An alternative to the Calais supermarche circus Forums

Gewitty

For anyone looking to buy good wines at very reasonable prices (which means avoiding the tourist traps of Calais), I can heartily recommend the Auchan hypermarket in Dunkerque. Not a tourist in site, just mountains of really good wines at really good prices.

We were so loaded up that we seriously challenged the RV's rear suspension on our way back from a France/Germany trip recently. The immigration officer who checked us over when we got back to the UK said she wanted to stay on board with us, as it looked like being a hell of a party!

So far, our scientific analysis of the various wines we purchased has revealed nothing but very nice wines. The tests will probably continue for some time though.

The address for Auchan is:

Route Nationale 40 59760
GRANDE SYNTH
Dunkerque

A map of the location is attached. (For those with sat nav, the coordinates are: N51 00.370 E2 16.584)

Rapide561

Hi

I will second that. On a November Saturday, Cite Europe and so on are choc a block with British Coaches etc. A few wise ones went to Dunkerque.

Also, only a hop skip and jump from Adinkerke for cheap tobacco and chocs!

Rapide561

Cowly

An excellent shop, I was in the shop car park last year 2005, did not make it into the shop, but instead was taken to the Grand-Synthe hospital, and had the best medical treatment ever, the problem diagnosed in 30 mins, from entering the hospital,

Colin

mazwad

We use a wine warehouse about 20 mins from Calais called Franglais. Its on the A16 going towards Boulogne junction 40. They are very helpful, you can taste any of the wines and if you join their club, at no cost, you get 5% of the total spend off next time you visit.

They have many offers of buy 2 get one free usually on cases of 6 bottles.
I can recommend Country Merlot and also Badet,Clement.

tuvalu

Hi all
Wife and I going to France for the 1st time beginning of Sept. for 3 weeks via Roscoff. Anyone got any tips about loading up with wine on the way back through Roscoff please?
Thanks

Phil

Oldskool

In boxes on the floor as low as possible.

Tolerate the inconvenience this can cause Wink

Beer stacks quite well Wink

tuvalu

Sorry Pete

I don't have a problem putting in the Mh. I should have made it clearer that I was looking for places to buy near Roscoff especially if you can sample a few 1st.
Yes agree boxes easier to stack and lighter than bottles

phil

Wanderwagon3

Good Evening All

Don't forget that towards the end of September & into October most of the large supermarkets have a ""Foire des Vins" ie special collections and LARGE displays and degustations.

lots of choice and prices as good or mostly better than individual caves.

For the last 5or6 years I have visited Cora SM at Migenes near Auxere and got ¾ of my wine purchases there with no "duds".

Ask for the Chef du Rayon des Vins , tell him what you are looking for . The type, Bourgogne, Bordeaux , Corbieres, Chablis, Cremente d'Alsace or whatever and your price range and mostly they are only too keen to help( being so surprised to find an Anglais who shows some care and interest in their wine purchases)I have never been pressured to exceed my price range . Often they will suggest something a little less money . Also state whether you want for keeping 3,5 or+ years or for immediate use.

I soak off and keep the etiquette from bottles we have found very good in the hope \( sometimes realised ) that we can find similar next year.

We never go too mad and overload the campervan.

Happy tasting and safe roads to all.

Ken...........with Wanderwagon3

mike_rolls37

Another excellent wine warehouse is on the outskirts of the village of Ardres. Chai Ardresien is just about ten miles from the tunnel exit, with Ardres village about a further mile along the N43. To reach it you take exit 17 of the A16 (the autoroute you join straight from the tunnel exit road which leads you to a roundabout. Take the N42 (St. Omer) exit and you just stay on that road until Chai Ardresien appears on your left. It is run by a couple of ex-pats, Bea and Paul, originally from Lancashire. We've been going there for about 13 years now and never been disappointed.
Mike

zulurita

Hi tuvalu

Lots of places to buy wine near Roscoff you will see them as you drive away from the ferry port.
We have also stopped at LeClerc nr Morlaix just off the main road.