 Shop 'til you dropShopping in Europe can be cheaper and you'll find many different things to choose from. And going by car means you can take advantage of all those bargains! How about a bit of shopping therapy with a friend, share the car and the experience? Apart from supermarket shopping there's places for bric-á-brac and antiques, factory outlets for things typically French such as Le Crueset, as well as clothes from some of your favourite designers. Oh, and don't forget the wine!  A shopper's paradiseWhere to shop really depends upon what you're looking for. Here are some of the places we've found. Check them out and then use the interactive map to find a place to stay.
Shopping in Dunkerque (Dunkirk)Auchan HypermarketBelgian ChocolatesTips for Champagne BuyingAntwerp MasterpieceShopping in LilleFactory OutletsShopping in Dunkerque (Dunkirk)Shopping in Dunkerque (Dunkirk) is easy, practical and extremely pleasant. There are 400 shops in the town centre and Boulevard Alexandre III, rue Clémenceau, Boulevard Sainte Barbe and Rue Nationale are definitely not to be missed. The Pole Marine – a new shopping mall on Place du Minck, houses a cinema complex and restaurants and the Marine shopping centre offers clothing, perfume shops and a supermarket. Malo les bains, the Dunkerque (Dunkirk) seaside resort, has 150 shops and outdoor markets are held every Saturday and Wednesday at Place du General de Gaulle and every Tuesday morning at Place Turenne. There's nothing like a few bargains to make your weekend break a cheap weekend break. You can purchase a tourist pass locally that allows free or discounted entrance to 21 attractions around Dunkerque (Dunkirk). You also get access to free public transport and a 5 euro shopping voucher << back Shopping at Auchan HypermarketThe Auchan Hypermarket is situated on the outskirts of the city of Dunkerque (Dunkirk). It has an enormous drinks section with over 350 different wines and all the major names in Champagne. Address:R.te Nationale 40, 59760 GRANDE SYNTHE Telephone:0033 (0) 328 58 55 55 Fax: 0033 (0) 328 58 55 44 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 08:30-22:00 << back Shopping for Belgian ChocolatesNo one seems to know precisely why it is that Belgium is so famous for chocolates. Of course, there's an abundance of wonderful chocolate shops and fabulous chocolates that come out of the country. But that doesn't explain why the Belgians began producing the stuff in the first place. Could it be that they simply started off with far better taste buds than the rest of us and the creative imagination to produce 'pralines' (that's the word invented by famous Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus to describe filled, bite size chocolates) that make us all drool just at the very thought? Whatever the past, the present could not be better – in every sense of the word. A short break – in Belgian chocolateThe Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate in BrusselsThe Chocolate Museum in BrugesGoossens Chocolatier in AntwerpChobel in AntwerpBouchard L'Escaut in Ghent<< back A short break – in Belgian chocolateIt's always the right time of year to buy chocolates, though in the run-up to St Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day, chocolates are foremost in our minds. So, how about a short break in the heartland of chocolate where you can spend many a happy hour browsing through a myriad specialist shops to get just the right gift. << back The Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate in BrusselsMadame Draps belongs to a family of long established chocolate makers. Her passion for chocolate led her to open her own museum in 1998. Find out about how the Aztecs cultivated cocoa beans as an offering to the gods – luckily we no longer need to be gods to be given chocolates! How chocolate first came to Europe and how its advent influenced the creation of porcelain services to serve, savour and drink chocolate. Chocolate masters demonstrate how it's all done and even allow you to sample. There's a little shop on site where you can buy chocolates rich with the memory of a fascinating visit. Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Brussels:1hr 40mins easy motorway cruisingAddress:Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat, 9/11 Rue de la Tête d'Or (a stone's throw from the Grand'Place), 1000 Bruxelles. Tel: +32 (0)2 514 20 48Opening hours (museum and shop):Tues-Sunday: 10am to 4.30pm; closed Mondays except in July, August and on public holidays.Admission:Adults 5€; children (under 12) accompanying parents: free; students and senior citizens: 4€.<< back The Chocolate Museum in BrugesThis museum also has a shop on site. Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Bruges:under an hourAddress:Wijnzakstraat 2 (Sint Jansplein), 8000 Brugge. Tel/Fax: +32 (0)50 61 22 37Opening times (museum and shop):every day from 10am to 5pm; closed on the 24th, 25th and 31st December and 1st January; also closed 8-19 January.Admission:Adults 6€; students 5€; children (6-12 year) 4€; children under 6: free.<< back Goossens Chocolatier in AntwerpMaster-Confectioner Goossens perfected his art of chocolate making in Switzerland and France before setting up his famous chocolate manufactory in 1955. They produce a range of fine handmade chocolates using only the finest chocolate and natural ingredients. Theirs is a lifelong passion for chocolate. Chocolates can be purchased direct from the factory (just a few minutes from the city centre) or at a handful of Antwerp's smartest hotels. Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Antwerp:1hr 40minsAddress:Goossens Isabellalei 6, B-2018 Antwerpen. Tel: +32 (0)3 239 13 10Opening times:9am to 6pm Mon-Sat; closed Sunday.<< back Chobel in AntwerpFounder Hans Burie first started producing chocolates at the age of 20 from his parents' home, gradually gaining loyal customers and producing chocolates for local bakers. As his clientele expanded so too did his ambitions and he finally moved to Antwerp where he set up his first shop in 1964. His fame has grown with time, not just for the exquisite quality of his chocolates but for his stunning chocolate 'sculptures' on display in the shop window (they change regularly) and attracting local curiosity. Burie still manufactures on the premises. Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Antwerp:1hr 40minsAddress:Chobel Korte Gasthuisstraat 3 Antwerpen 2000 Belgium Tel: +32 (0)3 232 36 88Opening times:9.30am to 6pm Mon-Sat; closed on Sundays.<< back Bouchard L'Escaut in GhentPralines and Neapolitans are the speciality of Bouchard L'Escaut, one of Belgium's foremost chocolate manufacturers, established in 1986.Their range is wide (there are 32 flavours of pralines alone!). Only the finest quality ingredients are used and the best traditions of Belgian chocolate craftsmanship. Factory visits are not permitted, but their shop is in the centre of the picturesque and historic town of Ghent. Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Ghent:1hr 15minsAddress:Bouchard L'Escaut Henegouwstraat 1, 9000 Gent. Tel: +32 (0)9 255 03 61Opening times:10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday.<< back Shopping for ChampagneThe champagne vineyards are surprisingly quick and easy to get to (on excellent motorways) from Dunkerque (Dunkirk). Once you're in the area, you can meander along charming country roads surrounded by vineyards, take in a few historic sites (and not just the mediaeval cellars!), have the odd little taste (une petite dégustation), and feel really pleased with yourself that you've taken the car and there's room in the boot! See our Exploring Champagne section for information on all the Champagne Houses that you can visit, taste and buy! << back Shopping in AntwerpAntwerp's Stadsfeestzaal reopened its doors once more to the public on 25 October 2007. This original 19thC neoclassical building, one of Antwerp's conservation triumphs, is back to its former glory after severe fire damage in 2002. The people of Antwerp can meet each other and shop in these palatial surroundings again. Every historic detail has been carefully restored, including the enormous glass dome and gold-leaf finishes. Browse, shop, relax over a glass of champagne at the Laurent Perrier champagne bar, or enjoy a bird's eye view over the entire hall from the 'champagne glass' structure that rises 7.5metres to provide a glass-floored viewing gallery. This is a unique building. You have never experienced the like! The Stadsfeestzaal is in the heart of Antwerp's famous shopping districts. To one side, Hopland with its range of luxurious shops; and to the other Meir, Antwerp's most popular shopping street. There's virtually nothing you'd want to shop for that you won't find here. Antwerp has always been a prosperous city as witnessed by its fine buildings. Interested in diamonds?If it's diamonds you're after, those too you will find in abundance in Antwerp in the diamond district close to the Central Station. Antwerp is after all a world centre for the diamond trade. A visit to the world's largest diamond museum is a great way to learn about what makes diamonds such treasured and stunningly beautiful possessions. There's a museum shop where you can buy stylish gifts and books about diamonds. The museum also organises guided tours of the collection together with a 'diamond walk' through the city. Visit the Diamantmuseum. Address:Diamantmuseum Provincie Antwerpen, Koningin Astridplein 19-23, B-2018 Antwerpen. Tel: +32 (0)3 202 48 90 For guided tours/walks, phone: +32 (0)3 203 95 30Opening times:10am to 5.30pm (last entry at 5 pm) everyday except Wednesday (unless it's a public holiday); closed 25 & 26 December and 1st January; closed 10-21 January.Admission (including use of audio-guide) per person:adults 6€; senior citizens, children aged 12+ and young adults (under 25): 4€; children under 12: free.<< back Shopping in LilleShopping in Lille is great whatever the time of year. The Wazemmes market has all sorts of bargains, anitiques and bric-á-brac and, come September, there's Europe's largest street market at the Braderie, And, if you fancy something a little more modern, then Faubourg des Modes will keep shoppers of all ages happy. Plus you'll find over 150 stores at Euralille shopping centre next to Lille Europe station and a designer outlet at Roubaix. Overall, Lille is a great city break that's really easy to get to. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk):1 hourL'Usine Roubaix 228 AvenueAlfred Motte 59100 ROUBAIX Tel: +33 (0)3 20 83 16 20 Opening times:Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.<< back Shopping at the Factory OutletsA change is as good as a rest they say. And we all know it to be true, especially if we travel abroad. That's why going across to northern France – or even a little further – can turn shopping drudgery into an inspired shopping break. So, whether you're buying gifts or looking for tableware and clothing for yourself, why not drive over to a factory shop or two in northern France? Having the car means you can buy as much as you wish – and that includes heavy or bulky stuff! The shopping centres on the outskirts of France's towns and cities offer great shopping, of course, (and free parking). Here are some factory shops to get you started! Cristal d'ArquesLe CreusetMcArthur GlenL'Usine RoubaixMarques AvenueVilleroy & BochAnd don't forget to check out Dunkerque (Dunkirk)'s Auchan Hypermarket either on your way back, or on your way, to the factory shops.<< back Cristal d'ArquesA household name in Britain as well as France for tableware, cookware and gifts. The French have a very evocative word for tableware – "art de la table" – and it's seldom more appropriate than at Cristal d'Arques who also produce the well established and much sought after brands such as Luminarc, Arcoroc, Pyrex (under license), Salviati (very posh) and Studionova. The shop at Arques sells all the brands they manufacture, and you can get excellent prices for seconds and ends of lines. You can actually also visit the factory, but it is best to book a tour a couple of days in advance – tel: +33 (0)3 21 12 74 74; tours are scheduled four times a day – 9.30am, 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk): 43 minutes Usine Cristal d'Arques Tel: +33 (0)3 21 95 46 96 (shop) Opening times:Monday-Saturday 10am to 6.30pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.<< back Le CreusetLe Creuset must surely be one of the world's most famous brands of cookware – the top quality enamelled cast-iron cookware that's the hallmark of the true cook. Le Creuset cookware always seems to last for decades and improve with use. Le Creuset has been making cast iron pots and pans in northern France since 1925, with each pot hand-cast from a single mould. Factory visits are no longer available, but that should not stop you going to their factory shop where prices are very tempting indeed. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk):2 hoursLe Creuset 880 Rue Olivier Deguise 02230 Fresnoy-Le-Grand (near Saint-Quentin) Tel: +33 (0)3 23 06 22 45. Opening times:Tues-Sat from 10am to 12.30pm & 2.15pm to 6.30pm<< back McArthur GlenIf it's brand names you're after, you've found paradise. A clothing paradise. Just for you … or for whoever else also needs a little spoiling or fancies a designer label. The Roubaix branch (an hour from Dunkerque (Dunkirk)) has 64 boutiques selling 130 top brand names, whatever the time of year. The stock is mainly previous years collections sold at a discount. There's Christian Lacroix, Nina Ricci, Cerruti, and Petit Bateau. There's Adidas, Nike and Reebok. Also Lee Cooper, Calvin Klein, Sonia Rykiel, Pierre Cardin, Balmain, Weil and Lacoste. Just to name one tenth of what there is! Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk):1 hourMcArthur Glen (Roubaix) Opening times:Monday-Saturday 10am to 7pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.There's a much larger branch of McArthur Glen (100 boutiques selling 210 top brand names including Burberry and Kenzo) just to the north of Troyes, the former capital of Champagne. Troyes boasts having the largest number of half-timbered houses in all Europe. The city centre is stunningly beautiful and atmospheric, with a magnificent cathedral and stained-glass windows. Troyes has also become over the past few years a renowned shopping centre. It's an ideal place for a delightful short break – with shopping and a glass or two of bubbly to keep the spirits up! Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk):3hours 45minsMcArthur Glen (Troyes) Voie du Bois 10150 Pont-Sainte-Marie Tel: +33 (0)3 25 70 47 10 Opening times:Monday-Friday from 10am to 7 pm; Saturday from 9:30 am to 7 pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.<< back L'Usine RoubaixThe industrial town of Roubaix in northern France has always been famous for its textiles. In 1984 a historic textile factory in the town was converted into a shopping centre housing 25 factory outlets. Such has been its success that there are now 85 outlets selling men's, women's and children's clothing, lingerie, sportswear, household linen, shoes, luggage, furniture and more… Over 200 brands are sold – including Adidas, Aigle, Agnès b, Descamps (household linen), Diesel, Dim, Designers Guild, Kenzo, Levis, Nike, O'Neill, Puma, Ralph Lauren, Tissot, Umbro,….. Shoppers come from all corners of France and spread the word. Usine Roubaix (literally the Roubaix factory) is Europe's premier factory outlets centre. There's ample parking on site. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk):1 hourL'Usine Roubaix 228 AvenueAlfred Motte 59100 ROUBAIX Tel: +33 (0)3 20 83 16 20
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Marques Avenue
Discount shopping with a very Gallic flavour in northern France and very much in keeping with the latest shopping trends. It's price that counts at Marques Avenue. The range of boutiques/factory outlets covers men's, children's and women's fashions; lingerie; sportswear; shoes; luggage; household linen and small kitchen appliances. The closest branch to Dunkerque (Dunkirk) is 20 minutes drive away at Coquelles. And there's a branch too on the outskirts of the beautiful little city of Troyes in Champagne. Just perfect for a shopping spree or shopping break. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Coquelles:22 minutesMarques Avenue Boulevard du Parc 62231 Coquelles Tel: +33 (0)3 21 17 07 70 Opening times:Monday-Saturday 10am to 7pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk) to Troyes: 3hours 45mins Marques Avenue 114 Boulevard de Dijon 10800 St Julien les Villas (on the outskirts of Troyes) Tel: +33 (0)3 25 82 80 80 Opening times:Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm; Saturday: 9.30am to 7pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays.<< back Villeroy & Boch
We're no longer actually in France but now in Germany's Saarland, just over the France and Luxembourg borders. It's a bit further than the factory outlets we've been mentioning in northern France, but then the brand is so famous – and so desirable – we thought you might still be interested in a visit to the factory outlet in the beautiful little town of Mettlach. The outlet is open all the year round, with attractive offers on their range of items – porcelain, glass, crystal, cutlery, gifts and accessories. The company was founded in 1748 by François Boch in the Duchy of Lorraine, and is today one of the world's most famous international quality brands. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk): just over 4 hours Villeroy & Boch Mettlach Outlet Center 4-6 Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße D-66693 Mettlach Tel: +49 (0) 68 64 20 31 Opening times:Monday-Friday from 9.30am to 7pm; Saturday from 9.30am to 4pm. Closed Sundays.If you can't make it as far as Mettlach, you can still buy at the Villeroy & Boch factory outlet in northern France – actually in the charming town of Troyes in Champagne. Prices here are an average 30% cheaper than at high street retailers. Journey time from the port of Dunkerque (Dunkirk): 3hours 45mins Villeroy & Boch 230 Faubourg Croncels 10000 Troyes Tel: +33 (0)3 25 82 42 20. Open Mon-Friday from 10am to 7pm; on Saturdays from 9.30am to 7pm. Closed Sundays. << back  Don't carry those bargains too far!Of course you'll want a hotel close to the shops. These are just a selection – you'll find more by using the Accommodation Finder on the right. |
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