A UK to Brittany tour - Getting there, and getting the most from it

IF you’ve been keeping tabs on Visordown, you’ll know that a little while ago we ran a feature about finding the best roads and places to stop in when on a motorcycle tour of Brittany.

The can find that article here, and it will highlight some of the must-visit places and must-ride roads in the region.

We’re following that up with how we would ride to Brittany, what route we’d take and how to get the most out of the crossing.

Getting to the port

From Coventry, I’d be heading south to Plymouth to catch the ship, with my crossing seeing my arrival in Roscoff. On paper, the longer ferry journey compared to some other crossing points might seem like you are wasting your time, but for me, it’s a win-win. You’re not only landing right in the heart of the region, but you are also circumnavigating the hum-drum of the French motorways – and some of the tolls that are associated with using them.

Not only that, but you also have Brittany and its stunning coastline right on your doorstep as soon as you get off the ferry. Then chose whether to head east or west from Roscoff and don’t forget to check out our guide for the best places to visit along the way.

For me, there are two ways I approach getting to the port, my options are; taking the back roads and actually enjoying the ride, or heading south by the fastest and most direct means possible. So, that’s either slog it out on the M40 or, take the A46 south before jumping on the A429 and ambling through the Cotswolds. Just south of Warminster, I’d jump on the A303 to take me west in along some more stunning roads through Devon.

For many, the route to the port will be down to how much time you have and whether you are willing to sacrifice some time in Brittany in favour of a more enjoyable ride down to the ferry. For my part, I’d much rather enjoy getting to the port than simply arriving there sooner.  

What to do on the ferry

Another advantage to taking this route is, for me, it just feels like a bit more of an adventure. A daytime crossing from Plymouth to Roscoff takes around five and a half hours, with overnight crossings taking between nine and eleven. There’s something romantic about a long old ferry crossing, especially if it means you are bedding down in a cabin for some or all of the journey.

If you are taking a night crossing, you’re in luck, Brittany Ferries’ ships are extremely well-appointed, and on par with a well-appointed hotel room. Here you can relax and unwind before you continue your onward journey on the road.

If sleeping isn’t your thing, you could opt for a fine dining experience (available on selected services), or a more informal self-service restaurant (available on most services). Not only that there is duty-free shopping available, meaning discounts of up to 40 percent can be had. Perfect for those last-minute holiday essentials and gifts.

On-board entertainment is also available on the majority of services, and feature music duos, cabaret acts magicians, and children’s entertainers. On top of that, there are cinemas you can drop into, children’s clubs and designated playrooms.

Peace of mind with Brittany Ferries Free Flexible Ticket upgrade

Not only will a crossing be comfortable, well appointed and relaxing, but Brittany Ferries is also taking some of the stress out of making a crossing. Passengers can opt either for a standard ticket or flexible ticket options. Brittany Ferries are currently offering a Free Flexible Ticket upgrade, if you book by 28th February 2023 for travel between 20th December to 31st October 2023. For more information on this offer and more details on how to take your bike on one of their ferries, visit brittanyferries.com/bikers.

A Welsh Tour on the Energica Experia