Duty-Free Shopping in France, how to make the most of it?
As the summer season approaches, British travelers often look for ways to make the most of their trips across the Channel. One of the best perks of traveling from the UK to France is the opportunity for duty-free shopping. This summer, take advantage of the incredible savings and variety offered by French duty-free shops, especially for wine, beer, and spirits. Let’s explore why France, and specifically Calais, is the ideal destination for duty-free shopping.
Understanding Duty-Free Shopping
What is Duty-Free?
Duty-free shopping allows travelers to purchase goods without paying local taxes or import duties. These tax exemptions make products significantly cheaper than their regular retail prices. Duty-free shops are typically located in airports, ferry terminals, and border locations, offering a wide range of products, including alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and luxury items.
Eligibility for Duty-Free Shopping
To take advantage of duty-free shopping, travelers must be crossing international borders. British travelers heading to France need a valid passport and travel tickets. Ensure you meet these criteria to fully benefit from the available duty-free offers. Additionally, it is essential to spend a minimum amount, typically over €100 in a single store, to qualify for VAT refunds in France. Complete your purchases and keep the Tax-Free form provided by the store.
How to Claim VAT Refund While Shopping with Us
We are here to support our British customers. We provide tax-free vouchers that allow you to reclaim VAT as soon as you embark in Calais, thanks to our partnerships with Global Blue and Skiptax.
VAT Refund Process
By offering significant savings through a 15% VAT refund on purchases from our Wine superstores, we’ve partnered with Global Blue and Skiptax to make the VAT reclaim process seamless. Simply scan a barcode at kiosks located at the Calais port terminals to activate your refund.
Procedures at Ferry Port or Eurotunnel Terminal
To reclaim VAT, scan the barcode on your Tax-Free form. This scan confirms to French authorities that you and your purchases are leaving the European Union.
Using Global Blue:
1. Collect your Tax-Free Form from the store.
2. Scan the barcode on the form at kiosks located at the PABLO terminal in the ferry port, which is located in the main building after customs, or in the passenger building for Eurotunnel.
Using Skiptax:
Download the free Skiptax app and scan your passport. Shop and then scan your receipt. Scan the barcode generated by Skiptax at the departure terminal. You will receive your refund within 48 hours.
Why Choose France for Duty-Free Shopping?
Proximity and Convenience
France is easily accessible from the UK, making it a convenient destination for duty-free shopping. Routes from Folkestone to Calais and Dover to Calais are popular, with options such as ferries and the Eurotunnel offering quick and easy travel. The short journey means you can enjoy a day trip in Calais while stocking up on your favorite duty-free items.
Wider Selection and Quality
France is renowned for its high-quality wines, beers, and spirits. Duty-free shops in Calais, like Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, offer an extensive selection of French alcoholic beverages. More than 4000 products in our stores range from Grand cru to “vin de table”, with a vast selection of beers and spirits. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, you’ll find an impressive variety of products to suit your tastes.
Price Advantage
One of the main reasons to shop duty-free in France is the significant cost savings. Compared to UK prices, duty-free items can be much cheaper. For example, you might find a bottle of fine French wine at a fraction of the cost you would pay back home. The savings on bulk purchases, such as cases of wine or multiple bottles of spirits, can be substantial. In light of the recent surge in alcohol prices in the UK, with a staggering 9.6% increase as reported on January 17, 2024, by British media outlets, many Britons are turning to duty-free shops in Calais to ease the financial burden. Our recent comparison found that you can easily get 50% off high street prices by combining French prices with duty-free discounts.
Top Duty-Free Products to Buy in France
Wine
French Wine Varieties
France is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Buying wine in France provides access to unique and exquisite wines that are highly sought after worldwide.
Top Picks for Summer
- Rosé Wines: Perfect for summer, French rosé wines are refreshing and versatile.
- White Wines: Look for crisp and aromatic whites from regions like Alsace and Loire Valley.
- Sparkling Wines: Celebrate with sparkling wines from Champagne or Crémant de Loire
Beer
French Craft Beers
France's craft beer scene has flourished in recent years, with many breweries producing unique and flavorful beers. Duty-free shops in Calais stock a variety of these craft beers, offering something for every palate. A wide range of Belgian beers, French beers, and more generally beers from around the world are available. In addition, a selection of ciders to taste and savor at home. Take advantage of our beer pump rental service and browse our range of Perfect Draft beer kegs: Leffe Blonde, Jupiler, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden... everything for beer lovers. We also offer Perfect Draft kegs such as Leffe Classic, Jupiler, Hoegaarden, and Stella Artois. Among our regional beers, consider La Blonde d’Esquelbecq, La Moulin d’Ascq, or the Anosteké, awarded best beer in the world.
Best Beers for Hot Weather
- Blonde Ales: Light and refreshing, ideal for warm summer days.
- Wheat Beers: These beers are smooth and slightly fruity, perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Spirits
Popular French Spirits
French spirits such as Cognac and Armagnac are world-renowned. Duty-free shops in Calais offer a wide selection of these premium spirits at excellent prices. Calais Vins offers the online sale of aperitifs and spirits with a wide range of whiskeys, rums, gins, cognacs, vodkas, liqueurs, and more. For an original or traditional aperitif, choose from old rums, a Japanese whiskey, a lemon liqueur, or even a vintage Armagnac. With more than 1000 online Calais Vins references, it is one of the largest selections on the web. Remember to keep your tax-free items unused and in their original packaging until you leave the European Union, as this is a requirement for VAT refunds.
- Cognac Cocktails: Try a refreshing Cognac-based cocktail, such as a French 75 or a Sidecar.
- Armagnac Mixes: Experiment with Armagnac in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or simply enjoy it on the rocks.
Planning Your Duty-Free Shopping Trip
Best Times to Shop
To avoid crowds and secure the best deals, plan your shopping trips during off-peak times. Early mornings and weekdays are generally quieter. Be mindful of peak travel times, especially during the summer holidays when the shops can be busier. However, our extensive and free parking allows you to shop hassle-free while hypermarket parking can be very busy.
Duty-Free Allowances
It’s essential to know the legal limits for bringing duty-free goods back to the UK. For alcohol, the allowances include:
- 42 liters of beer 18 liters of still wine 4 liters of spirits or 9 liters of sparkling wine, fortified wine, or other alcoholic beverages
- Stay within these limits to avoid any penalties or taxes upon your return. Note that for goods to be eligible for a refund, they must not be consumed or used before leaving the EU, and must be exported within three months following the purchase date.
- Where to Shop
Two of the best places to shop in Calais are Calais Vins and Olivier Vins. Both stores offer an extensive range of wines, beers, and spirits at competitive duty-free prices. Calais Vins is known for its excellent selection and knowledgeable staff, while Olivier Vins offers a curated collection of premium French beverages. Ask Olivier, Stéphane, or Jérôme; they will be happy to help, advise you, and speak in English! Be sure to ask them if you would like to taste some wine, that’s what the wine bar is for.
Duty-Free Shopping in France: Spotlight on Calais
With Brexit reshaping cross-border commerce, Calais has become a prime destination for British shoppers seeking tax-free deals, particularly on wine and gourmet products. Calais Vins has successfully enhanced the shopping experience for UK visitors, seeing a significant rise in tax-free transactions in 2023, with average purchases exceeding €250. To better serve their British clientele, Calais Vins offers dedicated tax refund stations, English-speaking staff, and the option to pay in pounds. "I’m truly delighted with the collaboration we have established with Global Blue," says Jérôme Pont, highlighting the exceptional support and insights they receive from their partnership with Global Blue in a recent article dedicated to opportunities with tax free shopping in France.
Making the Most of Your Savings
Combining Duty-Free Shopping with Travel Activities
Enhance your duty-free shopping trip by exploring Calais and its surroundings. Enjoy local attractions such as the Calais Lighthouse, the City of Lace and Fashion, and the beautiful Opal Coast beaches. Combine shopping with dining at local restaurants and staying in charming accommodations. For a detailed itinerary, consider our guide on a perfect day trip in Calais.
Tips for Maximizing Savings
Discount Cards: Use discount cards and loyalty programs offered by duty-free shops to save even more.
Bulk Purchases: Take advantage of discounts on bulk purchases, especially for wines and spirits. pecial Offers: Look out for special promotions and seasonal offers that can provide additional savings.
