French Supermarkets
While a lot of eating habits in the world seems to more and more look alike to each other, you can often still get a fast little peek in a countries or region’s culture by going to a local supermarket. In France, this is no different. When you step into a French supermarket, you can see for example how important bread is to the French.
You have multiple types of markets (marchés) and going shopping is as much a cultural experience as a necessity. First, we will look into some vocabulary that you might need. Then we will dive into where you can find what groceries, and finally we will give some pointers one fun and delicious products to get in France.
Vocabulary in a French supermarket
| Shopping cart | Le chariot |
| Basket | Le panier |
| Cash register | La caisse |
| Cashier | Le caissier / La caissière |
| Receipt | Le reçu |
| Discount | La réduction |
| Promotion / Sale | La promotion |
| Price | Le prix |
| Aisle | L’allée |
| Shelf | L’étagère |
| Produce section | Le rayon fruits et légumes |
| Dairy products | Les produits laitiers |
| Bakery | La boulangerie |
| Meat section | Le rayon boucherie |
| Fish section | Le rayon poissonnerie |
| Frozen foods | Les produits surgelés |
| Checkout line | La file d’attente |
| Barcode | Le code-barres |
| Weight | Le poids |
| Expiration date | La date de péremption |
| Organic | Bio / Biologique |
| Non-perishable | Non-périssable |
| Cash | L’argent liquide |
| Credit card | La carte de crédit |
| Bag | Le sac |
| Loyalty card | La carte de fidélité |
| Customer service | Le service client |
| Self-checkout | La caisse automatique |
Some usefull phrases in the supermarket
- Would you like a receipt? – Voulez-vous un reçu ?
- Where is the (produce section)? – Où se trouve le rayon (fruits et légumes) ?
- Can I get a bag, please? – Puis-je avoir un sac, s’il vous plaît ?
- Do you accept credit cards? – Acceptez-vous les cartes de crédit ?
- Is there a discount on this item? – Y a-t-il une réduction sur cet article ?
- I would like to return this item. – Je voudrais retourner cet article.
- Do you have a loyalty card? – Avez-vous une carte de fidélité ?
- How much does this cost? – Combien coûte ceci ?
- Can I weigh this here? – Puis-je peser ceci ici ?
- Where is the nearest checkout? – Où se trouve la caisse la plus proche ?
Les Marchés (Outdoor Markets)
Outdoor markets are a staple in French culture, and many towns and neighbourhoods have their own markets that open a few times a week. These markets sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, bread, and often other artisanal products like honey, olive oil, and flowers.
French outdoor markets are more than just places to buy food; they are social events. People often take time to chat with vendors, ask about the origin of the products, and exchange recipes. Visiting the market is a sensory experience, with the smell of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and the sight of beautifully arranged displays. It’s a tradition that reflects the French love for fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.
Supermarchés (Supermarkets)
These are supermarkets, similar to those in other countries, offering a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meats to packaged goods, household items, and toiletries. Examples are Carrefour, Intermarché, E.Leclerc, Auchan, Monoprix.
While supermarkets are practical and widely used, the French still prefer buying specific items like bread, cheese, or fresh produce from specialized shops or markets when possible. That said, supermarkets are increasingly adapting to French tastes by including fresh produce sections, bakeries, and sometimes even cheese counters that mimic the style of smaller, specialized shops.
You often find these on the outskirts of larger towns or cities.
Hypermarchés (Large Superstores)
Hypermarkets are larger and sometimes gigantic versions of supermarkets that not only sell groceries but also offer clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. These stores look a bit like the American malls, but owned by a supermarket. These stores are typically located outside of city centers and have a wide variety of products available in one place.
Hypermarkets are popular for big shopping trips, especially in suburban or rural areas. People might visit them once a week or less frequently to stock up on bulk items or household necessities. However, for daily or fresh grocery needs, many still prefer their local market or smaller shops. Examples are Carrefour Hypermarket, E.Leclerc Hypermarket, Auchan Hypermarket.
Épiceries (Grocery Stores or Specialty Shops)
Épiceries are smaller grocery stores or specialty shops that sell a curated selection of products. Some focus on local and organic products (often labeled as épicerie fine), while others may specialize in imported goods or specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free or vegetarian products).
For example, you have shops specialising in classic American/British products. You for example buy a few items here that you can’t get anywhere else. These stores offer a more personal shopping experience, and they are often family-owned and situated in city centers.
Boulangeries et Pâtisseries (Bakeries and Pastry Shops)
In France, bread and pastries are often bought separately from other groceries at a boulangerie (bakery) or pâtisserie (pastry shop). These shops sell fresh bread, croissants, baguettes, and a wide array of pastries like éclairs, tarts, and cakes.
Daily visits to the boulangerie are a ritual for many French people, and when you have the opportunity it should be for you. Fresh bread is a central part of every meal, and the quality of the bread is highly valued. The boulangerie is an integral part of French life and a cornerstone of local communities.
Also, the French with a baguette is not a stereotype. If they have the time, some people will buy a baguette daily as the main source of bread, although most people only do it on the weekends.
A pâtisserie is a French bakery specializing in pastries and other sweet baked goods. In France, the term is protected by law, so only bakeries employing a licensed pâtissier (pastry chef) can call themselves a pâtisserie. These shops are renowned for their high standards of craft, often using traditional techniques and recipes passed down through generations. Pâtisseries are distinct from boulangeries (bread bakeries), though many French bakeries are both.
Boucheries et Charcuteries (Butcher Shops and Delicatessens)
Some French people prefer to buy their meat from a trusted butcher rather than at a supermarket because of the quality and the expertise offered. The local boucher often has relationships with nearby farms, ensuring the meat is fresh and of high quality.
Traditional butcher shops (boucheries) and delicatessens (charcuteries) specialize in meats, cold cuts, and sausages. The quality and variety of meat products found here are often (supposed to be) higher than in supermarkets, although this depends on the supermarkets to be fair.
Fromageries (Cheese Shops)
France is famous for its cheeses, and specialized cheese shops, known as fromageries, offer a variety of local and regional cheeses, often made by small producers. These shops provide fresh and artisanal cheeses, sometimes ageing them on-site.
For the weekly Emmental (the most eaten cheese in France), people will likely go to the supermarket, where you get a good deal. But for a specialized cheese, people will visit a fromagerie.
The experience is highly personalized, with cheesemongers (fromagers) offering advice on pairings and providing samples. French people enjoy the experience of choosing and tasting cheeses, and it’s common for people to buy different cheeses for different meals or occasions.
Magasins Bio (Organic Stores)
Organic food has gained popularity in France, although it’s called produits bio (organic products) in French. These products use less biological control products, which should lead to fewer toxins in the food. Organic stores are also seen as a way to maintain a connection with nature and to support small, local farms. Many people who prioritize organic products prefer shopping here to ensure that what they buy meets their standards. You have chains of these shops like Biocoop, Naturalia, La Vie Claire.
What to buy in French supermarkets
Some things we can point out to buy if you are looking for typical French products that you probably don’t find a lot anywhere else or are really better done in France.
Croissants from the Boulanger – So you have croissants probably all over the world, but for those who don’t know this. Croissants are layers of dough and butter put in the oven to create one of the most classic French products (although it originated in Austria). French croissants fresh from the Boulanger are better than what you have at home. Trust us. Croissants are best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours, although you can always preserve them off course.
Local wine – Local wine is always recommended. What the best wine region is, is subjective off course, but it’s always good to try something to get a feel for it. You could best go to a speciality shop for this, but French supermarkets often have a large wine section which probably includes local wine. If you have the opportunity, you could also visit a local farmer with a wine field. Some organize tastings, but a lot also sell wine directly. Sometimes per gallon at a discount!
Canelé – Canelé is a small pastry originating from Bordeaux with a custard-like interior and a caramelized crust, thanks to the high baking temperature and traditional copper molds. Canelé has a crunchy, caramelized exterior with a soft, almost custard-like center, flavored with vanilla and sometimes a hint of rum. Best enjoyed fresh from a patisserie! They’re a wonderful treat with coffee or tea, or simply as a dessert on their own.
French Honey (Miel de Lavande) – Miel de Lavande, or lavender honey, is a true treasure of Provence. Sourced from bees that pollinate lavender fields, this honey has a delicate, floral aroma and a light, golden color. It’s smooth and has a creamy texture with hints of lavender. It’s less intense than darker honeys. Spread it on toast or baguette, drizzle over yogurt or cheese (especially goat cheese!), or add it to herbal teas.
Madeleine Cookies – Madeleines are shell-shaped, buttery sponge cakes with a subtle vanilla or lemon flavor. They taste light, buttery, and subtly sweet, often with hints of vanilla, almond, or lemon zest. They originated in the Lorraine region and became iconic thanks to their mention in Marcel Proust’s literature. These are best served fresh with a cup of tea or coffee. Madeleines can also be dipped in chocolate for an extra indulgence.
Bretz chips (crisps?) in the pesto and cheese flavour