Do French supermarkets deliver groceries to rural areas?

Reader Question: I usually travel to my second home in south-west France in my car and keep it there, but this year I will not be. Without a vehicle, is there a way to deliver groceries to our home? It is in a rural area.

Many of France’s major supermarkets offer home delivery services, which are managed by the retailers themselves. 

In most cases, you must spend a minimum amount to be eligible for home delivery, around €20. 

A fixed fee is also added by the supermarket to cover costs, although some supermarkets waive this for certain clients (pregnant women, elderly, certain loyalty card holders, those who spend over a certain amount, etc). 

Delivery slots can be booked in advance, or in some cases are available same-day.

Coverage sparser in rural areas

However, services can be limited in more rural areas, with supermarkets not delivering to certain addresses. 

While there are no set rules about where supermarkets will or will not deliver to, it is usually related to how far a property is from the nearest store. 

Others will charge higher fees to deliver to more outlying areas.

When making an order using a supermarket’s website, you have to enter your address before you start using your products – this will let you know if you are eligible. 

Try several supermarkets if your first choice is not eligible. 

Read more: Which is the cheapest supermarket in France?

Alternative choices 

In addition to home delivery, many supermarkets offer click and collect services, where you can make your orders online and then collect them from a nearby store at a certain time. 

You mention that you are not bringing your vehicle with you, but if you know someone who can drive you to the supermarket this may be an option. 

Dedicated online grocery delivery services exist, such as Houra, Yper, and Shopopop, some of which may deliver more rurally depending on your location.

Finally, it may be possible to have La Poste deliver supplies as part of a postal worker’s route through your commune. 

This can include delivering ready meals that just need to be heated up.

Read more: ‘Clothes cabins’, checks on older people: La Poste is diversifying