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Calais shopping guide

While many people will still be clinging onto the last traces of summer, just as many will now be turning their thoughts towards the forthcoming season in eager anticipation of the fun, frivolity and feasting associated with winter. People with big families will be well aware of the importance of stocking up for Christmas and one of the best ways to do this affordably is to embark on a shopping day trip to Calais.

Among the most popular options for quick and easy travel across the Channel is a simple day return from Dover to Calais. Two of the biggest operators in the ferry industry - SeaFrance and P&O Ferries - offer regular crossings between Dover and Calais. Dozens of services are available along this famous shipping lane every day, from the earliest hours of the morning until last thing at night, meaning that passengers will be able to arrange the timing of their trip to suit their own preferences. People who book their ferry crossings in advance or take advantage of special offers will find that prices start from less than £30 for a single car on a day return from Dover to Calais.

Another option for people taking cheap day trips to Calais is provided by Eurotunnel. Car shuttles operate directly from Folkestone, enabling passengers to simply drive off the train in France and head directly to the closest Calais hypermarkets and wine warehouses. The crossing takes just 35 minutes, during which time passengers will stay with their cars but will be free to get out and stretch their legs.

Once the travel has been arranged, travellers can turn their thoughts to the most important part of their booze cruise - where to go to stock up on cheap food, drink and every other indulgence they can think of. One of the most popular outlets among many visitors will surely be Wine and Beer World, which is located on Rue du Judee and is just five minutes' drive from the ferry port. Other popular Calais beer and wine warehouses included the aptly named Boozers, Cheers and the Pidou superstore, all of which are within easy reach of the port.

One of the best known outlets of all is Carrefour in Cite Europe, which is accessible directly from the Eurotunnel and Calais ferry ports. Visitors will find everything they need at this store, from the best known brands of wine and beer to groceries and snacks. Another popular option is the Auchan hypermarket, where people on Calais shopping trips can take advantage of a host of special offers and discount prices. Visitors can currently pick up one bottle of Champagne Charles Lafitte and get an extra one free, while bottles of wine including a Beaujolais Pierre Chanau are available from as little as £3. Auchan also sells plenty of gifts, beauty products and food, including some specialities from the south of France.

Visitors to Calais will notice a number of other major brands close to the port that will serve their various consumer needs, including Sainsbury's and Tesco.

Shoppers should have no trouble bringing the haul from their Calais shopping trip back into the UK, as long as all of the alcohol and tobacco they bring is for personal use and transported personally. The best way for people to avoid questions from customs officers is to ensure that they do not exceed the following amounts: 3,200 cigarettes, three kilograms of tobacco, 110 litres of wine, ten litres of spirits and 20 litres of fortified wine, such as port or sherry.

Whatever your intention, whether it is stocking up ahead of Christmas, planning a once-in-a-lifetime party or simply picking up some cheap food and drink for personal use, cheap day trips to Calais will serve every requirement. And with regular rail and ferry crossings at every hour of the day, a trip to the continent these days is almost as easy as heading to the local supermarket.