satellite, buying in calais

[nineteen4ever]

Hi all. Off to France for a day next week. Apart from the usual shopping, what else is there in Calais? (or nearby). We'll be arriving about midday and return about 8pm, will go to cite europe as I know where it is, but once finished doing the shopping we would like to maybe have a nice meal, visit something historic/interesting. Any ideas?

Also thought about buying a mobile satellite system whilst there, but is it worth it with the euro being strong? If I do, where can I get one from?

Many thanks,

Gary

 

[rob_jax]

Gary,

Cite de Europe for shopping? Well the advantage is that you know it's there, but it doesn't offer the best prices...

If you want a hypermarket used by the locals, Belgians and me returning from work in Rotterdam, then the Auchan at Grande Synthe has local produce and better prices. Grande-Synthe is around 20 minutes north east of Calais - just before Dunkerque, but it's not a great area for doing things or seeing something historic.

And remember that France has VAT at 21% - and coupled with a strong Euro - I can't say that you'll find many bargains in electrical goods...

Robert

 

[nineteen4ever]

Gary,

Cite de Europe for shopping? Well the advantage is that you know it's there, but it doesn't offer the best prices...

If you want a hypermarket used by the locals, Belgians and me returning from work in Rotterdam, then the Auchan at Grande Synthe has local produce and better prices. Grande-Synthe is around 20 minutes north east of Calais - just before Dunkerque, but it's not a great area for doing things or seeing something historic.

And remember that France has VAT at 21% - and coupled with a strong Euro - I can't say that you'll find many bargains in electrical goods...

Robert

Cheers Robert. I'm sure we have been to the Auchan about 3 years ago when returning from Belgium to the ferry at Dunkerque. My wife didn't think much of it! I just obey her every whim (sort of), and she loves Cite Europe! Think I may have to get a maplin satellite system instead! Many thanks, Gary

 

[nineteen4ever]

Cheers Robert. I'm sure we have been to the Auchan about 3 years ago when returning from Belgium to the ferry at Dunkerque. My wife didn't think much of it! I just obey her every whim (sort of), and she loves Cite Europe! Think I may have to get a maplin satellite system instead! Many thanks, Gary

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

Quite agree with your wife - the Auchan store at Grande-Synthe is in need of refurbishment, and the Cite de Europe is glitzy - but if you're buying groceries, the price of Maille moutarde or mayonnaise or whatever is lower...

But at the end of the day, anything for an easy life...

Eating places - you say a nice meal - there's some very interesting restaurants along the coast Boulogne - Calais - Dunkerque - Veurne.

Take a look at the Toques d'Opale web-site - It's a group / club of local restaurants along this coast:

http://www.toquesdopale.com
And somewhere like "Historie Ancienne" in Calais might be OK for you - I've eaten from the vegetarian menu and it was very good... but check the pricing on their web-site, the French are also feeling the economic pinch - preferring to eat at home or maybe only one course at a restaurant...

Robert