As the holiday season approaches, Calais is quietly reclaiming its place on the British travel map. But this time, it’s not the old-fashioned booze cruise that’s bringing visitors back, it’s a new mix of curated wine shopping, winter events, and tax-free savings that’s capturing people’s attention.
Head to Calais for Wine, Winter and VAT Savings
This winter British visitors are expected to cross the Channel in ever greater numbers, drawn by a winning combination of compelling reasons: great savings on wine, beers and spirits including 20% winter promotion, and VAT refund; the Calais Dragon – a fire breathing, snorting beast that roams the esplanade; and the opening of the city’s famous Christmas Market.
Retailers like Calais Vins and Olivier Vins report a steady rise in British customers. “Our British clients are not just looking to load up their boots with money-saving wines, spirits and beers,” says Jérôme Pont, co-founder of Calais Vins. “They come for a whole day or a weekend, to enjoy the city, pick up special wines they can’t find at home, and make the most of duty free.”
Thanks to post-Brexit rules, British residents can now claim around 15% VAT back on purchases. VAT Refunds are available to all UK residents carrying a valid passport and spending at least €100.01 in-store. Claims are processed via Global Blue or Skiptax and can be activated at the Eurotunnel or ferry terminals in Calais.
What’s on Offer This Season?
Calais Vins has carefully selected 16+ wines and spirits with 20% off until 31 December 2025; many of them from respected Bordeaux and Burgundy producers. Gifting canny consumers a significant saving of up to 40% on normal French prices, which are already significantly lower that the UK.
Beyond price, Pont says what sets Calais Vins apart is its direct relationship with French winemakers. “We’ve worked with some of these producers for 20+ years. These aren’t wines you’ll find in a British supermarket.”
A Weekend to Remember: Wine Meets Winter Tourism
The wine deals are part of a broader revival of winter tourism in Calais:
Meet the Calais Dragon, a spectacular mechanical beast created by La Compagnie du Dragon. The flame-spouting creature parades near the seafront – a major draw for families and photographers alike. And in December he will be joined by Varan, another giant roaming reptile who weight 22 tonnes and is 14.8 metres high.
The Calais Christmas Market returns, offering local crafts, street food, and festive performances in Place d’Armes and Place du Théâtre. Open afternoons and evenings (closed 25 Dec).
Travel for Free – Literally
To make the trip even more attractive, both wine merchants are offering to refund ferry travel for UK visitors who pre-order over €300 online. This effectively makes it a free day trip to stock up and explore.
Orders can be placed on www.wine-calais.co.uk, with Click & Collect or in-store pickup. Staff are bilingual, parking is free, and both locations are under 10 minutes from the port or Eurotunnel.
Ordering online is secure and straightforward, you can see the whole range of products here: wine-calais.co.uk
