©Nohcab Day trip to Calais: planning your shopping day
A crossing of less than two hours from England, or a day trip with a full trunk on the way back: the formula that made Calais famous still appeals to British (and other!) visitors seeking French wine and cuisine. Here's how to easily organize your own.
French-style shopping
Proximity to England, Belgium, and Germany is a major advantage. From Dover, in particular, the ferry crossing takes approximately ninety minutes, one of the shortest between the UK and the continent. Unlike flying, there are no limits on liquids in the cabin or weight restrictions to negotiate at the counter for cars: only the trunk volume sets the limit. This is the principle that has long made Calais's restaurants famous. Chocolate, cheese to enjoy on-site, wines, beer, and local charcuterie delight visitors seeking regional products. Enough to transform a day trip into a true tasting experience!
Discover our specialties
©Nohcab Cheese, cured meats & pastries
The dish itself is a testament to the region's cross-Channel history. Welsh rarebit, bread and ham topped with melted cheddar, is a local institution inherited from centuries of trade with England, served notably at the Hovercraft, opposite the Tourist Office. Maroilles, a strong cheese from French Flanders, is baked in flamiches a little further east, while a sweeter find, the sugar tart, a buttery brioche with brown sugar, can be picked up in a local bakery before hitting the road again.
The ultimate sweet treats
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©Nohcab Fishermen's Quarter of Calais
Even before hitting the road again, the Quai de la Colonne is worth a visit, just a few minutes' walk from the terminal. Depending on the tide and the weather, local fishing boats and fishmongers sell the day's catch directly there: sea bass, sole, plaice, mackerel, herring depending on the season, alongside the stall of Myriam Pont, a mussel gatherer well known to the locals.
The Fisheries Market
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©Nohcab Organize your day trip locally
Shopping trips aren't the same for everyone. Visitors staying in self-catering cottages or rentals with kitchens often consider stopping in Calais before heading to their accommodation, so they arrive with wine, cheese, and a few basic groceries already packed in the trunk to fully enjoy their stay. Those who prefer to stay in a hotel, without cooking, more often reserve their purchases for the return journey.
All addresses
Takeaway options: wine shops and delicatessens
The wine shops and delicatessens of Calais XXL, among which Calais Wines, Olivier Wines and Company and the Cheese and Wine HouseThese options are designed for this type of stopover. Wine remains a sure bet, from Provençal rosé to renowned Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, alongside favorites among British visitors like Whispering Angel rosé. Spirits enthusiasts also compare prices on Scotch whisky and gin, often cheaper than in the UK. As for beer, Belgian and Northern French labels like Leffe, Ch'ti, and Trois Monts are available alongside local brews. Artisanal chocolate, coffee, olive oil, and mustard round out the list of gourmet essentials, with tax-free shopping available for eligible purchases before boarding. Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.
Where to buy local products
©Nohcab Tax-free shopping for British visitors
Prepare well for your crossing
The journey to England requires planning both on the outbound and return journeys. From Calais, the crossing is by ferry with P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Irish Ferries, or via the Channel Tunnel with Le Shuttle. Regarding entry into France, it's also advisable to check the validity of your passport and stay informed about border controls, as these rules change regularly on both sides of the Channel.
Crossing the English Channel
©Nohcab The tax refund system
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 Some rules for bringing products into the United Kingdom
Since April 12, 2025, travelers from the European Union can no longer bring meat or dairy products into the United Kingdom, even if purchased in duty-free zones. This includes cheeses, cured meats, and butter: it's best to be aware of this before stocking up on local specialties. Chocolate, confectionery, bread, and wine remain permitted without any particular restrictions.
See the British noteHow to recover VAT on your purchases in Calais? +
The procedure is simple and entirely paperless since the deployment of the PABLO (Paperless Bordereau) system, now used for almost all tax refund procedures in France. At the checkout, simply request a tax refund form and its barcode, ensuring it is filled out with your passport information. Before boarding the ferry or entering the Channel Tunnel, the PABLO kiosks, located after customs, allow you to scan the form and validate your refund request in seconds, without a stamp or going to a counter.
A few precautions will make customs clearance easier: all declared items must be unused and in their original packaging, including food and drinks. Customs officers may ask to see them, so it's best to keep them easily accessible in your luggage.
Are food products and wines eligible for tax refunds? +
Yes, food and wine can be duty-free, provided they have not been consumed or opened before leaving the European Union. Customs officers may ask to see them, so it's best to keep them easily accessible in your luggage.
Once in the UK, can I bring back all my tax-free purchases? +
Not for all products. Since April 2025, the UK has restricted the entry of meat and dairy products from the European Union, including those purchased duty-free. Wine, beer, spirits, and most processed products remain permitted. Full details are available on our dedicated UK regulations page.
Which products are specifically prohibited when returning to the United Kingdom? +
The following are prohibited, regardless of quantity or packaging: pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, game and their derivatives such as cured meats, as well as milk and dairy products (butter, cheese, yogurt). Fish, poultry (chicken, duck, goose) and their products, eggs, and honey remain permitted. An exception exists for powdered infant formula and special medical foods, up to a limit of 2 kg per person, in unopened branded packaging.
See the full list on gov.ukHow much wine and beer can I bring back to the UK? +
Adult travelers can currently bring back up to 18 liters of still wine (approximately 24 standard bottles) and 42 liters of beer duty-free on the UK side. These limits are subject to change, so it's best to check them before each trip.