Calais Day Trip and Shoppers Guide

If you have decided to take off to Calais to go shopping it's very likely you are going for booze and cigarettes, so it's well worth knowing what the allowances are....

If you are bringing in alcohol or tobacco goods and customs have reason to suspect they may be for a commercial purpose, a Customs officer may ask you questions and make checks, for example about:

- the type and quantity of goods you have bought
- why you bought them
- how you paid for them
- whether all your goods are openly displayed or concealed
- how often you travel
- how much you normally smoke or drink or
 -any other relevant circumstances.

You are particularly likely to be asked questions if you have more than: 3200 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos, 3kg tobacco, 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, 10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry). The officer will take into account all the factors of the situation and your explanation. If they are satisfied that the goods are for a commercial purpose they may seize them and any vehicle used to transport them, and may not return them to you. So stay below these limits, or you may not see your car again.

Majestic Wine and Beer World

These guys will even pay your ferry fare if you spend more than £300 with them, or a £30 voucher if you are spending less. You can also pre-order stock before your arrival to get a further discount. Website.

Eastenders Calais

Dave West and all of the staff at Eastenders would like to welcome you to visit their store, just around the corner from Majestic. They are normally open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The last time we were there it was very quiet so it may have closed down by now. 

l'Usine Cote d'Opale

This is a large designer outlet which is near the Cite Europe. It has all the big brands including Levi's and Lacoste at really good prices. Website.

Cité Europe

In case you haven't heard of it, it's a massive shopping centre on way to Boulogne from the ferry port at Calais. It's adjacent to the Eurotunnel entrance so you can hardly miss it. Men - take a book, because the ladies will take some time. Website.

Electro Depot Calais

You can get huge discounts on large white goods and other electrical good here. It's a warehouse-style setup where you can walk away with a fridge, cooker, microwave, toaster for half the price in the UK, even at current exchange rates. Website.

Carrefour Calais

If you are in Calais for shopping then it's worthwhile getting a bit of food shopping done while you are on the way back. There's lots of that French food that you like, as well as cheap booze. Website.