultural richness and picturesque scenery, has something for every sort of tourist. From the towering Eiffel Tower to the fascinating lavender fields of Provence, these are some must-see attractions that will leave you enchanted:

Iconic landmarks

• Eiffel Tower : A vacation to France is incomplete without visiting the magnificent Eiffel Tower. Head to the peak for stunning views of the City of Lights and Versailles Palace
• Witness the beauty of the Palace of Versailles , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the exquisite royal quarters, surprise with the Hall of Mirrors, and stroll around the well manicured gardens
• The Louvre Museum , located in Paris, The Louvre Museum, one of the world's largest and best-known museums, houses the sector's art treasures. Admire masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo
• Arc de Triomphe : Stand beneath the Arc de Triomphe, a triumphal arch celebrating French triumphs during the Napoleonic Wars. Climb the summit for panoramic views of the Champs-Élysées

Natural wonders

• Enjoy the sun on the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), a length of Mediterranean coast known for its stunning beaches, intriguing villages and clear seas. Discover famous destinations such as Nice , Cannes and St. Tropez
• French Alps : Accept the beauty of the French Alps, a mountain range that provides breathtaking landscapes, world-class skiing and fascinating villages. Hike or cycle along stunning pathways, or visit a ski resort in Chamonix or Val d'Isère for a winter wonderland
• Visit the Popes' Palace at Avignon , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval papal home is Europe's largest Gothic palace
• Loire Valley Châteaux : Take a step back in time in the Loire Valley, which is home to hundreds of breathtaking châteaux. Explore classic châteaux like as Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, each with unique architectural styles and rich historiesCultural delights
• Visit the stunning Mont Saint-Michel , a medieval abbey built on a tidal island off the coast of Normandy. Explore the abbey's architecture and walls, and be amazed by the breathtaking scenery
• Wine-producing regions : Explore France's important wine regions and learn about the country's famed wine subculture. Explore vineyards in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhône Valley, and sample the region's great wines
• Provence : Witness the breathtaking scenery of Provence, which is famous for its lavender fields, beautiful villages and colorful markets

Beyond these highlights, France offers a plethora of experiences to complement your go to:

• Explore attractive cities & villages : France is full with romantic towns and villages, each with its own distinct character and past. Explore historic towns like Carcassonne and Alsace
• Culinary delights : Take a culinary adventure around France, a country famous for its rich gastronomic history. Enjoy fresh croissants for morning, try neighboring specialties like coq au vin and ratatouille and explore the bustling assortment of cafés and restaurants
• Festivals & events : Throughout the year, France comes alive with numerous galas and events. From the Cannes Film Festival to the 14 July festivities, there's always something to rejoice in

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Ferry to France

The best offers for Ferries to France

If you need to travel to France, the ferry is an excellent option that connects the Peninsula with France. This option will be especially useful if you are planning to travel with your car or motorcycle on board or if you need to carry more luggage.

There is a route to travel by ferry to France:

Mallorca (Alcudia) - Toulon.

The ferry company operating this route is Corsica Ferries .

On Clickferry you can book your ferry trip to France at the best price guaranteed. In addition, you can check which days, schedules, prices and ferry companies you are interested in to travel to your destination. We do it for you, we check prices with all available ferry companies so you don't have to and you can travel by ferry to France at the lowest price.

• Ferry Portsmouth - Caen

To Cherboug

• Ferry Rosslare - Cherboug
• Ferry Portsmouth - Cherboug
• Ferry Poole - Cherboug

To Le Havre

• Ferry Portsmouth - El Havre
• Ferry Golfo Aranci - Nice
• Ferry Ile Rousse - Nice
• Ferry Bastia - Nice
• Ferry Porto Vecchio - Nice
• Ferry Savona - Nice
• Ferry Ajaccio - Nice
• Ferry Cork - Roscoff
• Ferry Plymouth - Roscoff
• Ferry Rosslare - Roscoff
• Ferry Nador - Séte
• Ferry Tánger Med - Sète
• Ferry Portsmouth - St Malo
• Ferry Alcudia - Toulon
• Ferry Golfo Aranci - Toulon
• Ferry Porto Torres - Toulon
• Ferry Ile Rousse - Toulon
• Ferry Bastia - Toulon
• Ferry Portoferraio - Toulon
• Ferry Ajaccio - Toulon
• Ferry Porto Vecchio - Toulon
• Ferry Nice - Ajaccio
• Ferry Toulon - Ajaccio
• Ferry Porto Torres - Ajaccio
• Ferry Genoa - Bastia
• Ferry Toulon - Bastia
• Ferry Nice - Bastia
• Ferry Livorno - Bastia
• Ferry Piombino - Bastia
• Ferry Portoferraio - Bastia
• Ferry Savona - Bastia

To Bonifacio

• Ferry Santa Teresa Gallura - Bonifacio

To L'Île Rousse

• Ferry Toulon - Ile Rousse
• Ferry Savona - Ile Rousse
• Ferry Nice - Ile Rousse
• Ferry Livorno - Ile Rousse

To Porto Vecchio

• Ferry Golfo Aranci - Porto Vecchio
• Ferry Toulon - Porto Vecchio
• Ferry Porto Torres - Porto Vecchio
• Ferry Piombino - Porto Vecchio
• Ferry Nice - Porto Vecchio
• Ferry Livorno - Porto Vecchio

Cheapest Ferry Price to France

The average price of the ferry to France is approximately 70 euros, depending on the season we are in it may vary due to supply/demand. You can also book the return trip using our booking engine at the top of this page at the best price guaranteed for your dates.

Ferry schedules to France

In order to book your trip with total security check in our search engine the available schedules for your dates and book online your ferry tickets at the best price.

France is a destination with high demand, so we recommend that you purchase your ticket in advance to get the best price on your ferry tickets.

Please note that ferry schedules to France vary depending on the season. Check our search engine for updated schedules based on your travel date to get the most up to date information.

Popular ferry companies for the Ferry to France route

We offer you all the necessary information about ships, routes and ports to travel by Ferry. Between France and mainland Spain the company that operates the crossing is Corsica Ferries .

Which ferries travel to France?

Ferries to France depart from Mallorca (Alcudia).

How long does the ferry to France take?

The duration of your ferry trip can be:

Majorca (Alcudia) - Toulon: 13 hours.

This time will also depend on some factors such as the type of boat (traditional or fast ferry) or the weather that accompanies us during the trip.

Ferry port from the mainland to France

Port of Mallorca (Alcudia).

Address: Muelle Comercial, s/n, Alcudia, 07410.

The port of Alcudia is very accessible, as you can reach it by bus or cab in 5 minutes or on foot in 21 minutes.

Each port has a free shuttle service so that people with reduced mobility can move easily within the port.

Each shipping company operates in one or more berths. In the process of purchasing your ferry ticket you will get the berth information of your ferry company. Please check with our Clickferry customer service team for any additional questions you may have before boarding.

Traveling by car to France

If you wish to travel by ferry to France with your car, van, bicycle, motorcycle or caravan, we recommend that you request information in advance, there are different rates for each vehicle. Prices depend on the size and type of vehicle you want to embark. You can calculate the price in advance and enjoy the best price guarantee.

Traveling with a pet by ferry to France

Many shipping companies allow the transport of pets on board their ships and ferries. It is very important that you consult with our customer service department the requirements of each shipping company. They may require a health vaccination card, official animal identification document, travel in a carrier or if you are traveling with a dog, that it is always properly restrained with a muzzle and leash during boarding.

If you have any questions, please contact our Clickferry customer service team.

Discounted ferry tickets to France

Where to buy a cheap ticket for the Ferry to France?

Clickferry is the N1 Ferry ticket comparator in Spain. In our search engine you can find the cheapest ferry tickets and buy them in advance. Choose also the best schedules at the best price. Here are some special situations where extra discounts are applied to the promotions and discount coupons that are already active in the search engine.

LOWEST FARE FINDER

Ferries to france & spain.

Lowest fare finder

Compare the lowest fares and book cheap ferry tickets to France and Spain direct with Brittany Ferries.

How to book the best fares this spring and summer

Simply select one of our ferry routes, tell us when you're thinking of travelling and our fare finder will show you the best prices and availability for your ferry crossing.

How to find cheap ferry tickets and deals

Book online

There’s a service charge of £10 for ferry-only bookings made through our Contact Centre

Book in advance

Book as early as possible for the best range of fares and choice of sailings and onboard accommodation

Be a little flexible

Midweek sailings can be cheaper than travelling over the weekend and daytime sailings can be cheaper than sailing overnight

Portsmouth ⇄ Caen

May to mid-july from £73 each way.

Car + 2 passengers. Selected daytime sailings

May to mid-July from £21 each way

Per foot passenger. Selected daytime sailings

Portsmouth ⇄ Le Havre

May and june from £73 each way.

Poole ⇄ Cherbourg

May and june from £123 each way.

Portsmouth ⇄ Cherbourg

May and june from £133 each way.

Car + 2 passengers. Selected overnight sailings with reserved seats

Plymouth ⇄ Roscoff

May and june from £134.50 each way.

Portsmouth ⇄ St Malo

May from £169.50 each way.

Portsmouth ⇄ Santander

May from £362 each way.

Plymouth ⇄ Santander

May and june from £364 each way.

Portsmouth ⇄ Bilbao

May and june from £388 each way.

Our routes and destinations

We take you via the most direct route to France and Spain  for less driving and a longer break.

Ferries to France

Depart from Portsmouth, Plymouth or Poole and travel to Cherbourg, St Malo, Caen, Le Havre or Roscoff for a direct Channel crossing to your holiday in France.

Portsmouth to Caen

Portsmouth to Cherbourg

Portsmouth to Le Havre

Portsmouth to St Malo

Poole to Cherbourg

Plymouth to Roscoff

Ferries to Spain

Set sail on a choice of ferry routes from the UK ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain.

Portsmouth to Bilbao

Portsmouth to Santander

Plymouth to Santander

Ferries to the UK

Ferries from france.

Depart from Cherbourg, St Malo, Caen, Le Havre or Roscoff and travel to Portsmouth, Plymouth or Poole for a direct Channel crossing to the UK.

Caen to Portsmouth

Cherbourg to Portsmouth

Le Havre to Portsmouth

St Malo to Portsmouth

Cherbourg to Poole

Roscoff to Plymouth

Ferries from Spain

Set sail from Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain to the UK ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth.

Santander to Plymouth

Santander to Portsmouth

Bilbao to Portsmouth

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Finding the best ferry fares from the uk.

Compare ferry prices on all Brittany Ferries' ferry routes from England to France and England to Spain, and find the cheapest ferry tickets to all our popular destinations from our ports in Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth. With a choice of flexible ferry tickets, you can book cheap Early Bird tickets or choose the freedom of Flexi - offering you more flexibility if your travel plans change.

What if the ferry tickets I want aren’t on sale yet?

If you’re planning your ferry travel ahead of time, and the tickets for your date haven’t been released yet, you can sign up to our mailing list to be amongst the first to know when we are on sale.

Travelling frequently to France or Spain?

Consider joining Club Voyage , our frequent traveller's club, and enjoy up to 35% off ferry sailings plus many other benefits. Our travel club is ideal for those who travel to France or Spain more than three times a year.

Start planning your next trip

Information to help your journey planning and booking

Your holiday begins on board

Our mission is to put you in a holiday mood as soon as you're on board

To help you plan your next sailing, view our ferry timetables to France and Spain

Port guides

Find out more about our ferry ports in the UK, France, Spain and Ireland

Cabin and kennel availability

Quickly check the availability of cabin accommodation and kennels by route

Taking your pet abroad

What you need to know to make taking your pet on holiday a walk in the park

Priority disembarkation for just £15 each way

Be the first to disembark and start your holiday straight away

Advertised price available on selected sailings based on two people and a standard car (5m long x 1.83m high), or per foot passenger, travelling one way. Supplements apply for larger vehicles, additional passengers, onboard accommodation, pets, bicycle carriers, trailers and caravans. New bookings only. Service charge applies for telephone bookings. Prices shown include the ETS surcharge . Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. General ferry terms and conditions apply.

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Ferry to France

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France is just a short channel hop away

England to France Ferries - Prices from £200

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France is very often the most visited country in the world and the good news is that it's just a short hop away by ferry from the UK. Whether it's charming Paris or the stunning coastline, France has it all including unbelievable food and wine.

How to book a cheap ferry to France

Here are our top tips for finding and booking a cheap ferry to France:

• Decide which port you want to sail from. E.g. Portsmouth or Dover
• Type the route into the search box and choose a route
• You will get results not just for your chosen route but all similar routes
• Choose a time. Early morning or late evening sailings are normally cheaper
• Book well in advance
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Popular France Ferry Questions

How long is the ferry from uk to france.

The quickest ferry crossings to France are from Dover. Dover to Calais ferries take around 90 minutes to cover the 31 mile crossing, while a popular alternative is the Dover to Dunkirk ferry which takes just over 2 hours to complete a 44 mile trip.

Quicker still, the Eurotunnel service from Folkstone to Calais takes just 30 minutes. Ferrysavers includes Eurotunnel in ferry search results as often it is a useful alternative.

Longer crossings are available from Newhaven, Poole and Portsmouth, with crossing times ranging from 4 hours to 11 hours. Longer crossings are popular because cabins can be booked allowing you to rest and even sleep in a private cabin while you travel, which can be particularly useful when you have a long trip ahead on the continent.

Which ferries go to France?

Uk to france.

DFDS, P&O Ferries and Brittany Ferries

Ireland to France

Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries

Channel Islands to France

Manche Iles Express and Condor Ferries

Can you drive a car from England to France?

The vast majority of services from England to France allow you to take your car. Taking a car ferry to France is easy as everything is clearly signposted and staff will be on-hand to help you, and direct you to the right lane for your ferry and where to park once on board. In most cases you will be given a hanger, which is a piece of paper to hang from your rear-view mirror while you travel.

Checking in with your car for Eurotunnel is a similar process, and self-check in is also available allowing you to key in your reference number and obtain your car hanger from a drive-thru kiosk.

What is the cheapest ferry crossing to France?

If you're looking for a cheap ferry to France, then look no further than Dover. With two ferry companies and two ferry routes, prices are competitive and it's always worth comparing. Dunkirk and Calais are both great options in terms of price and convenience, the price will depend on the time of year and time of day you wish to travel, and how far in advance you are booking.

A easy trip with a easy to use web site.

Review by BRIAN OCONNOR

We travelled for the first time in the club lounge. For an extra 14 pounds per person, I would strongly recommend it for anyone who still has a long way to travel after their departure form the ferry. Very confortable, quite and relaxing area to recuperate. Drinks and snacks also included in the price. Personnel very friendly and attentive.

Review by JOSEPH BURKE

Good service, very clean , helpful staff.

Review by HAMID PAYMAYESH

I will use ferrysavers again, they always have good deals.

Review by ABIODUN OGUNNOIKI

Fantastic service. Quick efficient . Loads better than boat crossing. Friendly staff

Review by LOUISE WRAY

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Ferry to France from the UK

Discover the ferry crossings to france from england.

FerryGoGo » France » Ferry to France from the UK

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Most viewed routes

Dover Calais

Newhaven-Dieppe

Plymouth-Roscoff

Portsmouth-saint malo, getting to france from the uk by ferry, ferry route map uk to france, exploring all your options, from portsmouth to france by ferrry, the strait of dover ferries, tickets for the 10 routes to france from the uk, ferries from london to paris, ferries from the uk to the south of france, travelling through france, ferry talk: share your questions and opinions.

If you're planning a journey from the UK to France, you've got several options: flying, driving, taking the train, or catching a ferry. There's a wide range of ferry routes connecting Southern England with Northern France. The most suitable route for you depends on your starting point and your destination.

The quickest crossing is typically Calais-Dover, but if you reside near Portsmouth or Plymouth, there are plenty of logical crossings to the French coast from those locations too.

Below, you'll find a map displaying the ferry routes from England to France, including Dover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk, Plymouth-Roscoff, and various ferries departing from Portsmouth to France.

In all, there are a minimum of 10 ferry routes to France, serving Normandy, Brittany, and Pas-de-Calais. Which crossing is the most sensible choice? Our handy ferry map offers a convenient way to decide, providing a clear visual overview.

But it's worth exploring further! Some vessels offer quicker journeys, while others are more budget-friendly. Alternatively, you might prefer a night crossing where you can catch some sleep, thus saving on an additional hotel stay.

You might also find these ferry guides interesting

• Ferry to France from Ireland
• Ferries to the UK from France
• All ferries to France
• Night Crossings 🌔

Poole-Saint Malo

Poole-cherbourg, portsmouth-cherbourg, portsmouth-le havre, portsmouth-caen.

Dover-Dunkirk

From Portsmouth, there are a total of four ferries departing to different destinations along the French coastline, all operated by Brittany Ferries. You have the option to travel to Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg, or Saint Malo from Portsmouth.

Some of the most popular ferry routes to France are those crossing the narrowest part of The Channel: the ferries from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk.

Ferries from Dover to Calais stand out with their brief 1.5-hour crossing time and affordability compared to other French routes. However, potential delays at border checks can be a downside.

Although these ferries head to France, passengers often use them to travel to Belgium and Germany .

For those bound for Southern-France, the Dover to Calais ferry is a more logical option than the Dover to Dunkirk ferry, which docks further north, near Belgium.

In the map below, you can visually identify the ferries crossing the Strait of Dover. The northernmost one is Dover-Dunkirk, while the southernmost one is Dover-Calais.

Booking ferries from the UK to France is easy with our online booking module. You can find and book your desired ferry crossing in just a few clicks by entering your travel dates and destination. The booking engine will show you all available options and good alternative routes!

Dover-Calais is the shortest crossing

The car ferry from Dover to Calais covers a distance of just 26 miles (42 km), making it the shortest route to France. The ferry journey takes only 90 minutes , and there are up to 35 departures per day during the summer season.

Newhaven Dieppe is a great connection for those who want to travel from London to Paris. You travel with this ferry in a fairly straight line in the direction of the French capital. So you make fewer miles/kilometres and don't have to drive that far on this route.

This route is a very popular alternative to the ferries operating in the Strait of Dover. A good alternative is a ferry to Le Havre from Portsmouth. In this route map below you can easily find the ferry that makes the most sense for your point of departure.

There are no direct ferries to the South of France, but you can opt for a ferry to France that sets you on the right course. Most of these ferries usually depart from Portsmouth, Poole, and Plymouth, ferrying you to Normandy and Brittany.

If you're heading to the south of France and wish to circumvent the traffic around Paris, the ferries from Portsmouth to Le Havre or Caen are an excellent option.

In the map above, you'll find the different crossings to Normandy and Brittany, from where you can conveniently journey further to Southern France, the Côte d'Azur, and Provence.

In combination with the ferry, most people make the crossing with their car.

PS. Do remember that you have to drive on the right side of the road!

The good roads are unfortunately not always free. In France, you travel a lot on toll roads. These do not cost much, but the amount can add up considerably over a long drive to the South. In Google Maps, a function allows you to avoid toll roads. That will surely help save a bit!

A typical toll booth in France

If you don't go by car, you can choose to travel through France by train. The country is known for its good connections with the TGV. The stations are easily accessible from some ports of arrival, but you could also consider travelling through the Channel Tunnel with the Eurostar. In Paris, you can then change to other connections or get off.

Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!

Fastest ferry route uk to france

Hi Kenneth,

That would be the Dover to Calais crossing – approx 90 mins.

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in France set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact France’s Embassy in the UK .

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Public spaces

You’re strongly recommended to wear a face mask in health settings. In some areas, people aged 6 and above may need to wear a face mask.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the French Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Passport stamping

At French border control, you may need to:

• show proof of where you intend to stay, for example, a hotel booking or proof of address if visiting your own property
• show proof of insurance for your trip – check FCDO’s travel insurance guidance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your whole stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through France as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you live in France, read our Living in France guide for passport stamping information.

Proof of accommodation and funds

You may need to show proof of where you intend to stay. Read about documents you may need for short stays on the French government website . This will differ depending on where you are staying.

Staying with family, friends or a third party

You may be asked to provide an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) from your host. The French resident hosting you must get the ‘attestation d’accueil’ from their local mayor’s office, and send the original ‘attestation’ before you enter France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €32.50 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Second homes in France

You will need to be able to prove ownership or tenancy of your property, such as a tax or utility bill.

Staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation

You may be asked for confirmation of your reservation when entering France. Be prepared to show proof that you have at least €65 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

Other circumstances

If you do not have an ‘attestation d’accueil’ (welcome invitation) or any pre-booked accommodation, you may be asked to prove you have at least €120 euros a day for the duration of your stay.

For more information on these requirements, visit the French government’s website on travel conditions for British citizens.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area, which France is part of, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to France and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you will need to meet the French government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa you may need on the France Visas website .

If you are travelling to France for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in France with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

British citizens who cannot return to the UK before their visa, permit or visa-free limit expires should contact their local prefecture in France .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of France. Check the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise website . Declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

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Bon Voyage: Why you should skip the airport and take a ferry to France this summer

Forget the stress of airport parking, long queues and separating your liquids, EVOKE discovered the joys of travelling by sea on our recent trip to the North of France.

Thoughts of ferry travel often come in the form of seasickness, windowless rooms and budget dining, but my journey from Cork to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries put all those preconceptions to bed.

Waking up in the lovely sea-side village of Roscoff after an evening spent enjoying a fantastic meal, fabulous cocktails and a comfortable night’s sleep, if you’re looking for a great start to your next holiday here’s why you should skip the airport and opt for hopping on board the ferry instead.

Following a train ride from Heuston to Cork City and a quick taxi to the harbour, the process of checking into the Pont-Aven, Brittany Ferries’ flagship cruise, couldn’t have been simpler compared to the chaos I’m used to when catching a flight.

Shortly after showing our passports, we headed to the Commodore Suites to get settled. The rooms were spacious and bright and featured a balcony to soak in the views as we waved Ireland goodbye – a far cry from the cramped, tiny cabins that many imagine when thinking of a ferry’s sleeping quarters. Setting sail while enjoying a complimentary box of macarons was the best way to kick off our French adventure on a magnifique note.

First up on our agenda on the 16-hour overnight journey was a meeting with the Captain where we were invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at what went into navigating such a huge vessel and, after blindly volunteering, I got the chance to press the button that sounded the ship’s fog horn – now that’s something you don’t get to do every day!

With plenty of brilliant amenities on board including three bars, two restaurants, a kid’s club, a cinema and a pool that opens from May to September, our next stop was Pont-Aven’s on-board spa which is the perfect spot to unwind with the girls.

They offer manicures, pedicures, facials and a whole assortment of self-care must-trys.

We enjoyed a massage before heading over to Le Grand Pavois bar for a quick Aperol Spritz pitstop.

Having forgotten a French plug adaptor, I was able to easily pick one up at La Boutique, the well-stocked shop that stocks everything from fine wines and spirits to leather bags and designer sunglasses.

Helping to point me in the right direction, all the staff on the Pont-Aven were very friendly and spoke both English and French.

With two restaurants to choose from including a self-service option La Belle Angéle , we made our way to Le Flora for a three-course meal.

Starting the evening with a selection of picky bits including charcuterie, smoked salmon and cheeses chosen from the buffet, I ordered the pork which was served with baby potatoes and a side salad garnished with edible flowers.

After the main course, I chose chocolate mousse from the dessert buffet, featuring a huge bowl of rum babas, fruit tarts and pretty French pastries.

In an extra luxurious touch, I woke up to a continental breakfast complete with croissants and pain-au-chocolats which was delivered to my room before landing at Roscoff – what a perfect way to start a busy day full of sightseeing.

Things To Do

On day one, we started with a two-hour drive to Pont-Aven, the gorgeous French village that inspired the name of the Brittany Ferries ship we had arrived on that morning.

During our guided tour of the historic town known as the ‘Cité des Peintres’ we learned how the beautiful rivers attracted famous artists such as Paul Gaugin and Claude Monet and the whole place really did feel straight out of a painting – added to all the more by people sketching on the water’s edge.

Somehow getting a sunburn on our short stint outdoors, which let all the locals know I was a tourist, we then tapped into our inner artists at the Pont-Aven museum where we learned more about the history of the area.

After a twenty-minute drive, we then landed at the coast in Pointe de Tévignon. Following a scenic seaside walk and a delicious seafood lunch at Restaurant Le Casier, we headed to an oyster farm to try one of these local delicacies – unfortunately, nova virus had impacted the supply so we just had to settle for prawns and white wine by the water instead!

We finished the day off with a visit to the thatched village of Le Hénan before dining in the phenomenal restaurant of our boutique hotel La Pension du Moulin back in Pont-Aven – one particular highlight was the amazing elderflower wine.

With no rest for the wicked, we were up and out by 9 o'clock the next morning for a trip to La Vallée des Saints in Carnoet, an epic outdoor site filled with huge stone-carved statues complete with an appearance of our own St. Patrick no less.

It was uncanny how similar the Irish landscape is to the countryside in this part of France – although I’m sure their fields get plenty more sun.

Morlaix was the village of the day and boasted amazing sceneries, quaint French bistros and picture-perfect cobbled streets – somewhere you could get lost exploring for hours.

To get a great birds-eye view, make sure to climb to the top of the towering viaduct which has incredible views.

What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than a touch of apple cider tasting at CozMezou where we were able to sample mouthwatering ciders ranging from dry to super sweet.

We weren’t stopping as next up was a visit to a local beer farm where more sampling was on the menu – pale ales, stouts, IPAs and even more cider!

That night I finally got my oyster at the rustic L’Ecume des Jours restaurant after making our return to our original landing point of Roscoff.

Before hopping back on the ferry at Roscoff on our final day, we met a seaweed harvester at Algoplus, a relatively new industry to this part of France.

Seaweed treats were on the menu including sea spaghetti, dulse sprinkled caramel and a tasty selection of other salty delights.

One thing I really appreciated about getting the ferry over was there were no luggage weight limits to think about or bag size stressing – which played a huge role in me returning with about three extra bags filled with souvenirs, a bottle of Lambig, an apple brandy I picked up at the cider farm, seaweed face masks and a huge tin of galettes Bretons – a regional, and very tasty type of biscuit.

Once again returning to the idyllic French countryside, a meeting with Éric Quéméner, who’s father was a Johnny or a Roscoff onion farmer, on his farm Maison Quéméner was next up on the cards.

Following a quick how-to from Éric, I then tried my hand at some onion braiding before we were sent home with the best souvenir possible – a bunch of pink Roscoff onions braided to perfection!

Spending the afternoon in Carantec, we enjoyed a glass of red wine with our delicious lunch at La Table de Ty Potes (when in Rome) and afterward got our steps in while taking in the views of the coast.

If you’ve not considered getting the ferry before, I would definitely recommend checking out the Pont-Aven – it really sets the bar for traveling by sea.

Before even arriving at our final destination, it felt as though the holiday had already been in full swing - I mean what other form of transport includes cocktails, a fantastic three-course meal and a restful night sleep in luxurious surroundings?

Prices in May start from €246 each way for a car and two passengers on selected overnight journeys from Cork to Roscoff and from €180 for two people travelling without a car.

Find more information about travelling from Cork to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries here and for more things to do while you're there check out Brittany Tourism here .

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Is it safe to travel to France? The latest advice

T he French government has raised its terror alert to the highest possible level, “emergency”, following the terror attack in Moscow that left more than 135 people dead.

French prime minister Gabriel Attal said the decision was taken “in light of the Islamic State’s claiming responsibility for the [Moscow] attack and the threats weighing on our country”.

France’s terror threat system has three levels. The highest level is announced if there is a terrorist attack in France or overseas, or if an attack on French soil is considered to be imminent.

France was already on high alert for potential terrorist attacks, with the Paris Olympics and Paralympics due to take place in the capital this summer.

The updated terror alert comes just days before the UK Easter school holidays, when thousands of British holidaymakers will travel across the Channel for a getaway.

What is the Foreign Office advice for France?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) France advice, which was last updated on February 20, reads: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”

“Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities,” the FCDO adds.

The FCDO lists shopping centres, entertainment establishments, cultural events, public transport and places of worship as settings where “indiscriminate” terrorism attacks could take place.

Check the France FCDO page for the latest advice.

What happened in the Moscow terror attack?

On Friday, terrorists carried out an attack at the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow, killing at least 137 and injuring 140.

Four men, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, have been formally charged with committing a group terrorist attack. The attack has been claimed by the Afghanistan-based Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) group.

On March 7, the United States warned its citizens in Russia that extremists had “imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow” and specifically mentioned concert venues. It advised Americans to avoid large gatherings.

What should I do if I get caught up in a terrorist attack?

Britain’s counter-terrorism police gives advice on what to do in the event of an emergency . This includes to run to a place of safety: “This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate.” To hide: “It is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so.” And to tell: “Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. For all EU countries call 112.”

Have there been recent terrorist attacks in France?

There have been a number of terrorist attacks in France over the past decade. In January 2015, eight cartoonists, two guests and two police officers were murdered at the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo . The gunmen identified as belonging to al-Qaeda.

In November that year, in the deadliest terrorist attack in French history, 131 people were killed and 413 were injured in a series of shooting and grenade attacks at the Bataclan music venue, near the Stade de France and at several restaurants and bars across Paris. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

In July 2016, 86 people were killed and 434 injured in Nice after a 19-tonne cargo truck was driven into crowds during Bastille Day celebrations on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Again Islamic State claimed responsibility.

What if I want to cancel my trip to France?

If you have booked a package holiday to France and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates. 

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any advice against travel to France, there is no guarantee that you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

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Discover Le Havre, Where Impressionism Was Born

The movement was named for a seascape Monet painted in this often-overlooked city, France’s largest seaport. But it has a museum full of Impressionist canvases, intriguing architecture and a new energy.

By Elaine Sciolino

As the fog of dawn lifted one morning in mid-November 1872, Claude Monet looked out the window of his hotel room in the French city of Le Havre and furiously painted his vision of its industrial harbor. He flung his brush with quick strokes and played with the water, stretching it with rays of color.

In one sitting, he created “Impression, Sunrise,” a painting of a vivid orange sun with its reflection shimmering in the sea.

In 1874, Monet, who grew up in Le Havre on the Normandy coast, included the painting in an exhibition of 30 artists’ work organized in response to the Paris Salon, an annual showcase of academic art. The critic Louis Leroy denounced “The Exhibition of the Impressionists” and mocked the title of Monet’s painting. “An impression, I’m sure,” he wrote. “I thought to myself, this has made an impression on me so there must be impressions somewhere in there.”

Impressionism was born.

This year, France is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the movement. In Paris, the Musée d’Orsay is exhibiting 130 works from and related to the 1874 exhibition and offering a one-hour immersive tour with virtual reality headsets. It is sending 178 other works to more than 30 museums throughout France.

The Musée Marmottan , which owns “Impression, Sunrise,” has agreed to lend it to the Orsay until July for its exhibition “Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism” and to the National Gallery in Washington where the exhibition travels in September.

But to discover a fresh and unexpected view of Impressionism requires a visit to Le Havre, France’s most important seaport and its most underappreciated big city.

Snubbed by tourists

Once there was a direct New York-to-Le Havre route on the French Line, whose luxury cruise liners pampered rich Americans with fancy suites and fine French cuisine. Le Havre was their first point of entry into the Old World.

But in more recent times, cruises and tour operators preferred to take their passengers to the Normandy beaches and to charming, quaint Honfleur on the other side of the Seine estuary, rather than to gritty Le Havre. Even today, many Parisians have never visited.

“It used to be that people who came from Le Havre rarely admitted it,” said Édouard Philippe, the mayor of Le Havre and a former French prime minister, in an interview. “People made fun of them. A bit like how people from New Jersey got used to being made fun of because they lived on industrial land that was less beautiful than New York. That all changed. Le Havre is now in fashion.”

To prove his point, he picked up a coffee mug with an intersecting L and H — the new emblem of Le Havre that adorns products — like T-shirts and tote bags — sold throughout the city.

It’s worth a trip to Le Havre just to visit the Musée d’Art Moderne André Malraux , which opened in 1961.

With its white walls, steel frame and floor-to-ceiling glass facade that gives a view out to the sea, the museum allows visitors to revel in the light — luminous and somber — produced by the fickle weather of Normandy. A second-floor balcony that looks out over the museum’s outdoor esplanade and the sea adds to the feeling of openness.

“There was a desire from the beginning to make the museum open to the great spectacle of the changing elements outside,” said Géraldine Lefebvre, the museum’s director.

MuMa, as it is called, has arguably the most important collection of Impressionist paintings in France outside the Musée d’Orsay ( Rouen’s Musée des Beaux-Arts makes the same claim). MuMa’s collection is also home to some of the world’s most famous paintings from the Fauvist movement that followed. And unlike the gridlocked Orsay, MuMa is always gloriously undervisited.

“Go to the Orsay, and then come here,” said Ms. Lefebvre. “We battle a little with Rouen, but in terms of the numbers of works and their quality, we are No. 2.”

Ms. Lefebvre has studied and written about Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise.” She worked for a year with Donald Olson, a Texas State University astronomer and physics professor who used topographical, meteorological and astrological studies to calculate the precise date and time of its creation. According to Dr. Olson, she said, Monet painted it at 7:35 a.m. on Nov. 13, 1872.

The Hotel de l’Amirauté, where Monet stayed when he painted “Impression, Sunrise,” is long gone — replaced by a modern apartment building with a bar-bistro and a gift shop on the ground floor.

Ms. Lefebvre and I visited the site, and she captured the scene: “It was winter; the temperature was freezing. The wind was blowing from the west. The light was just coming up from the sea. The moment the sun came up, he worked in one great burst of energy.”

Rebuilt after World War II

Le Havre is not an ancient city like Paris. When the French king François I created the port of Le Havre in 1517, priority was to create “un havre” — a harbor — that would serve as both a military site to protect France from invaders and a commercial port to open Paris to the world. The city was an afterthought.

Trade exploded over time. Wealthy merchants built grand homes in the coastal town of Sainte-Adresse, northwest of Le Havre.

In August 1944, the British Air Force rained bombs on the city and its inhabitants; 2,000 civilians were killed, 80,000 were left homeless and more than 80 percent of the city was destroyed.

In the 1950s, the French architect Auguste Perret , working with a tight budget and on a deadline, oversaw Le Havre’s reconstruction. A master of precast concrete, he used the cheap, plentiful material to build 150 residential blocks with identical modular frames, a rectangular grid system of streets, and wide sidewalks and boulevards. All the apartments had central heat and modern appliances.

The buildings once were considered ugly. At first glance, they all look alike; then you discover that the concrete came in different shades — creamy beige, gray, taupe, khaki, terra-cotta, ocher — and that the geometric columns and beams were finished with varying patterns and textures (from mottled stone to a smooth velvety feel).

“My concrete is more beautiful than stone,” Perret said. “I work it, I chisel it.”

Perret’s geometric architecture has aged well, and midcentury design is now chic. In 2005, Le Havre was the first example of French Modern architecture to achieve UNESCO World Heritage classification , cited as a model of urban experimentation and reconstruction. (Visitors can take a guided tour of a model apartment in a Perret building .)

Perret’s St. Joseph’s Church , completed in 1957, three years after his death, soars to 350 feet and resembles a small-scale New York City skyscraper. Concrete columns rise to angled buttresses and an octagonal cupola. The steeple is lined with more than 12,000 panes of stained glass.

Inside the church, Philippe Mariette, a retired architect who knew Perret, told me to look up at the reflections from the colored panels that dance on the unadorned walls. “No matter how many times I lift my head, I am always astonished,” he said.

A transformed city center

Le Havre has undergone an architectural transformation in recent years. In the center of town is Le Volcan , a partly underground complex designed by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. It consists of a volcano-shaped theater and a smaller crater converted into a library — with quirky seating pods that are great for kids. On the waterfront is Les Bains des Docks , a swimming complex and spa with pools, hammams, Jacuzzis and solariums designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel; inspired by ancient Roman baths, it is covered in 32 million tiny mosaic tiles. Nearby is the Docks Vauban , a mall with a cinema, restaurants and high-end boutiques.

There is one place in Le Havre that captures the city in time. The Maison de l’Armateur , the mansion of a family of shipowners-merchants and now a museum, is one of the city’s only surviving buildings from the 18th century, with a facade sculpted in Louis XVI style.

Wedged between tall buildings on the quay facing the port, where fishing boats and ferries are moored, it is designed like a tower around an octagonal light shaft and skylight, with rooms on five levels, including the ground floor, where a warehouse and stables were located. The house contains living quarters, a study, portraits, cabinets of curiosities, a library, a map room and a kitchen — all evoking the daily life of the bourgeoisie.

A garden where Monet painted

In the summer of 1867, while visiting his aunt in Sainte-Adresse, Monet painted “Garden at Sainte-Adresse,” which now hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

“People know Sainte-Adresse because of the painting,” said François Rosset, a longtime resident who is president of its heritage association. “It’s a formidable vehicle for our town.”

Years ago, Sainte-Adresse refused to give up its independent status and become part of Le Havre. But a three-mile pedestrian and biking trail along the waterfront connects the town and the center of Le Havre. Part of the town was destroyed during the bombings, but many of the old estates on the outskirts were untouched.

Monet’s aunt’s house, which is privately owned, stays empty for much of the year. The main gate to the garden entrance was open on the day I visited. An employee on the grounds let me in for a peek at the site, with its red brick house with white shutters. .

Hubert Dejan de la Bâtie, the mayor of Sainte-Adresse, has dreams of buying and renovating the house and transforming the area into a tourist attraction.

“Maybe I can’t do as well as Giverny,” he said in an interview, referring to the house where Monet lived for 43 years. “But Monet spent his childhood in Le Havre, and maybe we can do a second center for Monet tourism here. We just have to make the project sexy.”

The train from Paris to Le Havre takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes. One-way tickets start from an average of €16 (or about $17) when booked in advance through SNCF Connect .

Hôtel Vent d’Ouest Le Havre is in the city center, across the street from St. Joseph Church, a four-minute walk from the harbor and a seven-minute walk from Le Volcan. Cozy and refined country-style décor. Rooms start at €117.

Hôtel Mercure Le Havre Centre Bassin du Commerce , an ultramodern hotel with décor inspired by the port’s containers, is centrally located only a 15-minute walk from the Maison de l’Armateur and MuMa, and a 10-minute walk from the railway station. Rooms start at €98.

Le Bistrot des Halles offers authentic French cuisine in a charming retro setting, with walls decorated with old metal advertising signs. A favorite of locals (about €20 per person for lunch).

Les Fauves , a cafe and restaurant at MuMa, serves versions of French classics and creative desserts in an upscale room with views of the water (about €20 to €30 per person for lunch).

Elaine Sciolino is a contributing writer and former Paris bureau chief for The New York Times, based in France since 2002. Her newest book, “Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love With the World’s Greatest Museum,” will be published in 2025. In 2010, she was decorated a chevalier of the Legion of Honor, the highest honor of the French state.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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‘SNL’: RFK Jr.’s Brain Worm Dings ‘Vanderpump Rules’ Star Tom Sandoval On Weekend Update; Colin Jost Jokes About Marvel & Staten Island Ferry

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Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” segment leaned into the brain worm that U.S. presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said got into his head.

Sarah Sherman had the honors of dressing up as a worm and took a jab at Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval , who became known as “the worm with a mustache” after co-star James Kennedy yelled that out during the Season 10 reunion.

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“RFK’s body was a worm’s paradise,” Sherman said as the brain worm. “Not a single drop of vaccine in sight. My whole parasite posse hung out in there. Shoutout to hookworm… that fish that swims up your pee stream and my man, Tom Sandoval.”

Sandoval remains in infamy after his cheating scandal exploded into the mainstream. The Bravo star had been in an almost decade-long relationship with co-star Ariana Madix and was exposed to be having an affair with another co-star, Rachel Leviss, in what became known as “Scandoval.”

In February, SNL had already called out Sandoval on Weekend Update , labeling him a “narcissist.”

Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost also cracked a joke at his own expense, referring to the Staten Island ferry he and former SNL co-star Pete Davidson bought .

Jost informed viewers that this year marked the first time since 2009 that a Marvel Studios production had not kicked out the summer movie season.

“[It] better be a one time thing because a lot of people rely on Marvel movies to pay for the ferries they bought,” Jost joked.

Jost is married to Scarlett Johansson, who portrayed Black Widow across the MCU.

You can see the quip and a Gollum/ Challengers joke above. The Weekend Update opening segment is below.

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Olympic flame reaches France for 2024 Paris Olympics aboard a 19th century sailing ship

By Elaine Cobbe

Updated on: May 8, 2024 / 3:49 PM EDT / CBS News

Paris  — Crowds started gathering early Wednesday morning around Marseille's Old Port as a 19th century sailing ship carrying the Olympic flame appeared on the horizon. More than 1,000 boats accompanied the Belem, a three-mast schooner, as it approached the harbor of France's second-largest city in a slow maritime parade on calm seas under a clear blue sky.

The flame was brought ashore Wednesday evening by four-time French Olympic medalist, swimmer Florent Manaudou. He passed the torch to Paralympian Nantenin Keita, who then gave it to French rap star Jul, who is from Marseille. He took it and lit the Olympic cauldron at the Old Port in front of an expected crowd of 150,000 people.

City officials said a billion more people were expected to watch the event live on television around the world — a first spectacle for fans less than three months before the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics kick off on July 26.

Several sports stars were expected to take part in the parade, including former NBA star Tony Parker and Ivory Coast soccer great Didier Drogba, as well as charity and entertainment figures. French President Emmanuel Macron was among those in Marseille to watch the arrival. Fireworks and a free open-air concert were set to continue into the night.

The flame was transported from Greece aboard the Belem. During the 12-day voyage, the flame was very much a part of everyday life on the historic vessel. The crew even brought it to the table during meals and guarded it carefully as rough weather whipped up wild waves.

The festivities continue in Marseille on Thursday, when the flame will begin a 68-day, 7,500-mile journey through France, taking in both the mainland and France's overseas territories. Some 11,000 torchbearers will carry it through 65 French territories, stopping at more than 450 towns and cities along the way, as well as many iconic and historic sites.

From Marseille, it will be taken across southern France, including a crossing to the island of Corsica, before heading to southwest France, up the west coast to Normandy and then on to Brittany. From there, the flame will take to the seas again to visit Guadeloupe and Martinique. Another torch will be presented in the far-flung territories of French Guiana, Réunion and French Polynesia.

On the mainland, the Olympic flame will visit Lascaux in the southwest, where ancient paintings cover cave walls; the medieval fortress of Carcassonne; Versailles Palace; Mont Saint-Michel; and the castles of the Loire Valley. It will travel through vineyards and visit some of the Olympic sites.

Throughout the journey, the Olympic torch relay, which kicked off in Greece last month , will highlight some of the major figures who inspired and contributed to French culture, from Joan of Arc to Charles de Gaulle and singer Edith Piaf.

The relay will end in Paris on July 26 for the opening ceremony on the River Seine — the first-ever Olympic curtain-raiser held outside of a stadium.

"It's something we've been waiting for a very long time," chief organizer Tony Estanguet said Monday, referring to the 100 years since Paris last staged the Summer Games. "The Games are coming home."

France, which also hosted the 1900 Games, sees itself at the heart of the modern Olympic movement. It was a French aristocrat, Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the idea of the Games practiced by the Greeks until the 4th century B.C.

Wednesday's highly choreographed ceremony is a first test for the French organizing committee, which has been hit by criticism over the cost of tickets and disruption to venue towns, especially Paris, where transport and other public works have blighted the landscape for the past two years.

Security is also a concern, and the Marseille event provided a first test for that, too. France is on its highest terror alert following revelations that the same ISIS affiliate suspected of attacking a Moscow concert hall in March had plans to also attack France.

Around 6,000 law enforcement personnel were on duty in Marseille for the arrival of the flame.

"It's completely unprecedented for the national police to mobilize so many people on the same day at the same place," regional police coordinator Cedric Esson told reporters ahead of the event.

Around 200 members of France's security forces will accompany the flame throughout the relay. They will include an antiterrorism SWAT team and antidrone operatives.

• Every Paris Olympics medal carries a piece of the Eiffel Tower

The designers of the 2024 Olympic torch say it's all about symbolism. It's made of lightweight steel for purity, and it narrows at the top and bottom in a symmetry meant to reflect equality and parity.

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Elaine Cobbe is a CBS News correspondent based in Paris. A veteran journalist with more than 20 years of experience covering international events, Cobbe reports for CBS News' television, radio and digital platforms.

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They Couldn’t Afford Taylor Swift Tickets in America. So They Flew to France

By Emily Zemler

Emily Zemler

Last summer, Wenfei Xie, a doctor from Kansas City, Missouri, went to see Taylor Swift in her hometown. She met a fellow Swiftie at the show who had reached out to Paris La Défense Arena in France to purchase tickets to Swift’s four-night stand. The fan had been shocked to learn that tickets cost significantly lower than in the U.S. Xie booked a VIP suite for herself and a few college friends, but her overseas travel plans quickly spiraled. Ultimately, Xie arranged for 12 VIP suites over three nights for a total of 291 people, many of whom are members of a Facebook group for physicians. 

Xie, who began planning the trip last summer with numerous spreadsheets to keep track of all the attendees, didn’t profit off the endeavor. Each person paid €1,700 (around $1,834) face value for suite access that includes food, champagne, and private bathrooms. By comparison, suite tickets for Swift’s concerts in Miami or New Orleans are currently selling for $5,000 to $8,000 each without any food or beverage provided. 

“People ask, ‘Why did you do it?’” Xie says. “But how many times in your life do you have an opportunity like this? To bring so many cool people together and see what kind of joy that it brings them has been really cool.”

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Many missed out on last summer’s U.S. dates or struggled to buy tickets for the upcoming North American leg, which costs thousands on StubHub. Resale laws in France have kept congruent ticket inflation at bay, encouraging fans to spend their money on airline tickets and hotels to experience the Eras Tour overseas instead. For many, the flights were less than domestic U.S. flights, and the sheer volume of hotels ensures that affordable options exist. It was an opportunity a lot of North American Swifties couldn’t resist. 

In France, the law specifies that tickets for sporting and cultural events can’t be sold above face value. Ticketmaster France provides a seller-to-seller reseller platform, which is governed by these regulations. “You may not list resale tickets for a price above the face value of the primary tickets, except with the agreement of the event organizer which you will be informed of when you offer resale tickets for sale on the resale platform,” the vendor notes in its rules.  

Watch Taylor Swift Play ‘Hey Stephen,’ ‘Maroon’ at Eras Tour in Paris

Taylor swift debuts 'my boy only breaks his favorite toys' live at paris eras tour, watch paramore perform 'burning down the house’ live in paris.

As StubHub’s chief business officer Cris Miller told Rolling Stone in 2022, “We believe artists have a right to be able to sell their tickets at whatever price they see fit. And similarly, once that ticket is rightfully purchased by a consumer, we respect that ticket holder’s right and freedom to resell their ticket, freely as a truly free market should allow.”

That free market has led to some serious FOMO for Swifties who want to see their favorite artist perform live. Parents feel an added pressure to score tickets for their kids, which becomes amplified when their friends get to go and they don’t, a result of both availability and cost. The solution? Head to Europe. 

“They feel like, ‘The cool kids are going, why am I not going?’” says Washington state resident Jennifer Johnson, who brought her teenage daughter to Paris after failing to get U.S. tickets. “There’s going to be a portion of sales that are completely random, because it is just who gets chosen from the ticket lottery. But then there are the people who will dish out $10,000 for a ticket. It becomes the haves and the have-nots for the people who are willing to buy those tickets.” 

Last summer, Cheri McCormick’s 13-year-old daughter, Ellie, was so desperate to see Swift perform she stood in the parking lot of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for four hours to “Taygate” an Eras Tour concert from outside the venue. McCormick tried to buy tickets but couldn’t get a code via Ticketmaster. At the time, resell tickets went for $2,500-3,000 for obstructed-view seats. 

Ellie’s dream is coming true this week in Paris. McCormick purchased two tickets for $1,500, which she says is “easily at least half or even a quarter of the cost of lesser seats with obstructed views in much larger stadiums for the upcoming U.S. shows.” She booked flights and a hotel using points, making a vacation in Paris a “far less expensive venture” than a concert in Santa Clara. 

When Swift announced the initial leg of the Eras Tour in 2022, Swiftie outrage from the tour’s infamous Ticketmaster on-sale reignited conversation around the broken ticket marketplace, both against the live music giant Live Nation Entertainment (Ticketmaster’s parent company) and the resale market. While Ticketmaster was the official selling partner for tickets, thousands of fans were out of luck before Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan presale even ended. Fans had to sign up for the presale and be “invited” for a chance to buy tickets, but few people actually got the chance to place an order.

But due to France’s stricter laws, Shelly Ferry was able to turn the Eras Tour Paris shows into a full-on family holiday. She traveled to France from Great Falls, Virginia, with her 15-year-old daughter, two of her daughter’s friends, and her three sons, ages five, seven, and 14. She initially purchased VIP tickets through the venue for night two totaling €780 (around $840), and then an additional four floor seats through the ticket lottery for night one for €300 (around $323) total. 

Ferry decided to fly overseas after pricing out a similar trip to Florida. “I would have loved to see Taylor in Miami and had reached out to rent a suite, but the tickets came out to $17,712 for four people without flight, hotel, rental car, parking, etc.,” she says. “We’re going to Paris [and] seeing Taylor Swift for two nights for significantly less. At the last minute, I decided to take my three boys and even with the plane tickets, the extra hotel room, and concert tickets, we were still spending almost the same or less than Miami or L.A.”

Carolyn Emerson, who is part of Xie’s group of physician fans, brought her husband along for the show to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. “There’s a mania around this tour that has gotten out of control, and the ticket sellers and scalpers love having a scarce product to sell,” Emerson says. “What concerns me is the process, stress, uncertainty, queueing, refreshing, and dynamic pricing that it takes to even buy tickets nowadays. There need to be laws passed prohibiting reselling above face value. You should be able to resell your ticket if you can’t go, but prevent people buying tickets just so they can make a profit on reselling them.”

Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s Global Travel Trends Expert, confirms that it can be better value for North American fans to seek out Eras Tour concerts in Europe. “You’re unlikely to make huge savings, but combining cheap overseas flights and accommodation with cheaper concert tickets can sometimes mean a similar overall cost,” Lindsay says. “If you’re able to travel for the concerts in Europe, your memories of seeing the tour might also include some incredible French pastries, Norwegian fashionista-spotting, or Italian pasta. Prices are driven by demand and supply, and a strong dollar means European hotels might be cheaper than their equivalent in the United States. So, for example, instead of traveling on busy domestic flights over July Fourth weekend, it might be cheaper to fly to Amsterdam for the Eras Tour dates.”

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Tickets for the European dates are still available on resale websites. The European leg of the Eras Tour will run through the summer, wrapping with a five-night stand in London in August. After that, Swift will play a final round of shows in North America, with concerts scheduled in Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Toronto, and Vancouver. In December, the Eras Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, according to live music trade publication Pollstar , with the tour becoming the first to gross more than $1 billion.

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Air Vanuatu collapse leaves teenage Rotary club volunteers stranded on island of Tanna

More than a dozen Australians volunteering in Vanuatu for a youth project run by Hive Rotary Club Australia have been stranded on the island of Tanna following the liquidation of Air Vanuatu .

Air Vanuatu said on Thursday afternoon all international flights until Sunday were cancelled, and flights after that day were "under review".

The Australians are part of a group of 18 people that also includes exchange students from Switzerland, Germany and other European countries.

The group is in Vanuatu to run health clinics and provide medical assistance and training. 

Fourteen people from the group are between the ages of 15 and 18.

The group flew into Port Vila on Sunday, May 5.

Hive Rotary president Kellie Kadaoui said there was a lot of talk about the airline's situation when they arrived in Port Vila.

"It was pretty well known to everyone that they were going into insolvency," she said.

"I pretty well have been trying to find out since Thursday how we get home."

Facing extra costs of up to $3,500 each 

Since Thursday, Ms Kadaoui has been trying to get answers from Air Vanuatu, Qantas and the Australian consulate.

The group was scheduled to fly with Air Vanuatu from Tanna to Port Vila on Saturday, May 18 and then fly back to Australia.

The other two options are taking a boat into Port Vila, which comes two days a week to Tanna, Ms Kadaoui said.

It's not a passenger ferry but an ordinary boat, which would be quite an uncomfortable trip, she said.

The other option of getting out of Tanna is by private charter and for a group of 18 would cost about $5,000, Ms Kadaoui said.

Ms Kadaoui said the Australian consulate had told them to contact their travel agent.

The Smartraveller website's latest update for Vanuatu informs Australians affected by cancellations to contact their travel agent or insurance company about rescheduling.

The agent has told them that they can't do anything unless they're prepared to pay up to $3,500   per person to come home, which Ms Kadaoui said was "not something we're in a position to do."

Ms Kadaoui said their travel insurer through Rotary didn't cover insolvency and wouldn't cover them to come home, something the group did not know before.

'Let down' 

Added to that is the prospect of not being able to make their Qantas codeshare flight from Port Vila to Sydney on Sunday, May 19 and then connecting flights to Albury, Melbourne and Adelaide, Ms Kadaoui said.

"I feel very let down. I'm a Qantas frequent flyer," she said.

Her Qantas app still shows that she's scheduled to fly out of Port Vila to Sydney on Sunday, May 19.

"They've said on their socials that they've contacted everyone. Well there are five of us on a Qantas e-ticket and none of us have heard from Qantas," she said.

"When we land in Sydney, we've all got connecting flights to Albury, Melbourne, or Adelaide and Qantas will basically penalise us if we don't catch our flight on Sunday."

The penalty will be anything between $100 and $200 per person to change the flight, Ms Kadaoui said.

"Their codeshare airline is not flying so we should not have to pay a fee to change our flight.

"If they are servicing Qantas customers in Vanuatu, we are not one of them.

“We have got our faith in the hands of big players and we are hoping that one of them will come to the party and help us."

Normal trading intended to resume 'as soon as possible'

Qantas advised that it has a dedicated line set up for impacted customers, regarding codeshare tickets for travel from Port Vila to Australia.

In a statement on Friday, Ernest and Young, which has been appointed as liquidators for Air Vanuatu, said it would "conduct safety and maintenance checks before the resumption of normal operations".

"The liquidators intend to resume normal trading as soon as possible, while considering all opportunities to place the carrier on a stronger footing," the statement says. 

"Affected travellers will be informed of this disruption and rebooked on flights as soon as operations resume.

"The existing management team will remain in place and will work closely with the liquidators through this process."

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