Bretagne is much more than just a ferry : it has left its mark on the history of Brittany Ferries and on thousands of travellers. The company placed the order in 1987; it was built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and registered in Morlaix. Delivered on July 10, 1989, it was christened in Roscoff two days later. From its launch, it symbolised the Company’s entry into a new era, the era of next-generation ferries equipped with the most modern technologies

Entering service in July 1989, Bretagne was initially assigned to long-haul routes linking Roscoff to Plymouth, Cork, and Santander. These long crossings required a robust and welcoming vessel, capable of transporting families, holidaymakers, and truck drivers in the best possible conditions. It quickly became a symbol of the company’s modernity while preserving the friendly spirit that had made Brittany Ferries successful.

With its 365 cabins, spacious lounges, and wide open decks, Bretagne could accommodate nearly 2,030 passengers, looked after by 140 crew members, and carry up to 580 vehicles. On board, passengers enjoyed unprecedented comfort for the time: panoramic restaurants, lively bars, duty-free shops and lounges that gave the crossing a cruise-like atmosphere. Many remember the warm ambiance of evenings on board, where musicians and even crew shows enlivened crossings to England, Ireland, or Spain.

In June 1993, after major works at the port of Saint-Malo, Bretagne left Roscoff to take up service on the Saint-Malo–Portsmouth route, Brittany Ferries’ longest cross-Channel link. The corsair city became its new home port, and regular passengers on the route immediately embraced the ship. Many still recall the joy of seeing its white funnel on the horizon as they departed Saint-Malo,a promise of a comfortable and reassuring crossing to England.

Bretagne stood out not only for its modernity and capacity but also for the elegance of its interior design, entrusted to the talents of artist Alexander Goudie. Every space on the ship bore his artistic touch, turning the crossing into a cultural as well as maritime experience. As Jean Marc Roué aptly put it: “Goudie made the Bretagne a floating museum, a love letter from a Scotsman who fell in love with Brittany.” Thus, the vessel rose beyond its transport function to become a true ambassador of Breton art and identity.

After 35 years of service and nearly 13 million passengers carried, Bretagne made its final crossing on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Its departure stirred deep emotion among crews and passengers, who bade farewell to a companion rich in memories. Replaced by Saint-Malo, it leaves behind an indelible legacy: that of a ship that combined modernity, reliability, and human warmth, becoming over the decades a true legend of the seas.

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