Plymouth-France 3-Hour Ferry Service Trial

[whole diary]

[Lee]

A new ferry service is being launched in Plymouth tomorrow crossing the Channel in just over three hours, for ^10 return (link below.)
http://thisisplymouth.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=133464&command=displayContent&sourceNode=133158&contentPK=19927764&folderPk=78031&pNodeId=133174

The Brittany Ferries high-speed service to Roscoff in France will run for just five days as a trial.

The ferry company is holding the same-day return promotion from tomorrow until Monday on its high-speed catamaran, the Normandie Express.

Ironic, of course, that a key stakeholder aspiration is for more 3-hour Plymouth-London rail services....

[devon_metro]

Brilliant news, when I went to Roscoff it took about 5 hours previously!!

[tramway]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are obviously not the only passenger service with stock issues.

The Pont L'Abbe was apparently meant to be only a temporary measure while her replacement was being built.

http://www.bfenthusiasts.com/pontlabbe/

http://www.bfenthusiasts.com/armorique/

The 5 hours could be shorter, but who wants to be dumped in Roscoff at 3.00am, it's not that exciting at 3pm.

[John R]

The Pont L'Abbe is a cast off rusty tub from DFDS. Take the Pont Aven if possible, as it's designed for the Santander run and is much bigger (=more stable) and pleasant.

[Lee]

Between Saturday and Tuesday, travellers can again take advantage of a special ^10 fare for a return trip (link below.)
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144125&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232450&contentPK=20009101&folderPk=108202&pNodeId=251466

There will be no service between Plymouth and Roscoff until Saturday's high-speed crossing.

Brittany Ferries general manager Maria Hammett said:

"The trial went really well - it was very popular and we got lots of positive feedback. I think people have appreciated the fact they can get there and back in a day and the novelty of having a high speed vessel in Plymouth.

"We might well bring the ferry back now we have had a chance to see how she operates."

[Sue29]

It's a great service I hope it continues. It gives people the chance to visit Roscoff (which is lovely) and to explore a little of Brittany, a taster for a longer visit perhaps for those who hadn't previously had the opportunity to visit this beautiful region.

[Lee]

Welcome to the forum, Sue29.

[Sue29]

Thank you, I am pleased to have found the Forum and am enjoying it so far.

[Timmer]

Thank you, I am pleased to have found the Forum and am enjoying it so far.

That's great to hear that you are enjoying your time at the FGW^▸ (First Great Western) coffee shop Sue29.

[vickeryadam]

FGW^▸ (First Great Western) are obviously not the only passenger service with stock issues.

The Pont L'Abbe was apparently meant to be only a temporary measure while her replacement was being built.

http://www.bfenthusiasts.com/pontlabbe/

http://www.bfenthusiasts.com/armorique/

The 5 hours could be shorter, but who wants to be dumped in Roscoff at 3.00am, it's not that exciting at 3pm.

It's my understanding (and only that - it's not confirmed fact, and I would welcome corrections!) that Val de Loire was swapped/exchanged/bartered... from DFDS as the running costs were too high for B/Ferries to maintain. In the interim B/Ferries are using Pont L'Abb^ on the Roscoff sailing - It's actually not bad vessel!

As for Roscoff - a good friend of mine once described it as "Biddestone-on-Sea", which will mean more if you live in the Chippenham area. Basically it's a tiny village, with one pub, one post office, and a few houses!

[grahame]

As for Roscoff - a good friend of mine once described it as "Biddestone-on-Sea", which will mean more if you live in the Chippenham area. Basically it's a tiny village, with one pub, one post office, and a few houses!

Aren't there two pubs in Biddestone? 

[Phil]

There are indeed - the Biddestone Arms and the White Horse. Or at least there were two the last time I looked; sounds like a perfect excuse to toddle along this lunchtime and double check, actually! 

[Sue29]

Roscoff actually has lots of bars, hotels, shops, boulangeries, patisseries. Masses of free parking overlooking the picturesque harbour, a museum dedicated to the Onion Johnnies a Botanical Garden and for those interested, a most beautiful church.  It is well worth a visit even if it has to be short and of course nearby are all the usual tourist attractions; the wine warehouses, the supermarket and even a railway line for the train buffs!

[John R]

Yes I agree Roscoff is nice, but I wouldn't go for the railway. About 3 or 4 trains a day if I remember. 

[Chris from Nailsea]

Basically it's a tiny village, with one pub, one post office, and a few houses!

Aren't there two pubs in Biddestone? 

... and a POST OFFICE ?  There are small towns that don't have their own post office, these days!!!