Ouistreham shopping : best boutiques, wine shop & VAT refund

Ouistreham shopping guide : top boutiques, wine shops & tax-free tips

Welcome to Ouistreham, a charming seaside town perched on the Normandy coast, where relaxed shopping meets gourmet delights.

Just across the Channel from Portsmouth, it is the perfect stop to shop fine wine and enjoy tax-free savings before your journey home.

Let’s explore the best addresses in Ouistreham and how to get a VAT refund on your purchases made in France.

If you’re planning a Normandy getaway, discover more great shopping stops in our Cherbourg shopping guide.

Key points

• Easy seaside shopping destination before the Caen–Portsmouth ferry.

• Along Avenue de la Mer, you can discover authentic Norman boutiques, concept stores, and gourmet addresses.

• Ouistreham is home to several excellent wine shops, including Normandie Wine and Wine & Beer, ideal before sailing home.

• With Zapptax, UK residents can reclaim up to 90% of VAT on purchases made in France, in just a few taps.

11 best shops and wine cellars in Ouistreham

Ouistreham offers an excellent mix of local shops, seaside boutiques, and regional products.

Stroll along the Avenue de la Mer and nearby streets to discover independent stores and French brands.

1. Mousqueton Ouistreham

A must-visit for fans of nautical style, offering timeless Breton stripes, sailor tops, and seaside fashion.

📍47 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

2. Comptoir des Normandies

A must-visit shop showcasing the best of Normandy. You’ll find local specialties such as cider, Calvados, biscuits, caramels, and even regional textiles and tableware. They also feature Heula, a humorous Normandy brand loved by locals.

📍94 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

3. Caravelle Souvenir Shop

Located near the ferry terminal, this store is packed with Normandy souvenirs, local specialties, and small seaside gifts.

📍80 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

4. Des Vagues et des Mots Bookshop

A charming local bookstore offering novels, regional literature, and children’s books, perfect for a gift or for your travel reading.

📍86 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

5. J’irai Revoir ma Normandie

A lovely boutique dedicated to Normandy’s heritage, selling local crafts, delicacies, cider, and regional décor items that capture the spirit of the region.

📍 74 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

6. Aigue Marine

A stylish concept store combining coastal fashion, accessories and home décor inspired by the Normandy seaside lifestyle.

📍 53 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

7. L’Echoppe by Chef Poudras

More than just an épicerie fine, this boutique offers gourmet products, artisanal delicacies, and a carefully curated wine selection in a warm, local setting.

📍 Route de Caen, 14150 Ouistreham

8. Normandie Wine Ouistreham

A true haven for wine and spirits lovers, located just minutes from the ferry terminal. Their extensive selection of wines, champagnes, ciders, whiskies, and gins makes it the perfect last stop before heading back to the UK.

📍12 Quai Charcot & 13 Rue de l’Yser, 14150 Ouistreham

9. Wine & Beer

Conveniently located on the road to the port, this independent wine cellar offers a selection of wines, craft beers, and local spirits. Perfect for last-minute purchases before catching the ferry.

📍Route de Caen, 14150 Ouistreham

10. Le Caveau Normand

A small but excellent wine and spirits shop offering local ciders, Calvados, and French wines, carefully selected by passionate owners.

📍17 Avenue de la Mer, 14150 Ouistreham

11. VBO (Vino Bistro Oeno)

A welcoming wine bar and boutique where you can taste and buy fine wines, ciders and spirits from across France, ideal for pre-ferry relaxation.

📍3 Rue de la Crète au Coq, 14150 Ouistreham

Check out our detailed guide on how much wine you can bring back from France.

How to shop tax-free in Ouistreham ?

If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT (up to 90%) on your purchases in France, and Zapptax makes the process fast and digital.

1. Ask the shop for an invoice made out to Zapptax (details in the app).

2. Upload your invoices directly in the Zapptax app.

3. Before leaving the EU (for example, before boarding the ferry), validate your tax-free form using the PABLO terminal or at a Customs desk.

4. Receive your refund to your bank account or PayPal.

It works perfectly for your purchases in Ouistreham’s boutiques, including Normandie Wine, Mousqueton, and other local shops.

Conclusion

With its seaside charm, quality boutiques, and proximity to the ferry terminal, Ouistreham is the perfect stop before heading back to the UK.

From gourmet to fine wines, every purchase can become even more rewarding with tax-free shopping through Zapptax.

FAQ

1. What souvenir should I bring back from Ouistreham ?

Ouistreham is full of authentic Norman treasures : local cider, Calvados, salted caramels, biscuits, and handmade crafts. It depends on your taste but you have many choices for souvenirs that capture the Norman’s spirit in shops like J’irai Revoir ma Normandie or Comptoir des Normandies.

2. Which shops are open on Sundays in Ouistreham ?

Many souvenir and wine shops along Avenue de la Mer, such as Caravelle, Comptoir des Normandies, and Normandie Wine open on Sunday, especially during ferry hours and tourist season.

3. Can I get a VAT refund on my purchases made in France ?

Yes, if you live outside the EU (so UK residents), you can claim back the VAT (up to 90%) on your purchases made in France. With Zapptax, the entire process is digital : ask for invoices in Zapptax’s name, upload them in the app, and validate your tax-free form before leaving France to get your refund.

4. How many bottles of wine can I bring back to the UK ?

After Brexit, UK travellers can bring up to 18 litres of still wine, 9 litres of sparkling wine, or 4 litres of spirits duty-free when returning from France. This makes Ouistreham the perfect place to stock up before boarding the ferry.
(Source : UK Government – Bringing goods into the UK)