Booze Cruise

[TheMuffinMan]

I'm thinking of popping over to France for a booze restock. I went to a supermarket recently and was shocked at quite how much prices had gone up to. I know that factoring in fuel and ferry costs it will end up being more expensive than the supermarket, but I thought I could turn it into a bit of a trip/fun.
Does anyone have any experience of doing this and are there any potential problems? I know there is a limit to the amount of alcohol, but I am not planning on getting stupid amounts and it will clearly be for personal consumption.
We are out of red wine and I would like to get something drinkable but not too fancy. I am worried that any wine for sale near the ports will be cheap rubbish aimed at British tourists, is this the case?
Any tips for something fun to do in France/places to stay for a night near any of the ports would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Irish]

TheMuffinMan said:

I'm thinking of popping over to France for a booze restock. I went to a supermarket recently and was shocked at quite how much prices had gone up to. I know that factoring in fuel and ferry costs it will end up being more expensive than the supermarket, but I thought I could turn it into a bit of a trip/fun.
Does anyone have any experience of doing this and are there any potential problems? I know there is a limit to the amount of alcohol, but I am not planning on getting stupid amounts and it will clearly be for personal consumption.
We are out of red wine and I would like to get something drinkable but not too fancy. I am worried that any wine for sale near the ports will be cheap rubbish aimed at British tourists, is this the case?
Any tips for something fun to do in France/places to stay for a night near any of the ports would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

If going to Calais I can really recommend:

http://www.calais-vins.com/

Not the usual stack em and rack em rubbish for the Brits place. Guys know their wine - something for every price point. I have been exclusive to this place for 4 years and my brother in law (who lived in Paris for 11 years) went with me once and now returns here himself (I take that as a vote of confidence).

Nice guys to get to know aswell. Know their rugby and football!

They also have a loyalty scheme - they only one I use!

As for personal use - if in a van (a vin van?) expect questions. If in a car should be straight forward.

You may not save a huge amount but anything is better than the crap in UK supermarkts!

[Puggit]

Either head to the Auchan near Calais (take the western exit from Cite Europe, cross the Autoroute to the northern side) or even better, visit the Auchan in Boulogne map linky - it is a truly staggering size.

Neither shop is designed for the booze cruisers - avoid Cite Europe to avoid them.

[Irish]

Puggit said:

avoid Cite Europe to avoid them.

Hateful place. At least the Tesco closed - one small victory!

Although they have an OK Carrefour - grocery shopping is much cheaper!

[The Leaper]

I go to France regularly for a nice day out, good meal and to stock up on wine. I agree that Auchan Bolougne is the best in terms of size and stock variation and there are plenty of small scale suppliers of better quality wine.

Legally you can bring any amount back but I always take the view that it's not worth pushing my luck, and then I have to go more frequently!

Off to Le Mans very shortly so another good time to stock up afterwards!

R.

[TheMuffinMan]

Thanks for the replies, just what I was looking for, I'll definitely look into the places mentioned.