Dual Destination Travel with Brittany Ferries: France and Guernsey in One Trip
As a travel writer, you might assume I embrace every form of travel. Not so. The truth? I hate flying. I know – it’s a real juxtaposition, and one I wrestle with multiple times a year. There’s virtually nothing I enjoy about the experience, and it starts with the endless queues at the airport. The whole process fills me with anxiety. As someone who’s claustrophobic, the thought of being confined in a plane for hours is my worst nightmare. Flying, for me, is purely a means to an end; my trip never truly begins until my feet are firmly on the ground at the other end.
So imagine my delight when I was invited to visit sunnier shores in a far more relaxing way. Cue Brittany Ferries and their soothing overnight journey to the gloriously sun-drenched port of St Malo in France.
The port of Plymouth is around a four-hour drive from my hometown of Wetherby (on a good day, with the right traffic conditions), and on this occasion, we lucked out. On a sunny day back in June, my husband and I took his pride and joy, Margo – a 1995 Mercedes SL soft top – down to Plymouth at the invitation of Brittany Ferries, to experience their overnight sailing to St Malo.
As we entered the mouth of the car deck, I felt a flutter of excitement to see what this fairly new ship had to offer.
MS Saint‑Malo: a new way to cross to France
Brittany Ferries’ Saint‑Malo is the newest jewel in their fleet – a sleek, modern ship designed to make the crossing as much a part of your holiday as the destination itself. Launched in 2025, it’s an impressive vessel that combines cutting‑edge technology with a sense of quiet luxury.
The ship has space for nearly 1,300 passengers and around 470 vehicles, but its clever design means it never feels crowded. Instead, it offers wide open communal areas, a calm, airy atmosphere, and plenty of spaces to relax as you settle in for the overnight journey. There’s a restaurant serving hearty French classics, a café for a quick coffee fix, and a bar‑lounge perfect for watching the last glow of daylight fade as the ship glides out into open water.
Cabins range from simple, comfortable berths to premium suites with lounge access, all designed for a restful night at sea – think crisp linens, ensuite bathrooms, and plenty of space to stretch out. For those travelling with four‑legged friends, there are even pet‑friendly options.
This isn’t your standard ferry; the Saint‑Malo feels like a gentle prelude to France. With its smooth, hybrid-powered engines and unhurried pace, it invites you to slow down, unwind, and let your holiday begin the moment you drive aboard.
Dining in style
With the car safely tucked up on the lower deck, we made our way to check out our cabin. Perfectly comfortable and surprisingly well appointed, it immediately felt like a calm space to unwind. A large porthole window filled the room with natural light and gave it an airy feel, while the bunk-style beds offered plenty of room to stretch out.
We freshened up and headed for the Club Class restaurant to enjoy a relaxing buffet-style dinner ahead of our passage to France. We were among the first to arrive and quickly claimed the best table by the window – the perfect spot to bid a relaxing farewell to Plymouth as the ship eased out of port.
Now, I remember ferry travel from when I was a kid, and it certainly wasn’t anything like this. Back then it felt functional, maybe even a bit rough around the edges. Here, though, was a plentiful and frankly luxurious buffet spread out before us. To mark the start of our journey, we ordered a bottle of Pouilly-Fumé – and let me tell you, I don’t recall any ferry ever offering such a high-end wine list in the past!
We tucked into a starter of fresh oysters with crusty French bread. Bloody lovely.
Dinner in the Club Class restaurant was absolutely enchanting – honestly, I hadn’t expected anything quite as elevated as this. We feasted on fresh seafood and a delicious chicken dish served with buttery potatoes and, of course, more crusty French bread. We both raved about it with every bite.
To finish, I couldn’t resist the bountiful cheeseboard. A glass of wine in hand, fine French cheeses laid out before me… I think I might just be in ferry heaven.
At €55 per person, it felt like incredible value for starting a holiday in style. You can eat as much as you like from the lavish spread, and the service elevates the whole experience. The waiters were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to recommend wines and explain dishes, while the chefs themselves were on hand to talk about the food with real passion.
A restful night at sea
After such a wonderful evening, I had barely noticed that we were already well on our way across the tranquil waters. As I rolled into my comfortable bed, feeling content and a little spoilt, I couldn’t help but smile. This was such a different start to a holiday compared to the chaos and stress of a busy airport. Instead of rushing, queuing, and clock-watching, I felt relaxed, well-fed, and full of excitement for the adventure ahead.
Breakfast and arrival
After a very restful night’s sleep aboard Saint‑Malo, we got ready and strolled back to the same restaurant for a leisurely buffet-style breakfast before docking in France.
Once again, the offering was plentiful and impressive. You could opt for a hearty cooked breakfast or something lighter – fresh fruits, creamy yoghurts, smoked salmon, cheeses and cold meats, alongside baskets of freshly baked breads and buttery pastries. There were plenty of drinks too: hot coffee and tea, fresh juices, and even smoothies. It was an exceptional spread and the perfect way to ease into the day.
Disembarking the ship was just as easy as embarking. The crew were clearly experts, guiding each vehicle off with military precision and making the whole process smooth and stress-free. In no time at all, we were safely back on French soil, ready to begin our adventure.
St Malo: the perfect introduction to France
St Malo is a beautiful corner of the world – and one I didn’t realise was so easy to reach. After all, we’d really only driven for four hours from home; the rest of the journey had been spent relaxing onboard. If I’d known what a cool place this was, I might have been here countless times before.
For our stay, we opted for a rather lovely campsite – though we weren’t camping. Europe, and especially France, offers a wealth of affordable accommodations like this: static caravans that provide a self-catering base with all the freedom you need to enjoy the local cuisine. Ours was perfect for a few days in the sun, with a kitchen, lounge, three bedrooms and a roomy bathroom with a power shower and separate WC. Best of all, there was a private sundeck where we could enjoy the bottle of Viognier we’d found for next to nothing at the local Carrefour.
The location was unbeatable too – just a four-minute stroll from a stunning sandy beach. Between the beach and the campsite’s swimming pool, we felt like we’d landed a luxury holiday for peanuts. Add in the charming onsite bar and restaurant (serving simple pizzas and plenty of French wine), and it felt like we’d struck gold.
A day trip to Mont Saint-Michel
No visit to this part of France feels complete without seeing Mont Saint-Michel. Rising dramatically from the tidal flats, this iconic abbey is as breathtaking up close as it is from afar.
We spent the afternoon exploring its winding streets and enjoying panoramic views from the top – an unforgettable experience.
Onto Guernsey
After four wonderful days in France, it was time to head to our next destination: the stunning island of Guernsey. I’ve visited Jersey before and loved it so much that I even sent my stepdaughter and her husband for a few days – and they adored it too. But Guernsey? This was a new one for me.
From St Malo, Guernsey is a mere two-hour hop on another of Brittany Ferries’ fleet. This time, we were aboard the Condor Voyager, a sleek high-speed catamaran. Built for comfort and speed, it whisks passengers across the Channel with plush seating, a café, two bars, duty-free shopping and even onboard Wi-Fi – perfect for a quick crossing.
This was another seamless journey with no delays or waiting around. We simply drove aboard, left Margo safely tucked up on the car deck, and settled in for a couple of hours relaxing onboard. With a coffee in hand, we watched the sea slip by and browsed the duty-free shop – a very civilised way to travel.
Guernsey: small but spectacular
Another sunny day found us with the top down, cruising along the delightful coastal roads of beautiful Guernsey. It’s a mystery to me why the Channel Islands seem to have slipped off the radar for British tourists in recent years.
The beaches here are nothing short of spectacular. Turquoise waters lap against soft, white sands, and many bays have charming little kiosks where you can grab an ice cream – or even treat yourself to a glass of fizz. Driving around with the roof down in Margo, we found ourselves stopping constantly to take in the views, snap photos, and breathe in the fresh sea air.
We spent the morning exploring Guernsey’s breathtaking coastline. With a 35mph speed limit across the entire island, it’s the perfect place to slow down and savour every moment. This really was slow travel at its best.
Highlights of Guernsey
- Castle Cornet: A 13th-century fortress guarding St Peter Port.
- Herm Island: A car-free haven just 20 minutes away by boat.
- Petit Bot Bay: One of Guernsey’s most beautiful sandy beaches.
- Victor Hugo’s House: Where the author of Les Misérables lived in exile.
- The Little Chapel: A tiny chapel encrusted with shells and pebbles.
- South Coast Cliff Paths: Dramatic walking trails with breathtaking views.
Le Pommier: island hospitality at its finest
This time, we were booked into a rather delightful hotel – Le Pommier. In contrast to our fairly basic abode in France, this was rather spiffing. Offering all the bells and whistles you’d expect from an upscale hotel, this locally run gem oozes charm and character.
We were shown to a beautiful, well-appointed suite where a fabulous welcome gift awaited us: a bottle of ice-cold fizz. Flipping brilliant! After a quick change, we found ourselves lounging by the pool, drinks in hand, soaking up the sunshine and taking in the gorgeous gardens. OMG – why have I not done this trip before?
Le Pommier truly is something special. The restaurant serves delicious food at very reasonable prices, the setting is picture-perfect, and the staff are some of the friendliest and most attentive I’ve encountered. They go out of their way to make you feel like a valued guest, striking the perfect balance of warm hospitality and polished service.
Although we were hosted on this occasion, I couldn’t resist checking out the room rates online – and they’re surprisingly reasonable. This really is the perfect base for discovering everything Guernsey has to offer.
The return journey
After two wonderful nights on the island of Guernsey, it was time to head back to Plymouth aboard another Brittany ferry. This sailing takes a few hours, making it the perfect way to relax and take stock of the incredible adventure we’d enjoyed – and to start planning the next one.
We settled into the light and airy Club Class lounge, where comfortable seating and a range of complimentary refreshments made it easy to while away the time between breakfast and lunch services. There’s also a well-stocked duty-free store onboard and plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy the slower pace of life – the stand-out lesson I took from this trip.
We all seem to spend our lives rushing from one commitment or crisis to the next, but this journey was the perfect antidote. A trip that includes a flight could never in the world be as relaxing as this experience. With our car onboard, we enjoyed a freedom that’s impossible on a fly-and-flop holiday. And in just four hours’ drive from home, we got to explore two wonderful places brimming with history, incredible food and unforgettable scenery.
Side Note: Condor Ferries Joins Brittany Ferries
Condor Ferries is now part of the Brittany Ferries family, following their merger in recent years. Over time, the Condor name will gradually disappear as the fleet is fully integrated into the Brittany Ferries brand. So whether you’re sailing to France or the Channel Islands, you can expect the same seamless service and commitment to comfort across the whole network.
On Brittany Ferries, the journey really is part of the destination – and I’m here for this slower-paced travel vibe. You should be too. Is it time to slow down? I think so. Book your Brittany Ferries holiday today – and tell them I sent you.
Visit brittany-ferries.co.uk to book your next trip
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith – Visit June 2025