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How to Get from the UK to
French Campsites
Compare all your options for getting from the UK to camping holidays in Vendée, Loire-Atlantique and Morbihan.
Quick Summary
Fly to Nantes
Fastest • Often cheapest
Ferry + Drive
Bring your car
Eurostar + TGV
Scenic • Relaxed
Your Travel Options in Detail
Fly to Nantes
The quickest option. Direct flights from multiple UK airports.
Routes:
- London Gatwick (easyJet)
- London Stansted (Ryanair)
- Manchester (seasonal)
- Edinburgh (seasonal)
Pros:
- Fastest option
- Often cheapest for families
- Regular flights
- Easy connection to campsites
Cons:
- • Luggage limits
- • Need transfer at airport
Tip: Book baggage allowance in advance. We collect you at Nantes Airport and drive you to your campsite.
Best for: Families wanting the quickest journey
Ferry + Drive
Bring your car. Multiple ferry routes to northern France.
Routes:
- Portsmouth → Saint-Malo (Brittany Ferries, 9h overnight)
- Plymouth → Roscoff (Brittany Ferries, 6h)
- Portsmouth → Caen (Brittany Ferries, 6h)
- Dover → Calais (P&O/DFDS, 1.5h)
Pros:
- Bring your own car
- No luggage limits
- Scenic journey
- Stop when you want
Cons:
- • Long journey
- • Ferry can be expensive
- • Driving in France
- • Fuel & tolls
Tip: Book cabin for overnight crossings. Saint-Malo route is closest to Loire-Atlantique/Vendée.
Best for: Those wanting a car at the campsite
Eurostar + TGV
Train all the way. London to Nantes via Paris.
Routes:
- London St Pancras → Paris Gare du Nord (Eurostar, 2h15)
- Paris Montparnasse → Nantes (TGV, 2h15)
Pros:
- City centre to city centre
- Comfortable journey
- Scenic
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- • More expensive
- • Paris station change
- • Need transfer from Nantes
Tip: Allow 1-2 hours in Paris for the station change. We can collect you from Nantes station.
Best for: Those who dislike flying
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Fly | Ferry | Train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Time | 3-4h total | 10-16h | 5-6h |
| Cost (Family of 4) | £400-800 | £400-700 + fuel | £600-1000 |
| Luggage | Limited | Unlimited | Generous |
| Flexibility | Fixed times | Drive anytime | Fixed times |
| Car at Destination | Rental or transfer | Your own car | Rental or transfer |
| Stress Level | Low | Medium | Low |
Best Routes by Region
Vendée
By air: Nantes (NTE)
By ferry: Saint-Malo (3h drive) or Caen (4h)
By train: Nantes then transfer
Recommended: Fly to Nantes
Loire-Atlantique
By air: Nantes (NTE)
By ferry: Saint-Malo (2h drive)
By train: Direct to Nantes
Recommended: Fly or train to Nantes
Morbihan
By air: Nantes (NTE) or Lorient (limited)
By ferry: Saint-Malo (1.5h drive) or Roscoff (2h)
By train: Nantes then transfer to Vannes
Recommended: Fly to Nantes or ferry to Saint-Malo
Seasonal Booking Tips
May-June
Book ferries early - half-term is busy. Flights often cheapest.
July-August
Peak season. Book everything months ahead. Consider midweek travel.
September
Great time! Lower prices, warm weather, quieter campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest way to get to Vendée from the UK?
For a family of 4, flying to Nantes is often cheapest (£400-600 including airport transfer). Ferry can be similar but adds fuel and toll costs. Compare both options for your specific dates.
Should I rent a car or use transfers?
If you plan to stay mostly at the campsite (which has pools, beaches, etc.), transfers are simpler and often cheaper. If you want to explore every day, a rental car gives more freedom. Many families do a mix - transfer to campsite, then rent a car for a few day trips.
Which ferry port is closest to Vendée?
Saint-Malo is the closest practical option (about 2.5-3h drive to northern Vendée). The Portsmouth-Saint-Malo overnight ferry works well - arrive refreshed, drive down, arrive at campsite for lunch.
Can I take the train to Vendée?
You can take Eurostar to Paris, then TGV to Nantes. From Nantes, you'd need a transfer to your campsite (there's no train to the Vendée coast). We offer Nantes station pickups.
What about flying to La Rochelle?
La Rochelle airport is closer to southern Vendée, but has very limited UK flights. Nantes has far more options and is only 30-45 min further north. We recommend Nantes for most travellers.