Shopping in France: Markets and Local Shops

For many of us, part of the attraction of the French lifestyle is the opportunity to shop in a more leisurely and traditional way. We may long to escape the "round the clock" shopping culture and uniformity of the British high street. Most French towns still have an active, bustling market and the strong artisan culture of France means that there is more emphasis on small individual shops. Also, with the personal service these offer, there is a much greater opportunity to practice your French language skills than in the supermarket.

Markets always lure us, with their vibrant displays showcasing local products. It is advisable to get there early, between 8 and10 a.m, for the best choice. Judge the stalls by how popular they are. If unsure about what to buy, observe the regular shoppers to see what they choose. Take advantage of the French custom of tasting and sampling. Try to speak in French. Even if your language is hesitant, this may well illicit a more sympathetic response. Stall holders rely on quick service, so if you need more time to make a decision, stand back and let a more decisive shopper make their purchases. Such consideration will be appreciated. Visit a French market with an open mind rather than a list. Prepare yourself for new taste experiences and take advantage of what is in season.

In small towns, you will probably be less dependent on the supermarket and become more used to the idea of buying and eating on the same day. Build your visit to the boulangerie or the pâtisserie into your daily life. Remember that many of the delicious French cheeses available are unpasteurised so, again, need to be used promptly. The normal health regulations for the very young, the elderly and pregnant women, of course, still apply. Milk is not delivered daily and in fact it is not usual to buy fresh, bottled milk. You may well have to become used to the taste of UHT milk, which you can stock up on in the supermarket. Check out the drinking water in your area. If in doubt, follow the French habit of buying eau de source rather than the more expensive eau de minerale. Of course, if you're in a wine growing region, you may well find the local wines more acceptable than water anyway!

Remember that in small towns, the market will close by lunchtime and smaller shops will close for a two hour lunch break. Most shops do not open on Sundays and in some rural areas, they may also close on a certain weekday. If a jour férié (public holiday) falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, small family businesses may well faire le pont (make the bridge) by taking the Monday or Friday as well to make a very long weekend. They may close completely or operate with a skeleton staff - so make your plans accordingly.

Enjoy this more leisurely approach to shopping. Take the time to discover your favourite market stalls and individual shops. You will soon find that you feel much more involved in the local community.