Day trip to France......

emsywoo123

Hi de hi :beer:

Just popped over from my home on the families board to ask a couple of questions if I may?

We (my dad, daughter and I) are popping to France next week for a day, and I was just wondering:

1. Where is cheapest to buy cigarettes (no time to go to Belgium!) and are they much cheaper in France? Will it be somewhere in the eurotunnel terminal?

2. I know Mr Lewis says a specific credit card is best for spending abroad, but I am lacking in time, and it is only a day trip! I have a capital one-are the charges likely to be awful, and are CC widely accepted?

3. Cite Europe - worth it, or not? I went years ago, can't really remember. I read somewhere that toys r us is there, is it considerably cheaper than here?

Apologies for rambling, I appreciate any help on these Q, or in fact any hints or tips would be appreciated!

Tarry

Not sure if this will help but I pop over to France 3 times a year or so, and do tend to pop to Cite Europe, but than I don't go over for fags as I don't smoke. I enjoy looking around Carrefour myself. How much time you got? Boulogne is do-able and not too far.
There is Toys R Us, but I've never been into it.

Itsgottabedone

If you really haven't time to pop up to Belgium, I've always found the Eurotunnel terminal prices to be as good as any in French shops. You can send them an email to ask current price for your brand - they respond very quickly. Address is [EMAIL="order@euroshopcalais.com"]order@euroshopcalais.com[/EMAIL] .

Cite Europe is convenient to get to and has a good range of shops. Children's clothes are particularly attractive, in my opinion! No massive bargains, but the opportunity to buy some nice stuff that's different from what we get here. There are several cafes in Cite Europe where you can get an inexpensive and delicious French lunch.

Have a good trip!

emsywoo123

Tarry wrote: »

Not sure if this will help but I pop over to France 3 times a year or so, and do tend to pop to Cite Europe, but than I don't go over for fags as I don't smoke. I enjoy looking around Carrefour myself. How much time you got? Boulogne is do-able and not too far.
There is Toys R Us, but I've never been into it.

My plan is to go to St Omer...... It's the only place I vaguely know.

I think we'll have about 5 hours in France? DD has a residential trip there in May and she is nervous about speaking "actual French" (as opposed to what?! :rotfl:) so I said I'd take her for a quick practice. We only live 40 mins from port so not too bad :T

emsywoo123

Thank you, both! I have sent the email for the prices I assume I get the opportunity when we come home to go to the Calais eurotunnel terminal!?

Any ideas about the credit card?

Itsgottabedone

emsywoo123 wrote: »

I assume I get the opportunity when we come home to go to the Calais eurotunnel terminal!?

Yes, you can only visit the terminal shops on your way home (not on arrival). Once you have the price you can compare with shops in Calais or St Omer to make sure you're getting the best deal. Sorry, can't advise about the credit card!

Tarry

Yes, St Omer is a good choice, I was there in November 2012, and enjoyed walking around. Not too far from Calais all said and done.

Can't help with credit card as I only use mine to book holidays with. I also can't comment about Eurotunnel terminal as not been there for years, as tend to get the cheaper deals on the ferry as I don't book ahead further enough.

I'm not far from the port either.

benjus

According to: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money the Capital One card is a bog-standard card when it comes to overseas spending. So it will cost you 2.75% on all purchases you make with it. There are much better cards out there, but it's still likely to be cheaper than changing cash in the Post Office or similar. I've never had a problem with card acceptance in France.

sunshinetours

Make sure you have high viz vest inside the car (just the one) and turn your sat nav speed camera warnings off before you get off the tunnel

Credit cards widely accepted in France. if using a diesel car then fill up in France as cheaper off the autoroute.

St Omer is nice as is the Opal coast down near Le Touquet although a little out of season so could be pretty quiet.
Personally I would go to Lille if staying close by.
Cite Europe is OK and as above a wander round Carrefour is always worth a look

Have fun!

shown73

You can browse the tunnel website for beer, fags, etc and pre-order, so its just collect and pay. Saves time, and at least you know they've got what you want. Website is a pig, you have to dig deep to find all items.
Hi-vis vests are required for all car occupants, as are a few other items. Latest Tom Tom updates have removed French speed cameras, so no probs if you are reasonably up to date. There is a pleasant coast road starting opposite Cite Europe which meanders down to Boulogne. Could stop off at Cap Gris Nez, look at the old fortifications, etc., stroll round Boulogne, zip back on the motorway, straight into Cite Europe, tunnel next door, all very convenient. Have fun. I like St Omer too.

DCFC79

Fags used to be the same price in all tabacs in france, just look for the red ( sure it was red) tabac sign.