Are you ready for an escape to France without spending a dime on travel? Picture yourself sipping fine wine on the shores of the Opal Coast or strolling through charming streets of Montreuil-sur-Mer– all for free! Yes, you heard it right. We've cracked the code on how to make your dream trip to France a reality without breaking the bank. Here's how:
Free sailing trip from Dover to Calais
Our partnership with P&O Ferries opens the door to free travel for our British customers. Simply pre-order a minimum of €300 worth of exquisite wines, beers, or spirits online, and you'll unlock a round-trip ticket for a day-long adventure. Or, for those seeking a more extended getaway, indulge in a €700 pre-order and enjoy a luxurious three-day escape. Be sure to read our inspirational guide on what to do on a three-day trip to France. Here are a few tips: breathe in the fresh air between the two capes, dine on the beach in Le Touquet, dive into history at La Coupole d'Helfaut…
Easy Reservation Process
- Securing your free journey is as simple as indulging in your favorite wines. Here's how it works:
- Order Online: Select your preferred wines totaling €300 for a daytrip and reaching 700 € for a three-day trip and add the ferry crossing to your basket.
- Deposit: Pay a nominal €60 deposit online by credit card (only charged if you don't pick up your order).
- Receive Booking Number: Your booking number will be promptly delivered to you via mail.
- Choose Crossing: Contact the P&O call center to schedule your crossing date and time.
- Pick-Up & Pay: Collect and pay for your order in-store before or after boarding your ferry.
- Maximizing Duty-Free Allowance for Extra Savings
Now, you might be wondering, "Is this too good to be true?" Well, we assure you, it's not. As Explained in the Daily Telegraph (a booze run to France still stacks up, here is how to do it), by taking advantage of duty-free allowances, you can amplify your savings even further. Here's how it works: Each adult traveler, provided they consume their purchases in the UK and are not EU residents, can bring back from France:
- 24 bottles of 75cl wine (equivalent to 18 liters)
- 64 bottles of 75cl beer (equivalent to 42 liters)
- 12 bottles of champagne or fortified wine (up to 22% alcohol)
- 5 bottles of spirits or liqueurs (75cl each)
Making the Most of Duty-Free Allowance with Friends
Planning a joint reservation with friends can skyrocket your savings. With each traveler (over 18 !) eligible for duty-free benefits, you can combine your allowances to maximize the offer.
Crunching the Numbers
We've done the math for you. By looking at average and reasonable prices for alcoholic beverages, it's clear that reaching the minimum spend for a one-day journey or even a three-day retreat is entirely achievable.
| Allowance | Average price | Total per allowance | Tax free price |
| 24 bottles of wine | €10 per bottle | €240 | about €204 |
| 64 bottles of beer | €5 per bottle | €320 | about €272 |
| 12 bottles of champagne | €25 per bottle | €300 | about €255 |
| 5 bottles of spirits or liqueurs | €20 per bottle | €100 | about €85 |
This breakdown reveals that hitting the beer allowance alone is sufficient to unlock a one-day journey offer. And for those eyeing the three-day excursion, it's not necessary to reach the total allowance.
How to claim the VAT back and is the process easy ?
Know that with British nationality, you have the right to buy duty-free alcohol. But you're surely wondering how the process works? How to navigate through the customs aisles and deal with this administration. We've thought of everything.
When you reach the checkout at Calais Vins for payment, we provide you with a tax-free form. This document lists your purchases and the amount of VAT you can claim back. This sum will be refunded to you within 3 to 5 working days.
For this, we have two partners: Global Blue and Skiptax. At the port of Calais, simply go to check-in as usual. Then go to the Pablo terminal and scan your barcode.
Last surprise: enhance your journey !
Are you ready to take one final step into luxury? If you choose to purchase tickets for the P&O Ferries' club lounge, we have a special offer for you: a complimentary bottle. Yes, you heard it right. We are offering you a bottle of Saint-Estèphe Château Serilhan 2018, valued at €22.90. A cherry on the cake ! Find out more on P&O website.
