| BARGAIN cross Channel fares, the strong £ plus the chance to save literally hundreds of £s
on buying wine, beer and specialty foods, have all combined to make Calais the number one DAY TRIP destination for British
shoppers. But stay longer and you'll soon discover why Calais, the surrounding coast and country have much more to offer
for a perfect short break.
Calais has a huge choice of shops: three hypermarkets, half a dozen supermarkets and in the town centre a variety of
independent, family-run shops, as well as two colourful markets, both open on Saturdays.
While for many British visitors shopping in Calais means buying lots of cheap beer, wine and spirits at the out-of-town
hypermarkets and Cite Europe shopping complex, an increasing number find shopping in the town a much more rewarding experience.
Choose from a mouth watering selection of chocolates, bread, cheese and charcuterie in specialist shops. Don't just window
shop but buy designer label clothes and lingerie in chic boutiques. Pick-up bargains of china, glass, linen, luggage,
even DIY products.
And once you've finished shopping get a taste of the real France - Calais has an excellent choice of restaurants to suit
all tastes and pockets. Specially recommended are 13 restaurants in the town, on the coast and in the nearby country,
who are members of the Toques D'Opale, The Quality Club of Calais restaurants.
For a longer visit Calais is a perfect base for a short break. It is on the doorstep of a breathtaking coastline with
mile upon mile of huge empty beaches of fine white sand interrupted only by the tall cliffs of Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris
Nez.
On the seaward side the village of Wissant has a huge beach, ideal for wind and water sports. Audreselles is famous for
its unusual fishing boats which when not in use, are parked, car fashion, outside their owners houses. Another fishing
village, Ambleteuse boasts a fine fort built by the famous French military engineer,Vauban.
Head inland and drive through a countryside of rolling hills, small river valleys and forests. High standard, modestly
priced accommodation and restaurants to suit most pockets and tastes can be found throughout the area to offer a taste
of the real France.
A network of small roads lead to villages such as Guines, near the Field of the Cloth of Gold, the famous meeting place
in 1520 for Henry VIII and Francis I of France, while the pretty town of Ardres has for decades been a popular en route
stopover for British holidaymaker's.
Nearby is Licques, a charming village with a superb Gothic church, famous for its production of fine turkey, highlighted
in December in an annual turkey parade. Eperlecques is notable for a giant World War II bunker, where V2 rockets were
built and launched and revive your spirits at Houle, where you can discover the locally produced eau de vie.
For more information on Calais click here >
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