Normandie Express begins summer runs between Portsmouth and France

Brittany Ferries Normandie Express arriving in Portsmouth

Picture: Sarah Standing (160641-5037) — Brittany Ferries Normandie Express arriving in Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (160641-5037)

And the Normandie Express has returned to Portsmouth for her 11th season.

The ship, which runs from Portsmouth to Cherbourg in three hours, will be a regular sight from Southsea until September 9.

All her French crew stay in Portsmouth thought the summer.

Captain Commandant Olivier Momy, said: ‘Each spring my crew and I look forward to bringing Normandie Express back to Portsmouth.

‘Her high speed and good seakeeping allow us to offer the fastest route to France on the western Channel.

‘And unlike the bigger ferries, we don’t live on board. Instead we live ashore in Portsmouth allowing us to become residents of this great seafaring city for the summer – it’s a different way of life and it’s an experience we relish.’

Mike Bevens, group commercial director of Brittany Ferries, which runs the route, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome our fast ferry back to Portsmouth as she always signals that summer is near. Day trips to France from Portsmouth are now back on the menu.’