Hotel Meurice

One of the reasons we almost always stay in Calais, on the way to France and on the way back, is because of . . . Hotel Meurice.

Apparently the oldest hotel in Calais, we love this place and have been staying here for years. It is idiosyncratic, very French, and what you might describe as ‘genteel’, in its old-fashioned sense of gentleness and grace. It is quite splendid, as can be seen from the picture, but without pretensions of any kind. Antique and reproduction furniture is to be found everywhere; each bedroom is different. We currently have one with a rose pink theme – truly wonderful. There are quirky bits, but it is immaculately kept and everything works – as long as you know how! The staff couldn’t be nicer and breakfast is just lovely – they juice oranges to order!
 
In the UK this would probably be ‘posh’ and exclusive, and expensive - to keep the riffraff out. This place is open to all and everyone is greeted in the same way. It is not exactly cheap, but it is certainly not expensive and Gordon always manages to get us a good deal, somehow or other. A stay here seems to start and end a French holiday in the best possible way.
 
It was not a nice journey here, with rain and wind making driving difficult. It is wild here in Calais and looks to get more windy still. We might be in for a bumpy sailing in the morning. But, seeing the huge fences (see extra) and watching so many groups of young people wandering the streets aimlessly, puts things into perspective. So very sad and one feels so helpless. (I will not mention the appalling fact that one person thinks a visit, at our expense, to a refugee camp a long way from here solves the problem – it doesn’t!! Oops! I have mentioned it!)