Food and Shopping in France
In France, bakeries are everywhere, filling streets with the smell of fresh baguettes, croissants, and pastries each morning. Wine shops carry local and regional bottles, including natural wines, and staff are usually happy to suggest what goes best with a meal. Small food shops and épiceries offer oils, pâtés, preserves, and cheeses from nearby producers, making it easy to put together a selection of high-quality local products.
Cafés and restaurants provide both casual and refined dining. You might start the day with a café and a viennoiserie, then move on to lunch or dinner with dishes that reflect the region: bouillabaisse in Marseille, coq au vin in Burgundy, cassoulet in Toulouse, or tartiflette in the Alps. In cities like Paris and Lyon, Michelin-starred restaurants turn local ingredients into carefully prepared multi-course menus. Cheese shops, chocolatiers, and pâtissiers display hundreds of varieties, many tied to specific towns or regions, and offer tastings for visitors.
Boutiques and specialty shops sell clothing, homeware, kitchenware, and handmade goods. Streets such as Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris feature flagship stores of Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton alongside smaller shops offering bespoke perfumes, jewelry, and artisan accessories. Department stores like Le Bon Marché and Printemps carry curated selections of food, wine, and designer products, and often provide personal shopping services.
Different towns have different cheeses, wines, and specialty foods, while markets, shops, and cafés reveal what each region produces best. Walking through them, tasting local products, and speaking to the people behind them gives a direct sense of the care and skill that go into French food and shopping.
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Opening Hours in France
Shops in France usually open Monday through Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. Many smaller stores close during lunchtime, typically between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. On Sundays, most shops remain closed, though those in major tourist areas or city centers may open for limited hours, especially during holidays or summer months.
Dining Hours in France
In France, lunch is usually served between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., while dinner begins around 7:30 p.m. and can continue into the late evening. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. In large cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, cafés and brasseries often stay open all day, serving light meals, coffee, and pastries.
Paying in France
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across France, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and larger retail stores. Smaller markets, bakeries, and cafés may still prefer cash. It’s useful to carry some euros for small purchases and tipping. Contactless payment is common, and ATMs are easy to find in cities, airports, and most towns throughout the country.
Tax Free Shopping in France
Travelers who live outside the European Union can receive a VAT refund on eligible purchases made in France. Ask for a tax-free form at the time of purchase and keep both the form and receipt. Before leaving the country, present them at the customs counter in the airport or port. Refunds are processed through services such as Global Blue or Planet.
What to Buy in France
France is full of products that reflect its regions, traditions, and craftsmanship, making shopping part of the travel experience. In food, cheeses are a must—soft, hard, washed-rind, or blue—often labeled with their village of origin. Charcuterie, pâtés, and cured meats from local producers travel well and showcase regional flavors. Olive oils, vinegars, and preserves from small producers make thoughtful gifts or souvenirs. Chocolatiers and pâtissiers sell pralines, artisan chocolates, and macarons that differ depending on where you are. Wine lovers can pick up bottles from boutique producers or natural wine shops, with sommeliers happy to recommend something special.
Beyond food, France is renowned for its craftsmanship. Leather goods, scarves, and accessories from independent ateliers reflect meticulous skill, while perfumes – especially in Grasse or Paris – offer unique scents you won’t find elsewhere. Tableware, ceramics, and handmade soaps carry a sense of place. Parisian streets host luxury boutiques for couture clothing, bespoke jewelry, and artisan homeware, while Lyon is known for silk and textiles. Provence offers olive oils, lavender soaps, and colorful ceramics, and the Loire Valley is rich in pottery, tapestries, and fine linens. Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy provide access to carefully selected wines and gourmet products directly from local producers.
Each region has its own specialties and skilled producers. Lyon remains synonymous with silk and fine textiles. Provence produces olive oils, lavender soaps, and colorful ceramics. The Loire Valley offers pottery, tapestries, and fine linens. Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy are known for wines that can be purchased directly from local wineries or boutique wine shops. Visiting markets, ateliers, and shops allows you to meet the people behind the products, ensuring each purchase carries a tangible connection to the place where it was made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are food experiences included in Finest Journeys tours of France?
Many tours include selected meals, tastings, and market visits. Travelers also receive recommendations for trusted restaurants that highlight regional cuisine. Finest Journeys offers Culinary Tours in many parts of the world.
Can special diets be accommodated?
Yes. France offers a wide range of vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary options. Guides can assist in choosing restaurants that suit individual preferences.
Are local markets included in the itineraries?
Yes. Many itineraries feature visits to local markets in regions such as Provence, Bordeaux, and Lyon. These markets are ideal for sampling produce and meeting local vendors.
What types of souvenirs are best to buy in France?
Popular items include regional wines, handmade ceramics, lavender products, textiles, soaps, chocolates, and fashion accessories. Each region offers its own specialties.
Can I bring wine or food home?
Yes, though restrictions vary by country. Bottled wine and packaged goods are usually fine for transport, but travelers should check customs limits before returning home.
Is tax-free shopping available for visitors?
Yes. Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases by completing tax-free forms at participating shops and processing them at the airport before departure.
Our local expert in France
How Finest Journeys Enhances Your Food and Shopping Experience in France
Finest Journeys curates food and shopping experiences that reveal France’s regional character. Expert guides introduce travelers to authentic markets, family-run restaurants, and skilled artisans. Guests enjoy private tastings, visits to vineyards, and access to select boutiques known for craftsmanship and quality. Each experience is designed to feel personal, connecting travelers to the country’s culture through flavor, tradition, and design.