Ultimate One-Day Guide to Calais – Wine, Family Fun & Hidden Gems

Start Smart: Wine, Cheese & a Strategic Stop

Calais Vins and Olivier Vins: A Wine Lover’s Haven

Begin your daytrip at Calais Vins or Olivier Vins, just minutes from the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals. These superstores offer a vast selection of wines and spirits with tastings, English-speaking staff, and prices up to 50% less than in the UK. Order €300 in advance and receive a free ferry crossing with P&O Ferries – a perfect incentive for wine lovers and bargain hunters. Discover world-renowned names like Chablis, Saint-Émilion, Gigondas, Médoc. Sommeliers on-site can help you select the perfect pairing for your next dinner or celebration.

Wine cheese and bread: the holy trinity

Right next door to Calais Vins, explore the artisanal Philippe Olivier Fromagerie. Choose traditional cheeses like Maroilles or Mimolette to pair with your wine directly from the cheese cellar. Add a stop at the next door bakery Pain et Levain and assemble your ideal gourmet picnic basket.

Calais with Kids: A Day of Wonder

Meet the Mechanical Dragon

The Dragon of Calais is a spectacular 15-meter-long rideable creature that walks, breathes smoke and amazes both children and adults. It strolls along the Calais seafront and offers scheduled rides — check times at compagniedudragon.com. NEW for November 2025: Calais will welcome the , a 6-metre-long mechanical monitor lizard designed by La Machine (the team behind the Dragon). With a moving tongue, tail, and internal engine, the Varan will carry up to 25 seated passengers through the city’s historic and working-class neighbourhoods — bringing mechanical art and urban storytelling to life.

Explore the Lace and Fashion Museum

Located in a renovated lace factory, the Cité de la Dentelle features weaving machines, films, and creative workshops for children. It's an interactive museum that blends fashion, art, and local history — a perfect cultural break.

Play at the Beach & Parc Saint-Pierre

Head to Calais' wide sandy beach for sandcastles and seaside fun. Then stroll over to Parc Saint-Pierre — a green haven with playgrounds, shaded paths, and a relaxed family-friendly vibe. Don’t forget a selfie with the colourful beach huts and local sculptures!

On clear days, you can spot the White Cliffs of Dover — a magical end to a family adventure.

Calais with Friends: Style, Apéro & Local Vibes

Calaisfornia Concept Store

Calaisfornia blends surf, streetwear and urban art. Shop for limited edition fashion, attend pop-up events, or just chill with locals in a trendy atmosphere. Their unique merchandise (like the Calaifornia cap) makes for stylish souvenirs.

Build your dream picnic from a French bakery, then toast with a chilled rosé on the beach. That’s what we call a grape escape!

Where to Eat?

Try Oh! Mouette! for fresh seafood by the port, Brasserie de la Mer for a breezy chic lunch, or the charming Bistro Histoire Ancienne for authentic French classics. Prefer takeaway? Grab legendary twice-fried chips from Friterie des Nations near the Dragon’s Lair.

Cocktails at The House Bar

Attached to Calaisfornia, The House is a design-forward bar offering signature cocktails, relaxed tunes, and stylish surroundings. Sip on a basil spritz or mojito while admiring the nearby street art — the perfect way to wind down your day.

Rodin & Panoramic Views

Outside the Town Hall, don’t miss Rodin’s sculpture “The Burghers of Calais”, a powerful tribute to the town’s resilience during the Hundred Years’ War. Climb the Belfry for 360° views — Charles de Gaulle himself was married here!

Sunset Walk by the Sea

In summer, Calais beach transforms into a vibrant hub: sandcastle contests, open-air concerts, food trucks, beach bars and even film screenings — all just steps from the Dragon.

End your day with a stroll along the Gaston Berthe promenade — perfect for sunset selfies, sculpture spotting and a sea breeze reset.

Bonus idea: Rent a bike or hop on a canal tour to discover hidden parts of Calais. Or take the Balad’in free shuttle for a ride through nearby towns.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Daytrip

• ? Calais Vins and Olivier Vins are open daily
• ? Free parking at wine stores and beach areas
• ? VAT refunds: use Global Blue or Skiptax apps
• ?️ Duty-Free Limits (UK): 18L still wine, 9L sparkling, 42L beer

Frequently Asked Questions

How does VAT refund work in Calais?

VAT refunds (15%) are available for purchases over €100. Just ask for a Global Blue form at checkout or use the Skiptax app. Scan your form at the PABLO terminal in the port or Eurotunnel terminal before heading back to the UK.

What is the best time to visit Calais?

Spring and summer offer great weather, but Calais is enjoyable year-round with both indoor and outdoor activities.

What can I bring back duty-free?

UK residents can bring back 18L still wine, 9L sparkling wine, and 42L of beer per adult.

Is the Dragon of Calais child-friendly?

Absolutely — it’s a safe, magical ride suitable for all ages.

Conclusion: Make Your Free Daytrip Unforgettable

From fine wines and dramatic dragons to scenic promenades and French flavours, Calais delivers far more than you’d expect from a free daytrip. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, there’s something to surprise and delight everyone.