Travel from the UK to France This Winter: Ferries, Money Tips, and What to Expect

Travel from the UK to France This Winter: Ferries, Money Tips, and What to Expect

UK to France travel in winter 2025: ferry routes, weather risks, money-saving tips, and how to cut costs with better currency conversion. Practical guide for British travellers.

Winter travel between the UK and France has quietly surged again in 2025. Whether it’s Christmas markets in Strasbourg, a food-and-wine getaway in Normandy, or simply visiting family across the Channel, more travellers are rediscovering ferries as a calmer, flexible alternative to flying.

This guide brings together what UK travellers need to know right now: winter ferry schedules, expected weather disruptions, smart payment options that save money abroad, and practical tips for navigating France during the colder months.

1. Why More UK Travellers Are Choosing the Ferry in Winter

Winter ferry traffic increases for two reasons: predictable holiday demand and unpredictable winter aviation issues. Storms across the UK and northern France frequently disrupt flight schedules from November through January, while ferry operators tend to maintain steadier timetables.

For UK visitors, ferries offer additional advantages:

  • No luggage restrictions beyond what fits in your car.
  • More flexible rebooking during bad weather compared with airlines.
  • Direct access into France’s quieter regions like Brittany, Normandy and Pays de la Loire—without relying on Paris airports.
  • Ability to bring pets, which is especially valued by UK retirees and long-stay travellers.

2. Winter 2025 Ferry Options: What to Expect

Brittany Ferries remains the primary operator for UK→France routes in winter, with dependable crossings from Portsmouth, Plymouth and Poole to ports along the French west coast.

For travellers wanting accurate schedules, flexible bookings, and winter-specific updates, see the operator directly via:

Check Brittany Ferries Routes & Winter Offers

Most popular seasonal routes include:

  • Portsmouth → Caen: the most reliable winter route, with both daytime and overnight options.
  • Plymouth → Roscoff: fewer crossings in winter but ideal for reaching Brittany.
  • Portsmouth → St Malo: attractive for December–January travellers heading to Christmas markets or Normandy–Brittany holidays.

Weather disruption note:
Storms Benjamin, Ciara and similar systems often lead to changes on exposed routes. Operators will usually maintain Caen and St Malo crossings even when others are delayed.

3. Money Tips for UK Travellers in France This Winter

One of the biggest avoidable costs on winter trips is currency conversion. Many British visitors still use high-street banks that charge poor FX rates and foreign card fees. With living costs elevated across France, getting this wrong makes your whole trip more expensive.

The most reliable solution for travellers in 2025 is a multi-currency account — particularly one that provides mid-market exchange rates and free ATM withdrawals up to monthly limits.

For UK travellers, the most widely used option remains:

Wise Multi-Currency Account — Better Rates for Spending in France

Why it helps:

  • No foreign transaction fees on card payments.
  • Mid-market exchange rate (not inflated tourist rates).
  • Free cash withdrawals within limits — essential in rural areas where cash-only markets still exist.
  • Instant GBP→EUR conversions when the exchange rate is favourable.

If you’re visiting France’s Christmas markets, smaller cafés, or rural villages, expect card acceptance to be inconsistent. Wise reduces the cost of withdrawing euros when needed.

4. Weather Outlook: What Travellers Should Prepare For

Winter 2025 is shaping up to be colder and stormier than usual. Snow has already appeared in parts of the Alps, Massif Central, and eastern France, with icy mornings across Normandy and Pays de la Loire. UK travellers driving in France should plan accordingly:

  • Snow tyre zones: mandatory in 34 departments from 1 November to 31 March.
  • Black ice risk on rural roads between 6am–10am.
  • Potential port disruption when waves exceed 7–9m along the Channel coast.

Travellers arriving via Caen, Cherbourg or St Malo are the most likely to encounter windy conditions and intermittent delays.

5. Best Destinations for a Winter Break in France

Travelling in winter means quieter roads, lower accommodation prices, and a more authentic experience. UK visitors tend to favour:

  • Strasbourg — Christmas market capital.
  • St Malo — storm-watching and seafood season.
  • Nantes — culture, shopping and winter events.
  • Brittany — coastal villages without summer crowds.

See also:

6. Final Tips Before You Travel

  • Fill up before boarding — UK fuel prices are often cheaper than French winter prices.
  • Download your ferry operator’s app for weather alerts.
  • Carry cash for toll booths, markets and small cafés.
  • Book accommodation early if travelling at Christmas or New Year.
  • Use a Wise account to lock in a good EUR rate before your trip.

Winter travel between the UK and France remains one of the easiest, most scenic and best-value ways to cross the Channel. With the right route, the right timing and the right tools, the journey can be as enjoyable as the destination.