Beyond the Horizon: Unlocking the “Uncommon” Side of France and Spain

Brittany Ferries

At Brittany Ferries, we’ve always said that an uncommon holiday doesn’t start when you reach your destination—it starts the moment you step on board. But as we look toward our latest schedules, we’re realizing that the real magic lies in the “in-between” moments: the quiet morning coffee with a sea view, the sudden thrill of dolphin spotting from the deck, and the direct access to the hidden gems of the Atlantic coast.

Whether you’re heading south for a winter sun escape or planning a spring break in Brittany, here is why sailing with us is a journey into the extraordinary.

1. Winter Sun: The Smart Escape

Why battle the cold and rising heating bills when you can drive south to the warmth? We’ve extended our winter services to make the “Winter Sun” lifestyle more accessible than ever.

  • Poole to Cherbourg: Our shortest and fastest route now features a new winter service, offering year-round connectivity for quick hops to Normandy.
  • The 28-Night Long Stay: We’ve seen a surge in travelers taking their cars, golf clubs, and bikes down to the Algarve or the Costa del Sol for month-long retreats. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

2. Discover the “Invisible” and the “Life-Changing”

Our routes are designed to drop you off at the doorstep of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Forget the tourist traps; we’re looking for the “Uncommon”:

  • The Invisible Dragon Castle: Sail to Bilbao and drive to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Known to many as “Dragonstone,” this stunning island castle is a breathtaking climb into Spanish legend.
  • Life-Changing Camembert: Arrive in Caen and head straight to a local fromagerie. There is nothing quite like tasting authentic, traditional Normandy cheese just miles from where it was made.
  • Walk to an Island: At low tide in Normandy, you can actually walk across the oyster beds to Ile Tatihou, a tiny slice of island paradise that feels worlds away from the mainland.

3. The “Free Food Pass” Flex

We believe in rewarding those who plan ahead. For those booking their upcoming trips, we’ve introduced our Free Food Pass offer.

  • Dine on Us: When you book a return trip on a Flexi fare, we’re including a Food Pass to use on your inbound sailing.
  • From Croissants to Fine Dining: Whether it’s a quick coffee and pastry at the café or a three-course French feast in our main restaurant, your first meal back is on us. It’s our way of saying “welcome home.”

4. The Wildlife Frontier: ORCA on Board

One of the most unique aspects of sailing across the Bay of Biscay is the chance to see some of the world’s most incredible marine life.

  • The Bay of Biscay: This area is a global hotspot for whales and dolphins. On many of our sailings, we host experts from ORCA, the marine conservation charity, who help passengers spot and identify the “Big Five” of the Atlantic.
  • Breakfast with Dolphins: There is no better wake-up call than seeing a pod of dolphins playing in the ship’s wake while you enjoy your morning breakfast.

5. Trust the Journey, Own the Adventure

With over 50 years of experience, Brittany Ferries is built on a foundation of Transparency and Trust.

  • ABTA Protected: When you book a ferry-inclusive holiday with us, you have the peace of mind that your trip is fully protected.
  • Authentic Hospitality: Our ships are staffed by French and Spanish teams who bring a genuine touch of their homelands to every crossing. From the language to the wine list, the culture starts at the gangway.

Your Story Starts at Sea

The best travel stories aren’t about the flights you took; they’re about the things you discovered because you took the time to look. Whether it’s a psychedelic forest in the Basque Country or a medieval salt farm in the Loire Valley, your uncommon adventure is waiting.

Ready to set sail? Explore our latest offers, including 10-day escapes to Spain and winter sun packages, at Brittany-Ferries.co.uk.

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