Ferries to France – Spring blossom trips and ferry crossings from the UK

Spring is one of the best times to visit France, as blossom, including cherry blossom, appears across the countryside for a limited period between March and early May. During this time, seasonal landscapes transform regions across France, making it an ideal time for a short break or road trip before the peak summer season.

Travelling by ferry from the UK offers a flexible way to explore at your own pace, whether by vehicle or as a foot passenger. Spring travel is popular, especially around peak bloom in April, so booking in advance is recommended.

Compare ferry crossings between the UK and France with AFerry and find great value fares for your spring trip.

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Spring ferry routes from the UK

Here are some of the most popular ferry routes for travelling to France this spring, with current starting prices.

Route (UK ↔ France)	Standard car + 4 passengers return from
Dover → Calais	£29 pp
Dover → Dunkirk	£30 pp
Newhaven → Dieppe	£58 pp
Portsmouth → Caen / Cherbourg / Le Havre	£54 pp
Portsmouth → St Malo / Plymouth → Roscoff	£56 pp

Prices shown are based on return fares per person, with 4 passengers travelling in a standard car. Cabin or seating options may vary depending on the route. Prices may vary depending on travel dates and availability.

Foot passenger fares can start from around £30 on selected routes and dates.

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Plan your spring blossom trip

Spring blossom typically appears from March to early May, with the most visible displays often in April.

Travelling by vehicle allows you to explore different regions in one trip, from countryside routes to smaller towns and villages. Spring is also a quieter time to travel, making it easier to explore popular areas at a relaxed pace.

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Best places to see spring blossom in France

During spring, several regions are especially popular for seeing blossom, including cherry blossom, and seasonal landscapes:

• Normandy: Known for apple blossom across orchards, particularly in rural areas close to the coast
• The Loire Valley: Gardens and châteaux surrounded by spring colour and landscaped grounds
• Paris and surrounding areas: Parks and gardens offer seasonal blossom displays, including cherry blossom
• Brittany: Coastal and countryside routes with seasonal colour and fewer crowds
• Provence: Almond blossom appears earlier in the season, creating distinctive spring landscapes

Many of these locations can be reached within a few hours of the main ferry ports, making them suitable for both short breaks and longer trips.

Visiting during April offers the best chance to see blossom at its peak across multiple regions.

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Getting there as a foot passenger

If travelling without a vehicle, onward travel from the ferry ports is straightforward, with good connections to nearby cities:

• Calais / Dunkirk: Train connections to Lille, Paris, and other major cities
• Dieppe / Caen: Rail and coach connections to Paris and regional towns
• St Malo: Connections to Rennes and western France

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Why travel during spring

Spring is one of the most enjoyable times to visit France, offering:

✔ Seasonal landscapes and blossom not seen at other times of year
✔ A quieter travel period before peak summer
✔ Ideal conditions for road trips and short breaks

As blossom season is short, travelling during this period allows you to experience France at its most scenic.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see spring blossom in France?
Spring blossom typically appears from March to early May, with the most visible displays often in April.

Where can I see cherry blossom in France?
Cherry blossom can be seen in several regions, including parks and gardens in Paris, as well as in areas such as the Loire Valley and parts of Normandy during spring.

Which ferry route is best for a spring blossom trip to France?
Routes such as Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk are ideal for short spring breaks, offering quick access to northern France and easy onward travel to Paris, where cherry blossom can be seen in parks and gardens.

For exploring regions such as Normandy or the Loire Valley, routes including Newhaven to Dieppe or Portsmouth to Caen and Cherbourg provide more direct access.

What is the cheapest ferry route to France?
The cheapest ferry routes to France vary by date, but routes such as Dover to Calais often offer some of the lowest fares, with prices starting from around £29 per person.

Can I travel with a vehicle?
Yes, most ferry routes allow you to travel with a vehicle, including cars, motorbikes, and campervans, making it easy to explore different regions across France.

Is it easy to travel without a vehicle?
Yes, ferry ports offer good public transport connections, making it easy to reach nearby cities and travel onwards.