TEAMDAY
Our exploration of the Côte d ’ Opale continues and our minibus cruises over green hillsides covered in buttercup meadows . Suddenly , the road takes us to the clifftop and stunning panoramic ocean views have us mesmerised . It is true , you can see those famous White Cliffs of Dover , and even from here , they look pretty spectacular . This beautiful area of rural farmland and coastal nature is called Cap Gris-Nez , or the ' Cliffs of the Cape ' and is the closest point of France to England . It is here that we stop for lunch . As we descend the height of the cliffs in our minibus , we pull into a stunning , sandy cove with cliffs on either side and a stretching beach that sweeps for miles up the coastline . A windy day , a few walkers brace the elements to take in the sunshine as the tide is out , or venture up the cliff to lofty vantage points that look out across the channel and towards Kent ’ s beaches . After doing just this , we are well and truly ready for food . Tucked into this sandy cove , sheltered from the wind , is La Sirène , our restaurant of the day . Although we had already been captivated by the coastal views , nothing could have prepared us for what awaits inside . Floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame this beachside scene on the entirety of one side of the restaurant , making the outdoor location all the more magnificent by turning it into a tableau of moving art . Hues of sea green and blue glint around the venue , reflecting off sparkling wine glasses and twinkling in the faces of smiling diners . A long table laid out for a feast before us , a subdued quietness overcoming our group as we admire our opulent surroundings .
As expected in France , a lengthy wine list is ready to be pored over , and as expected so close to the sea , a menu full of seafood accompanies it . Although other meat and vegetarian dishes are available and chosen by my colleagues , I opt for the octopus and gilthead sea bream with virgin sauce , red peppers and chorizo , stir-fried vegetables and rice vermicelli accompanied by wild garlic condiment . Luckily , editor Polly and CEO Adam are , like me , fans of oysters , and together we share a platter of these delectable sea beauties before our dishes arrive . Gorgeously fresh and bursting with that distinct oyster flavour , we devour these quickly and with pleasure . After these , I know La Sirène are no less than experts in seafood , and am certain my octopus and sea bream will be a triumph . I am not wrong . A satisfyingly crisp , salty skin encases the beautifully soft white meat of the bream , perfectly cooked and full of flavour . This , the ultimate match with the spicy chorizo and beautifully cooked octopus . A divine texture , the octopus is an utter treat for the mouth and taste buds alike . Although comfortably full , dessert is never to be dismissed by the insideKENT team . And do desserts get more French than a crème brûlée ? Naturally , this is what I select , and it is yet another romance for the taste buds . A satisfying tap with the spoon on its hot sugary top and I am away - gorgeously creamy and sweet , this is the ultimate end to a spectacular meal .
Our final stop of the day is yet another fantastique combination of French delicacies : wine and pastries . Calais Vin is certainly a stop not to be missed on your next French trip . On one side of this , the most spectacular wine shop I have ever set foot in , is a superb bakery full of treats to tempt those that love their bread , croissants , pastries and cakes . Here , I am in my element and stock up on sweet goodies and baguettes to take home . Next door however proves even more impressive . A true treasure trove of quality drinks , this warehouse is stocked full of vast and varied bottles – from the highest quality reds to the more moderately priced whites - to the world ’ s best Champagne and a selection of artisan spirits and cocktail concoctions – this supreme collection of drinks has to be the ultimate place to stock up for parties , buy gifts , or simply treat yourself to something new or an adored favourite . As well as alcohol , there are plenty of other foodie treats ideal for taking home , from biscuits and jams to chocolates and patés , you will find it here and love it . After enjoying an expert tasting with our personal sommelier , Jérôme Pont , and sipping a lovely selection of sparkling , white , rosé and red , the team splits and ventures off to find our favourites . What makes Calais Vin even better is the fact that they provide you with a tax-free voucher that allows you to reclaim the VAT as soon as you embark in Calais . Offering a significant saving of 15 % VAT , this can be reclaimed on purchases upon boarding at the Eurotunnel and ferry terminals in Calais . Simply scan your barcode at the kiosk and the refund process is activated . Et voilà !
As we trundle home in our minibus awaiting a second pit-stop at Flexiplus , I come away with a new found opinion of Calais . Gone are my thoughts of industrial ports and the cringey ‘ booze-cruises ’ of the 1990s , replaced with images of stunning scenery , lovely people , delicious food and plenty of exciting things to do . C ’ est magnifique .
LA SIRÈNE
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CALAIS VIN