LD Lines picked up P&Os Portsmouth - Le Havre route when they gave up about 3 years ago.

• First Impressions - Its French, its basic. Simple on-line booking with no tickets just a reference number. Lack of berths for an overnight boat. Only one boat. Out 11pm, back 5pm

• The Port - Similar to Brittany's Caen route. Ideal if you live to the west of London. Portsmouth ferry port is easy to get to and is well established, plus local boozer available for early arrivals. Le Havre is a short drive from the other end of the N138, and you miss Rouen.

• Embarkation - Portsmouth has been a little congested in the past, but OK in 2007. Still slow compared to Dover.

• Comfort - Most creature comforts there - bar, cafe & restaurant. Nothing spectacular, but more than adequate. Plenty of aircraft style reclining seats, and sleeper seats, which are a cross between a reclining seat and a folding bed, and very good value, but early lights out. More berths are being built.

• Facilities - n/a

• The Journey - Every bit as good as P&O with ideal timings for some.

• Disembarkation - n/a

• Value - A Brittany route for a Dover price (perhaps only with a caravan), but good value, especially if it saves time and petrol

• Overall - Basic service and good value on an overnight style crossing

If you have any questions on getting the right route, please visit our forum where you can learn more about how many of our members get across the wet bit on their way to Sarthe!