Irish Ferries has shared its recommendations for romantic destinations in France accessible via its Dublin to Cherbourg route on the W.B. Yeats ship for Valentine’s season. Travel expert Nora Costello recommended towns near Cherbourg including Honfleur for harbour strolls and seafood dinners, Chantilly for château gardens and cream, and Angers in the Loire Valley for medieval history and wine tastings. Additional options feature Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint-Malo, Dinard, Dinan, Deauville, and Trouville.
Couples can begin the journey with onboard relaxation in Deluxe or Premium suites, fine dining, and sea views before driving to explore at their own pace with car transport. The Romantic France Guide offers further inspiration on travel and cuisine. Fares start from €301 one way for a car and two adults with an inside cabin.
The promotion ties romance to French culture through food such as oysters, foie gras, and champagne enjoyed slowly together. Irish Ferries operates year-round on the route with spacious lounges, cinemas, and tax-free shopping.. Fares start from €301 one way from Dublin to Cherbourg for a car and two adults with an inside cabin. Nora Costellos’s selections are:
- Honfleur – Timeless Romance by the Harbour, A small coastal town in Normandy, Honfleur charms with cobbled streets, pastel buildings and fresh sea air. Couples can stroll along the Vieux Bassin harbour, enjoy a quiet seafood dinner with oysters or scallops and a glass of champagne as the lights reflect on the water, or take in panoramic views from the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Art lovers will enjoy the galleries inspired by Boudin and Monet. Honfleur is just over a two-hour drive from Cherbourg port.
- Chantilly – Chic Château, Around four and a half hours from Cherbourg, and just 30 minutes north of Paris, Chantilly blends fairytale elegance with tranquil charm. The Château de Chantilly, set amid 115 acres of gardens, provides a romantic backdrop for strolls or lakeside relaxation, while the Forêt de Chantilly, local markets and candlelit restaurants offer leisurely experiences for couples. Don’t miss the town’s famous Chantilly cream, first served at a 17th-century banquet or a visit to the nearby medieval town of Senlis.
- Angers & the Loire Valley – History & Wine, Located beside the Maine River, Angers combines medieval history and Loire Valley romance. Couples can explore the Château d’Angers with its 14th-century Apocalypse Tapestry, wander the old town, or enjoy the Jardin des Plantes and Arboretum Gaston-Allard for quiet sunset picnics. Wine lovers can visit nearby vineyards for tastings and scenic views across rolling vines. Angers is around four hours’ drive from Cherbourg.
- Mont-Saint-Michel: A dramatic UNESCO World Heritage Site rising from the tidal flats, unforgettable at sunrise or sunset and a dream backdrop for proposals. Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes’ drive from Cherbourg.
- Saint-Malo, Dinard & Dinan: From coastal ramparts and Belle Époque glamour to medieval streets, this Breton trio delivers classic French romance. Around 2.5–3 hours’ drive from Cherbourg.
- Deauville & Trouville: Elegant seaside towns known for long beach walks, oyster bars and champagne by the sea. Just over a two-hour drive from Cherbourg.
