Sailing from Ireland to France
By Rick Steves
Irish Ferries connects Ireland (Rosslare) with France (Cherbourg and Roscoff) every other day (less often Jan-March). While Cherbourg has the quickest connection to Paris, your overall time between Ireland and Paris is about the same (20-25 hrs) regardless of which port is used on the day you sail. One-way fares vary from €40 to €100. Eurailers go half-price. In both directions, departures are generally between 16:00 and 17:00 and arrive late the next morning.
While passengers can nearly always get on, reservations are wise in summer and easy by phone. If you anticipate a crowded departure, you can reserve a seat for €11. Doubles (or singles) start at €44-54 per person. The easiest way to get a bed (except during summer) is from the information desk upon boarding. The cafeteria serves bad food at reasonable prices.
Upon arrival in France, buses and taxis connect you to your Paris-bound train (Irish Ferries: Dublin tel. 01/638-3333, recorded info tel. 01/661-0715, Paris tel. 01 44 94 20 40, www.irishferries.com, info@irishferries.com).