France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

Van.Bosch · 21-06-2021 10:53pm

Due to some commitments we are looking at going last two weeks in August. Is there anything to be aware of in this window? I know it’s tight getting back for schools etc but are the sites quieter/activities winding down etc?

Thanks

Wally Runs · 22-06-2021 8:54am

Van.Bosch wrote: »

Due to some commitments we are looking at going last two weeks in August. Is there anything to be aware of in this window? I know it’s tight getting back for schools etc but are the sites quieter/activities winding down etc?

July and especially August are peak season. Many French business shut down from 15 August for annual holidays. Depending on where you are going the traffic can be legend. However, with COVID and all the rest there is no way of knowing what this year will be like. I assume the French will be the same as us and just want to get away from home for a break.

josip · 22-06-2021 9:57am

Wally Runs wrote: »

July and especially August are peak season. Many French business shut down from 15 August for annual holidays. Depending on where you are going the traffic can be legend. However, with COVID and all the rest there is no way of knowing what this year will be like. I assume the French will be the same as us and just want to get away from home for a break.

We'd usually be in French campsites during the first week in July and the last 2 weeks in August.
We've always found them to be a bit less busy during the last 2 weeks in August, especially up north.

woodstocklive · 22-06-2021 3:54pm

54and56 wrote:

So has anyone here travelled out of Dublin/Rosslare/Cork harbour's on your way to a holiday in France with your roof box / bike rack laden car screaming "WE'RE GOING ON HOLIDAY" and were you stopped by the Gardai and asked why you were travelling or has anyone been fined (under

I've been wondering the exact same thing. I know people who travelled from Cork with legitimate reason's in the last month. They'dhave had the bike's and roofbox etc. They weren't challenged either here on in France. Knowing my luck though I'd probably be the one to get the fine.

josip · 22-06-2021 4:05pm

Will be leaving Dublin port on the 3rd with the roofbox on.
We'll have an essential reason for traveling though, so no squeaky bums for us.

Ladylouth · 23-06-2021 11:40pm

josip wrote: »

Will be leaving Dublin port on the 3rd with the roofbox on.
We'll have an essential reason for traveling though, so no squeaky bums for us.

Please feed back before the ferry pulls out!! Have nothing booked, but still hoping to book and leave a few days later. Will have to go before 19th July, if we are going. Would really appreciate an overview of what to expect!

Deeman83 · 24-06-2021 10:27am

Deeman83 wrote: »

Kids as in over 11?

Confusing all these rules and tests, plus different requirements for different countries!

Has anyone researched where to get PCR tests in France for the return journey back into Ireland?

Its not clear as yet. It looks like they will be free at least.
Hopefully it will be easily accessible places like chemists.

Yes, the campsites are providing details of the chemists/doctors etc, that are providing FREE PCRs in France.
There seems to be a few places in every town/village.

e.g. We have details of a place in Dol De Bretagne. You just need to ring before you arrive and then get the PCR.

josip · 24-06-2021 11:29am

Has anyone used the HSE Cert as proof of vaccination on the Ferry to France? (Stena from Rosslare)
For traveling to France, how long must have elapsed since the 2nd dose (Pfizer), 1 week or 2 weeks?

(Update) Irish Ferries say it's 2 weeks post 2nd dose.
https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/frequently-asked-questions/travel-restrictions/travelling-to-france/

woodstocklive · 24-06-2021 12:07pm

josip wrote:

Has anyone used the HSE Cert as proof of vaccination on the Ferry to France? (Stena from Rosslare) For traveling to France, how long must have elapsed since the 2nd dose (Pfizer), 1 week or 2 weeks?

French Embassy saying 2 weeks following 2nd Pfizer jab. Presume same for other vaccines

dzer2 · 24-06-2021 12:09pm

Irish ferries are saying self administered antigen tests are not accepted

But DFA haven't put this in their notifications

I wonder who does antigen testing in the southeast I know it can be done at the airport.

Wally Runs · 24-06-2021 2:04pm

Best place to find all the information you need. https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/FRA/7011

You can download it as an app. I would take my information from official sources at the mo, as this is what the authorities will be doing and things are changing frequently. PCR tests are free and widely available to all in France.

It goes without staying, hope for the best but plan for the worst.

kampik · 24-06-2021 10:22pm

dzer2 wrote: »

Irish ferries are saying self administered antigen tests are not accepted

But DFA haven't put this in their notifications

I wonder who does antigen testing in the southeast I know it can be done at the airport.

https://phelans.ie/pages/covid-19-testing-service
Looks like Phelans pharmacies(mostly around Cork) partnered with Randox(mentioned in T&C) for antigen testing. I booked a test with them for 49e for the night before leaving to France next week.

Quazzie · 24-06-2021 10:38pm

I read somewhere that for France they will treat children as having the same vaccination status as their parents. So of both parents are vaccinated all minors will be treated as vaccinated also, and therefore don't need a negative pCV test to go to France.

Anyone else see this?

josip · 25-06-2021 12:58am

Quazzie wrote: »

I read somewhere that for France they will treat children as having the same vaccination status as their parents. So of both parents are vaccinated all minors will be treated as vaccinated also, and therefore don't need a negative pCV test to go to France.

Anyone else see this?

Yes, it applies to kids 10 and under.

dzer2 · 25-06-2021 10:00am

josip wrote: »

Yes, it applies to kids 10 and under.

I have 2 over 10 so was looking to get them tested.

Sailing from Rosslare and don't fancy travelling to Dublin for a test. When we can do one ourselves

54and56 · 25-06-2021 10:29am

Does anyone know what time Irish Ferries typically starts loading cars on the Dublin -> Cherbourg 16:00 sailing?

Peckham · 25-06-2021 10:58am

54and56 wrote: »

Does anyone know what time Irish Ferries typically starts loading cars on the Dublin -> Cherbourg 16:00 sailing?

Can only speak for 2 years ago. We had priority boarding and I have a photo of us driving onto the ship at 14:45

Deeman83 · 25-06-2021 11:33am

54and56 wrote: »

Does anyone know what time Irish Ferries typically starts loading cars on the Dublin -> Cherbourg 16:00 sailing?

We boarded around 15.40pm (with a caravan).

I assumed the ship would be running late as there were people boarding at 15.55pm. Then all of a sudden the captain was on the tannoy announcing departure.

The new ship is very efficient at boarding and unboarding.

I would always make sure I am at least one hour early though as Check In will close

SusanC10 · 25-06-2021 12:44pm

Peckham wrote: »

Can only speak for 2 years ago. We had priority boarding and I have a photo of us driving onto the ship at 14:45

Same. 2 years ago I sent a photo to my friend of the kids having just claimed their bunks in the cabin with a time of 15.01.

Jeffm587 · 25-06-2021 1:35pm

Deeman83 wrote: »

We boarded around 15.40pm (with a caravan).

I assumed the ship would be running late as there were people boarding at 15.55pm. Then all of a sudden the captain was on the tannoy announcing departure.

The new ship is very efficient at boarding and unboarding.

I would always make sure I am at least one hour early though as Check In will close

100% agree, I've been on the WB Yeats 3 times now and every time thought to myself from the car park with half an to go there's no way its departing on time! But then all of a sudden it moves real quick and were are on and off on time. Certainly a lot quicker than they could board the Oscar Wilde in Rosslare. Not sure its any quicker though boarding on the return
Really hope I'm thinking that way on the 6th of August at about 3.30!

josip · 27-06-2021 12:17am

Does anyone know if the French are administering free PCR tests to tourists on Sundays?
Not a lot happens in France on Sundays.

josip · 27-06-2021 12:25am

Also Stena require a negative PCR for passengers on the ferry to France, whereas France only requires a negative Antigen test at the moment.
https://www.stenaline.ie/travel-restrictions/france

Are Stena setting the rules they want for their ship and crew independently of the destination country's requirements?
Or have they just copied the restrictions that apply to the UK and assumed they are the same for Ireland? I see "non-NHS" in the text.

kampik · 27-06-2021 1:12pm

josip wrote: »

Also Stena require a negative PCR for passengers on the ferry to France, whereas France only requires a negative Antigen test at the moment.
https://www.stenaline.ie/travel-restrictions/france

Are Stena setting the rules they want for their ship and crew independently of the destination country's requirements?
Or have they just copied the restrictions that apply to the UK and assumed they are the same for Ireland? I see "non-NHS" in the text.

I saw this few weeks ago and didn't pay attention to it as the links they provide as reference say antigen accepted as well.
But since you brought it up, it made me wonder again...

I sent them a message to clarify the discrepancy here https://www.stenaline.ie/customer-services
I hope they get back quickly.
If anybody gets answer faster via call, please report back

Edit:
Note the red box on that site https://www.stenaline.ie/travel-restrictions/france
I personally read it like: This info could be outdated, check here as we don't update this regularly.

FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE CLICK LINKS BELOW:

josip · 27-06-2021 2:07pm

kampik wrote: »

I saw this few weeks ago and didn't pay attention to it as the links they provide as reference say antigen accepted as well.
But since you brought it up, it made me wonder again...

I sent them a message to clarify the discrepancy here https://www.stenaline.ie/customer-services
I hope they get back quickly.
If anybody gets answer faster via call, please report back

Edit:
Note the red box on that site https://www.stenaline.ie/travel-restrictions/france
I personally read it like: This info could be outdated, check here as we don't update this regularly.

I asked them this morning via that link also.

I think I'll have to call them to get an answer in time though.

[Update] I just called them and was kind of freaked out when they answered immediately without even a single ringtone.
(I spent a lot of time calling 123 last week and have become used to long wait times with annoying holding music.)
Anyways, the guy was completely clear, only PCR accepted onboard the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, even though France do accept Antigen.
At least we have certainty, and we get an extra days travel on the back of the PCR, so the extra costs is not a total loss.
Has anyone used https://gosafe48.ie/ for PCR testing?

kampik · 27-06-2021 4:21pm

Yeah, it's really weird.
We have phoned all possible numbers for Stena.
Even when you ring Dublin number you speak to UK person and all say the same, PCR test only. They really pick up instantly, not a single ring tone.
We even rang Rosslare stena number and the same answer.
I have cancelled my antigen and going for PCR instead.
I guess we will find out on Thursday who was right

It seems like Stena doesn't differ between Ireland and UK unless I'm missing something...

ellee · 29-06-2021 10:43am

Has anyone bought travel insurance?

Prices are varying enormously (I've 3 quotes ranging from €66 - €200!) and it's difficult to tell what they will cover really. Though in fairness the €200 one states clearly it will cover accommodation costs so long as you let them arrange it.

Interested in what others have found? Want to buy before I pay balance on campsite...

SusanC10 · 29-06-2021 10:48am

ellee wrote: »

Has anyone bought travel insurance?

Prices are varying enormously (I've 3 quotes ranging from €66 - €200!) and it's difficult to tell what they will cover really. Though in fairness the €200 one states clearly it will cover accommodation costs so long as you let them arrange it.

Interested in what others have found? Want to buy before I pay balance on campsite...

I would interested in this too.
Do all 3 have Covid cover ?
Who is the underwriter for the €200 one ?

ellee · 29-06-2021 11:51am

I looked at Battleface, the AA and Blue. All seemed to have basic covid medical cover at least but a bit unclear what they would cover after that.

I made a mistake on Battleface actually, does not provide accommodation cover... no idea why it so expensive so.

ellee · 29-06-2021 12:48pm

ok, rang multi trip and the main limitation seems to be that if the advice changes from govt re travelling, then policy would be null and void and you would not get anything back even though you had to cancel.

You only get to use the cancellation clause if one of you gets covid prior to travel.

If advice changes while abroad that is different and you are still covered.

Otherwise if covid hits while abroad, you do get assistance with extra accommodation etc.

SusanC10 · 29-06-2021 12:50pm

ellee wrote: »

ok, rang multi trip and the main limitation seems to be that if the advice changes from govt re travelling, then policy would be null and void and you would not get anything back even though you had to cancel.

You only get to use the cancellation clause if one of you gets covid prior to travel.

Otherwise if covid hits while abroad, you do get assistance with extra accommodation etc.

Thanks Ellee. Good to know.

Goingaway27 · 01-07-2021 7:47am

Heading to france on the 6th of Aug. I'll have 1 kid to get a pcr test coming home, 2 questions, #1 does anyone know the turnaround time on pcr test in france, #2 is the 72 hours from when the test was taken to boarding?

Cheers all.
Can't wait to get away!!!

54and56 · 01-07-2021 8:05am

Goingaway27 wrote: »

Heading to france on the 6th of Aug. I'll have 1 kid to get a pcr test coming home, 2 questions, #1 does anyone know the turnaround time on pcr test in france, #2 is the 72 hours from when the test was taken to boarding?

Cheers all.
Can't wait to get away!!!

My advice is don't rely on anything other than official notifications / information.

Click on https://reopen.europa.eu/en which is an official EU website that is always up to date.

On the site choose "Travel Plan", enter the country you are departing from and arriving into and follow the up to date official guidance on what's needed to depart, arrive etc.

Currently the advice for entering Ireland from France is "proof of a negative RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival."

After July 19th this won't apply to those with an official EU Digital Covid Certificate.

Deeman83 · 01-07-2021 9:40am

Goingaway27 wrote: »

Heading to france on the 6th of Aug. I'll have 1 kid to get a pcr test coming home, 2 questions, #1 does anyone know the turnaround time on pcr test in france, #2 is the 72 hours from when the test was taken to boarding?

Cheers all.
Can't wait to get away!!!

I don't know for sure but our campsite told us to book the PCR on the day before travelling. They said you only need to ring a few hours before turning up for the test. Its free. (to be clear, this is the French PCR)

I assume the result must be sent that night or within 24 hours.

The Nutty M · 01-07-2021 10:02am

Deeman83 wrote: »

I don't know for sure but our campsite told us to book the PCR on the day before travelling. They said you only need to ring a few hours before turning up for the test. Its free. (to be clear, this is the French PCR)

I assume the result must be sent that night or within 24 hours.

Foreign tourists and visitors will no longer be eligible for free Covid tests in France, the government has announced, blaming a "lack of reciprocity" from other countries.
Visitors who need a Covid test while in France – including a travel test to return home – will from July 7th have to pay for it. However, prices are capped at €49 for a PCR test or €29 for the rapid-result antigen test (known as a lateral flow test in some countries).

Tests for residents will continue to be free, including tests for travel.

“It’s a matter of reciprocity, knowing that French people who travel have to pay for tests in most countries,” government spokesman Gabriel Atta said in an interview with Les Echos newspaper.

Not long announced but PCR tests are no longer free in France to tourists.

Goingaway27 · 01-07-2021 10:56am

Just trying to figure out the timing for the test. Enough time to get the result Vs the 72 hour max time limit. I assume you won't be allowed to board ship home without negative test.

We're heading east to burgundy, any highlights there i should make a effort to see?

kampik · 02-07-2021 4:45pm

We have arrived in France. Phew.
At Rosslare passport check we were asked to show covid test(we had PCR as Stena wanted) and asked if we have the sworn declarations. I asked if antigen would be ok as well and reply was that she would have to check:D
Ferry trip was relaxed, not busy, common sense used for wearing the masks.
At passport check, in Cherbourgh, we just showed our passports, they didn't want anything else to see.

I was worried too about the 72 hours as Stena said on the website, 72 before departure, but then a text came yesterday from them saying, 72 before arrival to France.
My 72 hours expired 3 hours before arrival.

beggars_bush · 02-07-2021 6:30pm

kampik wrote: »

We have arrived in France. Phew.
At Rosslare passport check we were asked to show covid test(we had PCR as Stena wanted) and asked if we have the sworn declarations. I asked if antigen would be ok as well and reply was that she would have to check:D
Ferry trip was relaxed, not busy, common sense used for wearing the masks.
At passport check, in Cherbourgh, we just showed our passports, they didn't want anything else to see.

I was worried too about the 72 hours as Stena said on the website, 72 before departure, but then a text came yesterday from them saying, 72 before arrival to France.
My 72 hours expired 3 hours before arrival.

Enjoy your holiday

woodstocklive · 03-07-2021 4:03pm

Just leaving Cork on the Pont Aven. Only request at Port was in respect to covid status (all fully vaccinated). Nobody enquired into reason for travel. I'd say boat at 25% capacity at most

Ladylouth · 03-07-2021 4:15pm

woodstocklive wrote: »

Just leaving Cork on the Pont Aven. Only request at Port was in respect to covid status (all fully vaccinated). Nobody enquired into reason for travel. I'd say boat at 25% capacity at most

Thanks for the update. Have a great trip.

Ladylouth · 03-07-2021 4:16pm

kampik wrote: »

We have arrived in France. Phew.
At Rosslare passport check we were asked to show covid test(we had PCR as Stena wanted) and asked if we have the sworn declarations. I asked if antigen would be ok as well and reply was that she would have to check:D
Ferry trip was relaxed, not busy, common sense used for wearing the masks.
At passport check, in Cherbourgh, we just showed our passports, they didn't want anything else to see.

I was worried too about the 72 hours as Stena said on the website, 72 before departure, but then a text came yesterday from them saying, 72 before arrival to France.
My 72 hours expired 3 hours before arrival.

Thank you for posting. Have a great trip.

MorganIRL · 03-07-2021 4:59pm

kampik wrote: »

We have arrived in France. Phew.
At Rosslare passport check we were asked to show covid test(we had PCR as Stena wanted) and asked if we have the sworn declarations. I asked if antigen would be ok as well and reply was that she would have to check:D
Ferry trip was relaxed, not busy, common sense used for wearing the masks.
At passport check, in Cherbourgh, we just showed our passports, they didn't want anything else to see.

I was worried too about the 72 hours as Stena said on the website, 72 before departure, but then a text came yesterday from them saying, 72 before arrival to France.
My 72 hours expired 3 hours before arrival.

Have a great time.

flangemeistro · 04-07-2021 5:32pm

We arrived in France last Tuesday, it was all up in the air and after many changes, campsites and Ferrys for numerous reasons we're so relieved just to be here and out of the obsession with cases & variants, not good for anyone's mental health especially the kids.

The last change for us was when our brittany sailing from Ringaskiddy on the 26th of June was postponed so Kelair happily moved our booking to Rosslare on the Connemara, what I really wasn't expecting was the Guards at the Port in Rosslare asking every car where they were going and what their reason was for traveling, the Guard seemed reasonable enough but just shook his head in annoyance and thankfully didn't fine us, I would have fought it the whole way though as my wife and I are fully Vaccinated and had negative Antigen tests.

The Connemara was busy but never uncomfortable, the negative test was never asked for so that was a bit of a waste of money but I would prefer to have it than not to.

As a previous poster mentioned it was plane sailing on the French side, they couldn't have been nicer. We drove 4.5 hours to Le Littoral and it was like a ghost town for the first 4 days because French holidays haven't started but 800 people checked in yesterday so it's buzzing now.

We're here for the usual month, moving onto Pont Aven after this then finishing up in Benodet so our return date is after the 19th which really shouldn't make and difference bar requiring a PCR for our eldest so we'll worry about that in a few weeks.

As I said last year and I'll say it once again it's the absolute best decision we've made this year and I would advise anyone that is in a position to travel to get the hell out of that place as fast as possible because it's not normality and it's certainly not healthy.

Enjoy everyone whatever you decide to do.

Nekarsulm · 04-07-2021 9:42pm

Good for you, Flangemeistro!
We sailed last year, amongst much negativity, and really enjoyed our time.
Skipped it this year ( probably unwisely) but DV next year going again.

eltonyio · 05-07-2021 2:43pm

Just checked in for the WB Yeats for Cherbourg. No gardai around today asking silly questions that I can see, but lots and lots of customs officials checking every car (maybe that's normal though).

No problem with antigen tests (29 euro ones from medel).

Ferry looks busy, full of families, bike racks, campers, etc. The pandemic is over for this lot!

Ladylouth · 05-07-2021 3:57pm

On board WBY now. No questions at all. Passports and Covid status checked (Ag tests). All good.

pmpa · 05-07-2021 4:04pm

Thanks to everybody that has posted here on their experience of the trip over to France.

Have a fantastic holiday everyone!

Jeffm587 · 05-07-2021 4:54pm

Thanks for posting have a great trip are all the bars / restaurants open on the WB Y , or is it similar to last summer ( just club class and the main restaurant?)

eltonyio · 05-07-2021 5:41pm

Didn't go last year so can't compare but not everything is open no. Kids area, cinema and restaurant closed anyway.

Edit to say the main restaurant and bar are open though.

adubintipp2 · 05-07-2021 6:13pm

eltonyio wrote: »

Didn't go last year so can't compare but not everything is open no. Kids area, cinema and restaurant closed anyway.

Edit to say the main restaurant and bar are open though.

By the main restaurant, do you mean the self service, or the sit down one?

adubintipp2 · 05-07-2021 6:22pm

Does anyone know if Irish Ferries are accepting completed HSE vaccination cards as proof of vaccination. Or would we be safer getting antigen tests?

France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

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