Useful info for a trip to Calais?

[Guest]

Planning my first trip to Calais from Harwich at the end of October (bit late in the season I know!) If anyone has any useful information regarding this passage I would be very pleased to hear it. Do I have to French to the lock keeper for example!

Thanks

Andy Coggin.

 

[hlb]

As I said before. Dont nead any french. But do deed to find your own way there Q!!!!!!!!!

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Haydn

 

[rich]

are you steve 101??????????

nm

rich )

 

[coliholic]

Ah but I think best to talk to Calais Port Harbour Control in quasi 'Allo 'Allo type French accent. They really appreciate it. Sort of "Bonjour Monsieur, thees ees Eenglish boat Don Quay Bolx, requesting permeeshun to entrer votre harbour s'il vous plait please por favor".

Makes 'em think you're making the effort and they'll give you a really nice reply.

Did this trip t'other way round last year and his Holiness the Kimatollah gave me all the waypoints to use and recommended best route. If you want, PM me and I'll forward them to you.

 

[tcm]

Tips for a trip to Calais

This post assumes no partcular problems with the waypoints! So lets fast forward to the Main Event : Lunch.

You need to book lunch at the restaurant Cote D'or right on the beach. When booking ask "Est-ce qu'on peut reservez un table pour quatre avec la belle vue du port, s'il vous plait?". If this doesn't work, try in English, at least you've made an effort! The picture above the stairs is of the chef patron with Paul Bocuse. Point this out when he comes round as it is a prized photo. You can mix and match all the starters. They are very nice people and the wine is very cheap. Afterwards, smart light-coloured clothes will get stained yellowish if you play at jumping off the sand dunes, but there is a fine view. It's a good idea to keeop your passport with you at all times for identification. Yes, the guns just behind the drivers in the french police vans are real.

 

[byron]

The call sign for Calais is 'Calais Port' you may have to call several times before they deign to answer but don't enter until you get an OK. On entering run along the starboard side until you see some mooring bouys also off to starboard. Take one of these. The bridge opens 2/3 times a tide, watch for the lights, when they turn orange you have about 15 minutes to be ready. Enter as soon as exiting boats are clear and don't hang about... the bridge operator will just close on you if he thinks you are too slow. Once in there are moorings on the starboard hand outside the yacht club. If you have a gennie moor on the wall to port it's half price. They are also constructing new pontoons right up the end on the port hand. I have no experience of these.
Best restuarant 'Le Channel' right near the harbour, looks dead posh but great grub and not pricey. Having said that Calais has no lack of places to eat. Oh Yes. Get yer plonk from the Vietnamese guy half way up the square on the left. Good prices and he delivers to the boat.

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[david_steward]

The marina is currently closed for refurbishment. You can still tie up to a buoy in the waiting area but you would not want to spend the night there.




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Dave S

 

[byron]

Blimey Dave! Not having seen you posting here for ages I thought they had finally caught you and you were in prison. The crime being offending peeps eyes with your shirts /forums/images/icons/wink.gif
How long is the Marina closed for? Are they fixing those leaky old gates?

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