©Lyzebre Calais, an XXL shopping destination
In Calais and its surroundings, shopping has always been a must! If the commercial dynamism of the crossings to Great Britain with typically French products such as cheeses or wines are always in the minds of visitors, the pleasure of mixing shopping and visits can be found throughout the destination! Between local shops, food, souvenirs, to major international brands, Calais has what it takes to promise you an XXL shopping stopover.
A shopping trip with a sea view
Calais is a city where shopping takes on a special dimension. The shopping streets of the city center are full of boutiques and artisans offering local products, fashion items and accessories, such as the Maison du Fromage or the Bon Vent brewery. Gastronomy lovers will find what they are looking for in the delicatessens and wine merchants, where French wines, cheeses and chocolates attract connoisseurs, as well as at the wholesalers Calais Vins or Pidou.
For a wider selection, the Cité Europe and Channel Outlet shopping centers feature international brands and designer boutiques at discounted prices. French products are often more attractively priced than those in the UK. Between the cost difference and the VAT refund, a shopping trip to Calais is a cost-effective alternative to shopping across the Channel.
©Fred Collier 
©Nohcab Calais: shopping in the heart of the city
If you are looking for a local, local business that reflects our very Calais character, it is in the picturesque and lively streets of Calais that you must go. The famous Rue Royale and its red-brick facades, offers a wide range of shops. From the concept store of emblematic clothing 'Calaisfornia', going through the 'House of Cheeses and Wines' or even 'l'Atelier du chocolat'... Everything here is focused on practical, useful, and slightly chauvinistic souvenirs. In this district of Calais Nord, the shopkeepers with their warm and legendary welcome have the advantage of mixing with the good places to have a drink or a meal. The ideal area for a window-shopping outing combined with a delicious lunch, since everything is accessible on foot and within a radius of one kilometer.
Rue Royale and the Four Boulevards
By daring a few more steps towards the city centre of Calais, the Quatre Boulevards meet at the foot of the magnificent Grand Théâtre. On these shopping streets, a chocolatier, a large decoration house, an art house cinema in the heart of the city and sandwich shops rub shoulders with services. Newsagents, pharmacies and other shops meet all your needs during your stay. Every summer, it is also the setting for an urban art that sets up for the season: perfect for summer strolls.
©Lyzebre 
©Nohcab Leisure and pleasures on the outskirts
The unmissable Cité Europe
For fashion lovers looking for a large, accessible shopping experience under one roof, there's no doubt about it: head to the colossal Cité Europe shopping center. Directly accessible from the highway, this shopping complex offers an unparalleled shopping experience. Located in Coquelles, just minutes from Calais, it offers a multitude of internationally renowned boutiques.
Whether you're looking for big brands, fashion, or everyday items, you're sure to find what you're looking for. For a successful getaway, a whole section of the center is dedicated to gourmet delights, so you can take a well-deserved lunch break while browsing the aisles. The Gourmet City is home to numerous restaurants and, above all, a plethora of culinary styles: brasseries, world cuisine, coffee shops, and even the current specialty, the donut store! A great way to recharge your batteries between two intensive shopping sessions.
©Nohcab And the good deals from Channel Outlet
Located just across from Cité Europe stands the iconic arch of Channel Outlet, a true paradise for bargain hunters. Also located in Coquelles, this clearance store offers impressive discounts on a wide range of products, from fashion to homeware. Following in the tradition of 'Factory Outlets', Channel Outlet offers attractive deals all year round, giving visitors the chance to make substantial savings on quality products from well-known brands.
©Channel Outlet A good deal for British visitors
Since Brexit, UK residents can benefit from “Tax Free Shopping” in France. This scheme allows you to recover VAT on purchases made during a stay, provided you export them to the UK and meet certain criteria. The tax exemption applies to a wide range of products: clothing, leather goods, cosmetics, jewellery, electronics, wines and gastronomic specialities. The total amount of purchases must be at least €100 in the same store.
To get the refund, simply request an export sales slip at the time of purchase by presenting your passport. You must also be over 16 years old. Paying by credit card makes the transaction even easier: the refund is made directly to the visitor's account, in pounds sterling or in the currency linked to their card.
©Stephane Ribeiro Da Ascencao Shop 'Tax Free'
How to recover VAT on your purchases in Calais?
The procedure is simple and fast. When checking out, simply ask for a tax refund slip and its barcode and make sure it is filled out properly. Before boarding the ferry or taking the Channel Tunnel, the PABLO terminals, located after customs checks, allow you to scan your slip and finalize your reimbursement request in a few seconds.
A few precautions will make it easier to pass through customs. All items declared must be unused and kept in their original packaging, including food and drink items. Customs officials may ask to see them, so it is recommended to keep them accessible.
List of eligible businesses
A stay between shopping and discoveries
Coming to Calais for a day or a weekend is also an opportunity to enjoy the coastline and the local heritage. After a shopping session, the beach and the Calais Dragon offer an ideal break facing the sea. The historic center reveals its treasures with theCity Hall and its belfry listed by UNESCO, the famous statue of the Bourgeois Rodin and several museums that tell the history and know-how of the region.
Between good deals and cultural discoveries, a trip to Calais is an opportunity to get a change of scenery, fill your suitcases and leave with the desire to return.
Top 5 must-sees in Calais
©Nohcab ©Fred Collier