Shopping opportunities in France
There is a small number of locations where shopping is but a major part of everyday life and France is on the top of their game. Ranging from local markets hidden in villages and communes to the abundance of luxurious stores on the streets of Paris, everybody in France gets to enjoy whatever shopping delights they desire.
Shopping in France is culturally significant to the people and visitors alike and has become sort of a tradition across the country. Be it food items, clothing items, hardware, groceries or other needs, France offers a unique shopping environment that is not obtainable anywhere else.
RocApply general shopping tips for international students
Be polite and courteous, as French people respond positively to these traits
Stores open for the most part of the day except during the nationwide ‘lunch break’. They also stay still late at night, especially on the weekends.
Be familiar with French phrases like ‘Cher’ which means expensive, ‘Bon marché’ which means cheap and ‘Combien coûte?’ which means how much does it cost.
Food Shopping in France
Shopping for food products is somewhat of an everyday phenomenon, but as a student, you might not have the luxury of time. However, preparing your own meals at home at a great way to save money and restrict your monthly expenditure especially if you’re on a budget.
There are many supermarkets and grocery stores littered around French towns and cities, these stores sell quality standard items and offer discounts to student shoppers as well. Widespread branded supermarket chains in France include Auchan, E. Leclerc, Super U, Géant Casino, Carrefour, Intermarché, Monoprix and a host of other French-owned local grocery stores.
RocApply Tip:
Géant Casino offers student discounts and very great prices with good value, this supermarket is very popular for student shoppers in France.
The local farmers market that sells food products straight from the local farms in France is cheaper and has a wider variety than supermarkets in the country.
You can find them anywhere in your location and Saturdays or Sundays are the best time to find them.
Also, as a means of preserving the environment, France has a green recycling culture that is pretty prevalent and as such plastic shopping bags are no longer used or they charge a fee if you request for one
Clothes Shopping in France
When you are in the fashion capital of the world, where many of the latest fashion trends and styles originate from, you expect to see the best of the best when it comes to clothing options.
In this regard, France does disappoint, although fashion and style are quite huge here, there is also a budding love for comfort and functionality when it comes to clothes.
Although the price of clothing is a bit higher than usual, their quality is one of the best in the world. as a student please endeavor to dress for the weather and for ease of movement.
Big-name flagship stores are spread around the country and there are even indigenous inexpensive stores that sell the best quality items for prices as low as €5.
