Brittany Ferries has announced plans to launch a new low cost ferry service from Portsmouth to Le Havre on France’s north coast.

The service launches on 25 March and will be branded as Brittany Ferries économie, to appeal to those looking for cheaper crossings without the cruise-style experience normally provided by Brittany Ferries.

One way fares for a car plus two this spring will start at just £79 to France.

Services on board will be restricted from usual levels and will include a reduced restaurant menu and entertainment limited to a movie lounge, however cabins will still feature en-suite facilities, there will be a lounge where seats can be reserved on overnight crossings and there will be 12 pet-friendly cabins.

Mike Bevens, Group Commercial Director, comments: “We feel that there is an opening for a no-frills, great-value service which will appeal to those who are on a tight budget and may not have even considered travelling by ferry before. The Brittany Ferries promise has always been about “choice” – we have ten routes, plus high-speed services, as well as cruise ferries – and this is taking the concept one step further.

“Whilst Brittany Ferries économie will not provide the same high level of service and facilities with which Brittany Ferries has become associated it will offer something altogether simpler and with exceptional value.”

Bookings will open online at www.brittanyferries.com/economie in a few weeks but in the meantime registrations can be made by calling 0871 244 1400.