Summary
Shopping is one of the main reasons many Brits make the trip over the Channel. It’s well-known for ‘booze runs,’ and the festive season brings increased activity. However, there’s much more to shopping in Calais, located in Nord-Pas de Calais, than just visiting Carrefour or Calais Vins, good though these shops may be. Here is a selection of places to shop whether you are on a day trip from the UK, staying in Calais overnight, or returning to the UK after your holiday.
Hypermarkets
Calais features two major shopping complexes:
- Auchan to the west of Calais, open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Avenue Roger Salengro. Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 46 92 92. Auchan website for location and information.
- Cite Europe is a massive shopping mall with many diverse shops, including an extensive Carrefour. Carrefour hours are Monday to Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday and Saturday until 8 PM, and Friday until 9 PM. Cite Europe operates Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and on Friday and Saturday until 9 PM. 1001 boulevard du Kent, Tel: 03 21 46 47 48.
Bargain Clothes and Homeware Shopping
- Channel Outlet Store in Coquelles features 80 major brands, including Adidas, Hugo Boss, and Nike. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM with limited Sunday openings. Boulevard du Parc, 62911 Coquelles, France.
Shopping for Wine
- For an exceptional wine experience, visit Calais Vins. Located at junction 44 off the A16, this shop offers tastings of various wines alongside a selection of beers and sparkling wines at different price points. The knowledgeable staff, who speak English, help you explore wines from small owner-run vineyards. Additionally, guests can find a Philippe Olivier cheese shop nearby stocking a vast range of French cheeses. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Zone Curie, Rue Gutenbert, Tel: 00 33 (0)321 46 40 40.
Individual Shops
- La Maison du Fromage et des Vins features an excellent selection of cheeses and wine, along with various deli products. Owned by Le Channel restaurant in Calais. Open Monday from 2 PM to 7 PM, Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM & 3 PM to 7:30 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Annual closure last week of July, first week of August, and first three weeks of January. 1 rue Andre Gerschell (on the corner of the Place d’Armes), Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 34 44 72.
- Bar a Vins, run by the enthusiastic Luc Gilles, is a fantastic wine shop located in central Calais. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 3 PM; closed on Wednesday. 52 Place d’Armes, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 96 96 31.
- Le Terroir offers a wide selection of wines and gourmet items in this family-run shop, managed by Michel Morvan for 29 years. Expect good advice and a friendly welcome. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM & 2 PM to 7:30 PM and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. 29 rue des Fontinettes, Tel. 00 33 (0)3 21 36 34 66.
Fishmongers
- Les Delices de la Mer offers fish sourced directly from local fishermen. 160 Boulevard La Fayette, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 34 64 57.
- Huitriere Calaisienne is your best bet for fresh Brittany crabs, lobsters, and oysters. Blvd La Fayette, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 36 50 97.
- Emile Fournier et Fils, established over a century ago, specializes in smoked fish, from salmon to trout. A small fish market operates on weekends at the quayside opposite the marina. 53 rue Mouron, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 96 49 36.
Specialist Food Shops
- A la Ferme is a genuine farm shop managed by the local cooperative, offering fresh meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. 46 Blvd Gambetta, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 96 92 42.
Lace
Calais has a rich history in lace-making, making it essential to purchase lace products during your visit. The shop at the International Lace Center features beautiful examples. Alternatively, consider visiting this specialist store offering artisan-made lace items, including tablecloths, placemats, and napkins in an array of colors. Artisan-made lace can be pricier than machine-made versions, yet the intricate beauty makes it worthwhile.
- Noyon Boutique Dentelle
85 rue de Vic, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 46 78 04.
Sports Shops
- Decathlon is a major French chain catering to all sports with a vast selection at competitive prices. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM. Zac des cailloux, Rue de Verdun, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 00 05 00.
- Terres et Eaux is a warehouse-style shop specializing in hunting, fishing, and horse riding gear, open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7:30 PM. Parc d’activite chemin vert, 196 rue des oliviers, Tel.: 00 33 (0)3 21 17 17 70.
Markets
Street markets can be found at Place d’Armes on Wednesdays and Saturdays and at Place Crevecoeur on Thursday and Saturday mornings.
If you’re in Calais for a visit, the Museum of Lace is an attraction not to be missed, offering deep insights into the region’s cultural heritage.
