How I saved hundreds on wine and cigarettes (Shopping in Calais)

Member Name: Sandra-M

Product:	Shopping in Calais
Date:	28/07/01 (1765 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Day trips can cost as little as £40 return for car and passengers, Savings on beer, wine and cigarettes

Disadvantages: None

We calculated that on our last daytrip to Calais we had saved over £100 on wine alone. We're not even sure how much we saved on cigarettes (Golden Virginia actually) because it's so long since we've bought them over here but estimate around £480.

We take the car over and never pay more than £40 for the car and passengers. Hoverspeed (www.hoverspeed.co.uk) have special offers on at the moment until the end of September. It's even cheaper if you cross before 7.30 am. We travel with Hoverspeed on the Seacat which is the quickest way to travel - 50 minutes each way and I have never suffered sea sickness once.

Once in France you should head for the hypermarket Auchan (pronounced O-shan) which is well signposted but you need to head onto the motorway in the direction of Coquelles. Trolleys at Auchan need a 10F coin so you'll have to get change if you don't have one. You'll find everything you need at Auchan It's huge - clothing, fresh food, bakery, cheeses, delicatessan, drinks, clothing, household - all under one roof.

Generally wine is sold in boxes of six, although it is possible to grab and empty box and buy it singly. We usually manage to stick to names we know - Bordeaux, Cotes du Rhone, Burgundy. Prices start from around £1.50 a bottle. (Make sure you know the exchange rate before you get there and take a calculator if you need to but it's generally around 10F to a £1 so if it costs 100F it is £10).

Stock up on lagers/beers as well - when we were there not long before Christmas - there were promotions going on with free samples everywhere. We get some French cheese - I usually buy Camembert in round boxes so that the car doesn't stink of French cheese all the way home. Buy some French bread it will still be fresh when you get back. Yougharts and Mousses are very cheap as well.

Beware though - you will not find any cigarettes in a French supermarket. We purchase our
s on the Seacat going out as we have found difficulties obtaining cigarettes at the Ferry Port and on the return journey.
The staff on the Seacat will even serve you with duty frees in your seat so no need to queue up.

Attached to Auchan is a very reasonably price self service restaurant so you don't have far to go to eat. Don't forget that wine is cheap so you can have wine with your meal and it won't cost a fortune!

Across the way from Auchan is a much smaller Sainsbury's. Next door is a large DIY shop like our B & Q. We found the lighting section amazing and cheaper than over here.
Nearby is a petrol station - petrol is cheaper than over here so fill up. We also found a very good jet wash for the car with a very helpful attendant who speaks just enough English.

Head back to the port in plenty of time. If you have forgotten anything there is a duty free shop at the port.

I hope that's all been helpful - Bon Voyage!

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