Bargain hunters take note: the French government has announced Wednesday 9 January as the first day of the nation's January sales.

French shopkeepers are strictly regulated when it comes to what they can call a sale. Unlike in the UK, just two sales are permitted per year, one in winter and one in summer, due to an insistence that shops offer reductions on normal stock. Buying special stock in bulk and slapping a sale sign on it is a big non, non.

Discounts are generally between 50 and 70 per cent, and with prices tending to be a little cheaper across the Channel anyway, the French sales offer exceptional value.

Monsieur Jean-Michel Inglis, communications manager for P&O Ferries in France, says that 'Solde' is the key sign to look out for in French shops from 9 January as it confirms that items are in one of the strictly regulated sales periods. 'Degriffe' or 'Remise' followed by an amount shows the mark-down or discount.

Note that whilst 'Promo' or 'Promotion' signs are widespread they refer to just that: the sort of special offer promo' that a retailer can run at any time. Quite possibly a good deal, but very different from items in 'Les Soldes.'

Getting to 'Les Soldes' is easy and inexpensive. P&O Ferries has up to 25 return sailings every day on its 90-minute Dover – Calais service, costing from just £25 return for a car and passengers.


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