<P> The ports vary in size and their relative importance has fluctuated during recent history . Dover has established a lead in the cross-Channel ferry routes through its geographic position and development of its facilities and hinterland . This business has been sustained despite competition from the Channel Tunnel . Other minor ports in Kent and Sussex have retained some trade but these tend to be single routes, such as Folkestone--Calais, Newhaven--Dieppe and Ramsgate--Ostend . </P> <P> Longer routes mainly radiate from Portsmouth but there are lesser ports at Poole, Portland and Plymouth, with routes to Normandy, Brittany and Spain . </P> <P> The major French port with cross-Channel connections is Calais, principally with Dover but also with Folkestone . Other close French channel include Dunkirk, Boulogne and Dieppe . </P> <P> Longer routes are served from Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, Roscoff and St Malo . There are services to Ireland (Rosslare and Cork). </P>

Ports and resort in france on the english channel