Calais shopping trips 'can beat credit crunch blues'

The credit crunch may be eating away at the disposable income of many British consumers, but it is still possible to pick up plenty of bargains by catching a ferry to Calais and hitting the hypermarkets, according to P&O Ferries.

Writing in his blog on the ferry operator's website, John Hillman stated that a January "shopping binge" is an "essential" part of banishing the post-Christmas blues.

The prices on offer in Calais mean that consumers can take a day-trip across the Channel, get plenty of shopping done and return home having made a saving, according to Mr Hillman.

As an example, champagne and wine are thought to be between 50 and 70 per cent cheaper in supermarkets near the French ferry port than in the UK.

There is more than just alcohol on offer, however, as the stores also sell cheeses, meats and even foie gras and other delicacies that France is famous for.

People who would like to visit one of Calais' local markets should book their P&O Ferries or Seafrance ferry crossings for a Saturday morning and head to either Place d'Armes or Place Crevecoeur.