May 6, 1994: Queen Elizabeth II and President Mitterrand rode through the tunnel in her Rolls Royce. The first connection between Britain and Europe since the Ice Age. King Charles III regards it as "marking the end of the British Empire."
What to do there
3 things to do
Book Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel) from Folkestone to Calais (from £30 each way). The 35-minute journey takes you through the tunnel where Queen Elizabeth II and President François Mitterrand made history on May 6, 1994. After cutting a red, white and blue ribbon of Calais lace, they crossed in her claret Rolls Royce Phantom VI.
Backup:Eurostar passenger train from London St Pancras is an alternative (champagne bar at the station!).
Arrive in Calais and find Carrefour hypermarket (near Cité Europe) or Majestic Wine Calais. Champagne is 30-50% cheaper than UK. Mitterrand noted his trip was "more comfortable than Blériot's" because he'd made it "seated in the queen's very comfortable Rolls." King Charles III regards this as "marking the conclusion of the British Empire."
Backup:Cité Europe shopping centre has multiple wine shops.
On May 6, 1994, Queen Elizabeth II gazed toward England minutes after exiting the Channel Tunnel, marking the first fixed land connection between Britain and Europe since the Ice Age — 9,000 years of separation ended by 50km of concrete. Stand at Cap Blanc-Nez (20km north of Calais) or the Calais waterfront promenade where she stood, facing the White Cliffs of Dover just 21km across the Strait. On clear days, you see the physical proof of "the end of an island" — Britain no longer isolated from the Continent. Bring binoculars for the Dover cliffs view.
Backup:Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode museum courtyard offers views (free entry to courtyard area).
