St Nazaire to Gijon?

[JH]

Hi all,

As I prepare for another trip to France next week with friends doing some sites in Normandy and nearby I have been checking out things to do. As usual we are basing ourselves in Arromanche with Adrain and Karen, but have done this as our 'early season' starter trip for the last few years and whilst it is still enjoyable, we are close to having seen and done a lot of the things already. The roads and riding of course make up for it though! I am not complaining but it is difficult to get further field with this particular crowd as they each have time limited passes! My later trips get me further along south

But the point of this thread is that I have stumbled across a Ferry Route from St Nazaire to Gijon in Spain (west of Santander), it would appear that I could leave the UK, cross the channel - enjoying northern France - arrive at St Nazaire in time for a 21.00 ferry later that day, which then arrives the next morning in Spain. Then ride around for four days in sunny Spain before returning to the Ferry port in the early evening of the fourth day to return back, again an overnight crossing back up through France and back to the UK.

It means that you could be in spain for four days instead of the normal Portsmouth/ Plymouth to Santander/Bilbao 10 day return scenario. Which might make it more palatable to those who issue the passes to my friends

The benefit is that your overnights are on a ferry and are spent making your way 'en route', rather than an overnight stop on the road stationary if you get my drift. A quick look at prices appears to be about 150 return including cabins etc before any negotiating/discounts

Has anyone tried this route, or heard anything about it as I would be interested to know so that it may be a consideration either for next year or as a September option.

Thoughts from any of you fellow experienced/seasoned organisers of such trips for others (Hello Calling Wapping !!).

Cheers

JH

 

[Wapping]

I would guess that it is OK.

Of course it makes sense that the French have ferry lines, much as we, the Ialians and Swedes do. What you have discovered is little different from a Frog discovering that there is a line from Dover to Dunkirk.

Give it a whirl, is what I would do. Then let us know what you think of it, please.

Thanks for the heads up. A good find for the very reasons you point out.

 

[JH]

Cheers Wapping,

I knew you would reply but that was quick.

I think I will try and sell it to the lads when in France next week. I might even try it for September myself, especially if we do not have a good summer at home!

We are going to the Sub base at St Nazaire for a visit so I can check things out then as to the Ferry Co., it appears more geared for the freight market at first glance.

I would still like to hear if anyone has tried it?

JH

 

[Wapping]

I wondered if it might be freight. That does not rule out the possibility of carrying 'civilian' vehicles. For instance, the Norfolk line run between Dover and Dunkirk is a freight line at it's core. A quick call to them will tell you, for sure. It may though mean that you might need to buy a lorry

 

[Mrs Puffer]

We used this ferry last September and found it very convenient as we only live about 2 hours from st Nazaire. When you factor in the cost of riding down to Spain with fuel and at least one night's hotel accomodation it's a pretty good deal and it brings you within very easy reach of the Picos de Europa.

 

[JH]

Kim/Les

Thanks for this reply - this is very encouraging indeed!

Even if it is primarily a freight route it won't put me off exploring the possibilities and no I will not sell the bikes and convert to a truck I did check and it does take solos anyhow.

You also echo my thoughts about the cost/aggro/long slog/wear and tear etc of two days to get into Spain versus this as an option. Also it gives you more flexibility than the Santander/Bilbao 10 day returns from UK south coast. But for me I could get my 'French Fix' before heading further south for the improved sun and the spanish roads which are cracking!

By the way nice website - I might even look you up one year for a quick visit!

JH

Ps can you remember the appx cost for your return trip?

 

[Mrs Puffer]

Hi JH,

I have to admit that the cost of our trip was embarrassingly cheap, we got a launch offer when they started last year, we paid (now I hope you're sitting down!) approx £56 for the 2 bikes and a cabin. This was one way as we rode down and ferried back.

Even taking in todays 'normal' costs, I'm sure it would still be cheaper/less tiring etc.

Kim & Les

P.S. Thanks for your comments on our website - kettles always on if you're passing nearby!

 

[wildbeeste]

I have booked for Portsmouth to Le Havre on 6th June (arrive 12.45 pm) and St Nazaire to Gijon on the 8th June (depart 9pm)(you could both ferry trips on same day as it is 4.5 hours between ports)
The ferry company for both bits is LD Lines who have been ok with motorbikes when used them before

 

[Phluppe]

Sunny Spain

I hope you can enjoy some sunshine, but never forget, the Cordillera Cantabrica (including the Picos) aint the Costa Del Sol, it is the greenest region in Spain. And it doesn't get green from any lack of rain ro what so ever

Picos is still stunning though, I'd do the trip anyway, even with not sunny weather ahaed

Grtz, Philip!