Unlike travelling on the UK roads, the ones in Brittany are a pleasure to drive on (even if it is on the wrong side!). Very little traffic means it's easy to get to your destination. There are fixed speed cameras but you are warned that they are coming up with either a fixed sign or a read-out flashing up your current speed. There will then be a reminder of the speed limit before your reach the camera. If you get flashed from on-coming traffic they aren't being rude about your driving (unless you're on the wrong side) they are warning you that the Gendarmes are ahead with a portable speed camera. If you are caught speeding by the Gendarmes, you will get an on-the-spot fine.
When entering a town or village a sign post with the name will be outlined in RED: this means you are now entering a 50 speed limit. As you leave, another sign with the name crossed out marks the end of the speed limit. Most single carriageway roads are 90 but will drop to 70 in places. Motorways are generally 110 or 130 but sometimes 90 in built-up areas.
Since 2008 it has been compulsory to carry a high visibility-reflective jacket or waistcoat (vest) and warning triangle. The vest must be kept within reach of the driver, not in the boot, as you need to put it on immediately if you break down. If the police stop you and you can't reach one then you will be fined. The vests are quite small andb will fit in your door-pocket.
Instruction to get you from the ports to Kismet are given on the Directions page.
Below are some ways in which you can travel to France with the links to their web sites but don't forget that as owners in France we can get a discount for you on Brittany Ferries.
| Portsmouth to St Malo |
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Portsmouth to Le Havre |
| Day: 9 hours ferry |
Day: 5 ½ hours ferry |
| Overnight: 10 ¾ hours ferry |
Overnight: 7 ½ hours ferry |
| Plymouth to Roscoff |
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Newhaven to Le Havre |
| Day: 6 hours ferry |
5 hours ferry (summer service only) |
| Overnight: 8 hours ferry |
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| Portsmouth to Caen |
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| High Speed: 3 ¾ hours catamaran |
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| Day: 6 hours ferry |
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| Overnight: 7 hours ferry |
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| Portsmouth to Cherbourg |
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| High Speed: 3 hours catamaran |
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| Classic Cruise: 6 hours ferry |
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| Poole to Cherbourg |
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| High Speed: 2 ¼ hours catamaran |
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| Day: 4 ½ hours ferry |
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| Overnight: 6 ½ hours ferry |
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Birmingham, London Stansted or Nottingham East Midlands to Dinard
1 hour flight
London Stansted, Bournemouth, East Midlands, Liverpool, Dublin or Shannon to Nantes
1 hour flight
Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton or Belfast to Rennes
1 - 1½ hours flight
Birmingham, Exeter or Southampton to Brest
50 minutes to 1 hour 20 flight
For all your cheap ferries to France, which take into account all crossings, use the above site.