An independent guide for Channel travellers
Make your stop in Calais count.
Practical advice on where to shop, eat and explore before or after crossing the Channel.
- Written for British visitors
- Built around your crossing
- Practical details, checked regularly
Choose by time, not by category
How long have you got?
Choose a plan that includes realistic driving, parking and return time for your crossing.
Under one hour
Make one useful stop
Choose between quick shopping, food or fuel without attempting too much.
See the one-hour options →Two to four hours
Combine shopping and Calais
Visit a supermarket and add lunch, the beach or a short walk around the centre.
Plan a two-to-four-hour stop →A full day
Explore beyond the retail parks
See the city and coast, then complete your shopping before returning to the terminal.
Plan one day in Calais →Built around your crossing
Arriving or heading home?
Ferry and LeShuttle passengers arrive in different parts of Calais. The most convenient first or final stop is therefore not always the same.
Just arrived
Your easiest first stops
Find breakfast, groceries, fuel or somewhere to stop after leaving the ferry or LeShuttle.
See the best first stops →Before your crossing
Use your remaining time safely
Choose a final stop for food, fuel or shopping based on your terminal and remaining check-in time.
Plan your final stop →Shopping in Calais
Choose the right shopping stop.
Cité Europe is convenient for LeShuttle, while Carrefour Mi-Voix is better placed for many ferry passengers. Auchan, Channel Outlet and the specialist drinks warehouses serve different purposes.
Compare shopping in Calais →
Outside the shopping centres
Beach, landmarks and central Calais.
If you have more than a quick shopping window, several stops can be combined without travelling far outside Calais.
Allow enough time
The beach works best when you have at least two hours. It can be combined with lunch, the Calais Dragon or a short visit to the town centre.
Plan a beach stop →Practical information
Answers for planning your stop.
How we write the guide
“If a detail could waste your time or complicate your crossing, it belongs in the guide.”
Opening hours, shops and travel rules can change. Important practical pages include a last-checked date and links to official information where appropriate.