Christmas stocking fillers on a quick Channel hop to Calais; KEN BENNETT discovers the English Channel is awash with bargains on a pre-Christmas sail to France.

Byline: KEN BENNETT 

THE alluring lace stockings looked an irresistible Christmas present for my wife.

But at 80 Euros a pair and to parody the comic genius Tony Hancock, that is almost pounds 40 a leg!

I was standing in a sumptuous shop at the Calais lace museum, an understated, pounds 30million development in the heart of the historic town.

Here, once derelict buildings have been transformed into a bright modern tourist attraction where the intricate history of lace-making comes alive through interactive exhibits.

It was English machinery and know-how from Nottingham which was exported across the channel at the time of Napoleon Bonaparte to a thriving industry in the French town.

At one time there were 40,000 people employed in lace making in Calais but, with massive competition from the Far East, business has dwindled.

However, what does survive is an example of the finest quality - and that underpins what a shopping trip to Calais is really about.

The strength of the euro means French prices are very much the same as those in Blighty.

The heady days when coaches and White Van Men would lurch home weighed down with cut-price booty have been replaced with savvy shoppers who actually stock up on board P&O's fleet of ferries.

Beers, wine and spirits are very keenly priced and with P&O offering a crossing for just pounds 25 for a car and up to nine passengers, it's easy to save that in any of their onboard shops.

And if you just want to shop and not drop off in France, they have launched a unique Car Park Shopper package which has to be one of the Channel's best kept secrets.

For a miserly pounds 10, two people with a car can park on one of the company's Dover-Calais ships. During the fourhour return trip there's ample time to take advantage of offshore shopping at the low French rates of duty on board.

Two litres of Courvoisier brandy cost just pounds 35, Gallo wine boxes are priced at pounds 16 a pair and Jacob's Creek is pounds 15 for six bottles. For beer drinkers, two 24x50cl packs for pounds 22 might go down nicely, or there is a similar offer on Grolsch.

Top name fragrances and cosmetics are up to 40 per cent cheaper than on the high street, and discounted fashion brands include sunglasses by Gucci, Prada and Police, plus bags by Radley, Guess and Fiorelli.

In fact, they are so confident of the business, they have invested pounds 360million in two new ships which will be commissioned in the new year. But I promise there are a host of delicious specialities waiting if you decide to spend some time in this inviting French port.

Hypermarkets, including Carrefour in Cite Europe and Auchan always have special promotions with great deals in wines, spirits and party fare. The fresh seafood areas are spectacular, so take a cool box or car fridge. Glassware, olive oil, detergents and bottled water are among the many items still cheaper than at home.

For something very French and very different, the Maison du Fromage opposite the Place d'Armes market square, offers cheese to caress - and assault - the palate.

The only problem is with such a wonderful choice, it's difficult to know what to buy. But kindly Iris Crespo, who runs to shop, is happy to advise and let you taste the delicious range of cheeses first. The shop also sells other regional specialities, pates including foie gras, which are great for a Christmas dinner starter, potted meats, preserves, mustards and even locally produced beers and ci-ders. And, of course, the chance to eat in some superb restaurants - the Grand Bleu or Histoires Ancienne - put a satisfying stamp on your venture.

In the coming weeks Calais will dress up to provide a festive treat for the whole family. Check out the Chamber of Commerce (www.calais-cci.

fr) or the tourist board (www.calais-cotedopale.com).

If you decide to stay over, a night for two at the Holiday Inn right in the centre of town will cost 131 Euros a night for a double room.

As for those stockings: That's strictly between the bank manager and me!

Gettingthere Current fares on the *Dover-Calais route start from pounds 25 each way for a car and up to nine passengers for any duration of stay. Day trip tickets start from just pounds 25 return, again for a car and up to nine passengers.

Upgrades to include Club *Lounge cost pounds 12 per person each way when pre-booked and Priorite is pounds 12 per car each way (or pounds 6 each way when booked together with Club).

Shopping on board offers *incredible savings over the equivalent UK high street prices and because of trade in sterling there is no exchange rate penalty as there would be in a French hypermarket.

P&O staff will even take *the purchases down and load up the car for you upon request at the time of purchase.

They also offer a preordering service for customers looking for a particular item on board to ensure that it's available on the ship they will be travelling on.

To book or for more *information, customers should call 08716 64 64 64 or visit www.POferries.com

CAPTION(S):

SAY CHEESE: there are A TASTE OF FRANCE: sampling wines in a Calais hypermarket. FRENCH CHIC: Calais town hall. SPOLT FOR CHOICE: so many wines, so little time...