‘Tis the season to start planning your holidays for 2025, and with France on the travel agenda all-year-round, we wanted to highlight this latest money-saving advice from Ferry Operator, DFDS. While most travellers on ferry operator DFDS' Dover to France routes book just four to six weeks before they travel, those with firm plans to holiday in France in 2025 could secure substantial savings by booking before the end of January.

South of England to Normandy Route: Newhaven-Dieppe

The Newhaven-Dieppe route is a hot travel tip for our Sussex City Girl Networks, with many a Brighton Girl in particular being shocked to find that they can get a Ferry to France just 30 minutes from Central Brighton.

Fares start from just £55 for a car and two people each way for those booking by 4 January 2025 for travel from 7 January until 30 April 2025, and from 1 October to 15 December 2025. Campervanners, caravanners and motorhome owners can travel for the same price as a car on Saturday morning sailings from Newhaven to Dieppe between 1 May and 30 September 2025. Book by 4 January 2025 to secure a crossing at this special fare. 

For the lowest prices on this route, the best time to travel is midweek, when sailings tend to be quieter.

Ferry Facts: There are two sailings per day on the Newhaven to Dieppe route until 1 May 2025, increasing to three per day during the summer season. Crossings times are four hours, and the newly refurbished ships feature a spacious duty-free shop offering local produce and a range of well-known brands in cosmetics, fragrances, spirits and wines; a colourful children's play area; a relaxing lounge with reclining seats; and a fully refurbished suite of 43 private standard cabins to suit all budgets.

Offers end: 4th January

Ireland to France Route: Rosslare-Dunkirk

For those considering a getaway in Northern Europe from Ireland, there is 20% off the vehicle and cabin price for crossings in a standard car or on a motorcycle on the Rosslare-Dunkirk route. All meals onboard are included in the price. Book by 31 January for travel between 6 January and 15 December 2025 and save up to €180 on a return trip.

Prices on this route include up to four people travelling in a car and pet cabins are available, but availability is likely to be limited for those booking shortly before they travel. Travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday from Rosslare for the best fare.

Ferry Facts: DFDS offers up to five sailings per week on its overnight Rosslare-Dunkirk service, with crossing times taking 24 hours. Arrive at the heart of Northern France and just 30 minutes from the Belgian border refreshed and ready to start a European road trip. Bright and spacious passenger areas offer lounges, shops and cabins that provide plenty of opportunities for travellers to unwind and experience the joy of the journey. The company's ships feature open-plan lounges, a self-service restaurant offering four inclusive meals during the journey, a children's play area and a well-stocked shop located at the heart of the ship.

Offers end: 31st January

Dover to France Route: Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk

Customers seeking the ultimate flexible travel option can book on the Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk services, with up to 54 sailings per day. A 15% discount off standard fares is available when travelling by car and booking before 5 January. The offer applies for travel from 1 January to 22 December 2025.

Travel in the afternoon from Dover or early morning on return crossings from Calais and Dunkirk to secure the best price. For night owls there are extra savings to be made on departures between 23.59 and 06.00.

Offers end: 5th January

For more information or to book visit www.dfds.com.

Terms and conditions apply to all offers.