Determine where in France you plan to travel. Ferries from England travel to Roscoff and Saint-Malo in Brittany in the north-west of France, and Boulogne and Calais in Pas-de-Calais in northern France. Ferries also operate to Caen, Cherbourg, Dieppe and Le Havre in Normandy, which are close to Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. Normandy is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Mont Saint-Michel and is linked to the D-Day landings of Allied forces during World War II.
Choose a departure location from England based on your desired destination. Brittany Ferries operate services from Pymouth to Roscoff, from Poole to Cherbourg, and from Portsmouth to Caen, Cherbourg and Saint-Malo. Condor Ferries has services from Weymouth and Poole to Saint-Malo, and from Portsmouth to Cherbourg. Celtic Link also provides ferries from Portsmouth to Cherbourgh, and Euroferries links Ramsgate to Boulonge. From Dover, ferries operated by P&O Ferries
and SeaFrance travel to Calais. Norfolk Line (norfolkline.com) also links Dover with Dunkerque, and LD Lines operated ferries travel from Newhaven to Dieppe and Portsmouth to Le Havre.
Decide whether to travel with or without a vehicle. All ferries that traverse the English Channel allow passengers to travel on foot or with a vehicle. You should verify with the ferry service if there are any restrictions related to the size of your car before you travel.
Purchase your ticket online through the ferry company's website. All ferry companies operating between England and France allow travelers to purchase one-way and return tickets in advance from their websites. Purchasing your ticket online will ensure you save yourself a spot on your preferred crossing, especially since space can be limited during peak travel times. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the ferry company or at the ferry terminal on the day of your trip.
Travel to your departure point. On the day of your trip, plan sufficient time to check in for your ferry crossing. Ferry companies recommend that travelers arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before the departure time. Before traveling to the ferry terminal, verify how much time you should be at the port in advance of your departure time and print your ticket confirmation in order to board the ferry. You must also carry a current and valid passport when traveling to France, and you may require a visa depending on your citizenship.