-
Shop olive oil: French consumer group names cheapest healthiest option
It is now rare to find a litre of olive oil for less than €10
-
Everyday French phrases with the verb ‘passer’
Many of these expressions can be used in daily conversation, boosting your fluency
-
Which iconic French brands are the most beloved?
It is likely you have products from at least some of these marques in your home, even if you do not live in France
Five things they don’t tell you about supermarkets in France
A lighthearted look at grocery shopping at the supermarché
![Alexandre Rotenberg / Shutterstock](https://image.connexionfrance.com/628224.webp?imageId=628224&width=960&height=672&format=jpg)
1. La saison
Seasonal items include pillows, duvets and bed linen, which appear without fail every spring. The reason for this is unclear.
Sauerkraut is also seasonal, being considered more sweet and tender at the end of August than at other times of the year.
Yes, la choucroute nouvelle exists.
Naturellement.
Read more: ‘My videos help people find the best deals in French discount shops’
2. La caissière
The cashier is there to scan your shopping and take your payment.
They might smile, they might even exchange a few light-hearted remarks, but unless they are operating a blabla caisse (slower check-out where chit-chat is encouraged) do not expect social interaction as a matter of course.
Et alors?
Read more: French supermarket tills where chit-chat is welcome grow in popularity
3. Les responsables
Each counter has specialised staff. Asking someone behind the butchery counter to slice your bread will not work.
You need to go to the customer service desk and ask them to call the responsable of the boulangerie who has undergone training to operate the slicer.
Je vous en prie!
4. Le choix
Exotic foreign foods, such as baked beans and ginger nuts, have become widely available in French supermarkets but are segregated from ‘proper’ French foods.
Do not look for marmalade on the shelf beside normal orange jam – you will find it on the international shelf alongside the Mexican taco kits.
C’est logique!
Read more: Suggestions for French alternatives to popular British food
5. Les commandes
Either in person or by phone, you can order items in advance, such as six sliced loaves, a birthday cake, or a deboned and rolled leg of lamb for Easter.
You can even reserve a large baker’s sack of leftover dry bread (only €5) to feed to your sheep.
A bientôt!
Related articles
Five things they do not tell you about the bourgeoisie in France
Five things they don’t tell you about ‘les rosbifs’ (Brits) in France
Five tips for drinking better wine in France without spending more