No increase to tobacco tax in France for 2025, says new government Stricter anti-smuggling operations envisioned, as well as a tax on vaping
Which Cora supermarkets in France are rebranding to Carrefour? The changeover will be gradual and in three stages, with no job losses expected
Five things they do not tell you about… shopping in France Navigating the etiquette, from greeting shopkeepers to market manners
news French supermarkets to begin ‘automatic refunds’: how will this work? The refunds will come into force from 2025 and are intended to encourage recycling packaging
Letters: Why does Amazon Prime require another account in France? Connexion readers say they use the service to deliver products from the UK
French supermarket to trial payment by…the palm of your hand The trial will coincide with the Paris Olympics. The technology is already used in the US and China
See 7 French supermarket items on watchdog’s ‘scam products’ list ‘Basil’ soup with 0.2% basil, and ‘olive’ breadsticks that use palm oil are among products highlighted in the group’s new hit list
How to get the best deals in France’s summer sales A new study has determined the best week to shop for bargains, depending on the items you are hunting for
Dates and rules for the 2024 summer sales in France Shops can sell products at a loss… but must follow certain other guidelines
French supermarkets join trend for bottles of ‘luxury water’ Supermarkets are stocking more and more luxury water brands, which boast of their water's purity, mineral composition, health and even astrological benefits
What shops can open in France on Sundays and does it vary by region? From supermarkets and DIY stores to the local butcher and bakery, we take a look at which shops open when most are closed in France
Why shoppers will not automatically get free samples now in France Customers will now need to ask for creams, perfumes, and other goods at till
Why shoppers are still opting for paper till receipts in France As many as 60% still ask for paper receipts, despite a new law making them opt-in only
Primark plans to double number of low-cost fashion shops in France The Irish brand wants to open four new sites per year in suburban towns Decathlon, Andros, Panzani: what is France's favourite brand? Leclerc or Lidl: Which is the cheapest supermarket in France? Mass supermarket turkey recall in France over listeria fears
Lipton, Lay's, Doritos: French supermarket stops sales in price row Carrefour has blamed an ‘inacceptable rise in prices’ from manufacturer PepsiCo during a tense negotiation period Habitat France: can you claim on insurance for non-delivery? Dates of January sales in France and key points to know €9m of goods not delivered as Habitat France seeks liquidation French clothes shops launch rental schemes: how do they work? Strike call for December 5 over risk of Casino shop closures in France
How can I prove purchases I have made in France without paper receipt? Paper receipts are no longer automatically given in every instance
Cross-border shopping: what do people in France head to Italy to buy? Many people who live in the south drive to Ventimiglia to save money on various items - but things are changing
French supermarkets offer ‘anti-inflation’ pricing on essentials Casino is the latest to act but many of the major stores have various deals in place
Brittany man wins €1m on replacement scratch card The original ticket was ripped so the shopkeeper replaced it with what turned out to be a winning card
Why are there more food recalls now in France, that you often post? The standardisation of product recalls means it is easier to find and share information on faulty products
How the French government plans to transform ‘ugly’ commercial zones The proposal includes transforming sprawling shopping centres into more attractive and environmentally friendly mixed-use sites
Which is the cheapest supermarket chain in France? Both Lidl and E.Leclerc claim the title - we explain why
Deodorant recalled in France after users experience painful cysts Gel product has been removed from shop shelves
Watch out for false supermarket ‘date-end’ food promotions in France Some deals may be too good to be true, a consumer magazine warns
Crit'Air, breakdowns, savings: 9 changes you may have missed in France In case you have been on holiday, here is a handy summary of what is new in France
When is the best time to shop for deals in France? While the official sales periods are strictly regulated in France, many shops also host ‘ventes privées’ (private sales). We look at which events offer the best deals
Can shops in France refuse to take payments in cash? The question was sparked by reports of some French shops refusing to accept notes and coins on Sundays
Websites including Amazon accused of ‘misleading consumers’ in France Analysis of more than 6,000 sales showed more than 90% did not provide a genuine discount, according to a French consumer watchdog
Keep on rolling: France’s paper receipts print ban postponed It is the second time this year that implementation of the law has been put back
French shops to end automatic printing of paper receipts In a bid to cut down on waste, French consumers will instead be encouraged to receive electronic versions of their till receipts
From food to furniture: where to find a bargain in France As households battle rising inflation, we look at the stores and websites that can help you save money
Senators back ending 2-for-1 deal on toiletries in French supermarkets New law would limit discounts on hygiene products and washing powder to 34% in line with promotions on food items
Explainer: how shop refunds and returns work in France The seller is responsible for the goods for up to two years after the purchase
Menstrual underwear sales rise in France as period taboos ‘crumble’ New technology means period knickers and swimsuits are secure, comfortable and attractive – the market is booming
How do we prove purchases if till receipts are disappearing in France? The automatic printing of paper receipts is being phased out for many types of purchase
2,600 jobs lost as French clothing group Camaïeu in administration A court ruling made the decision after the state refused a demand for a multi-million rescue package, saying it was too ‘high risk’
Zero-emission electric riverboat in Paris makes 800 deliveries per day The riverboat works as a ‘floating warehouse’ and enables cycling delivery drivers to fulfil orders without adding to the city’s combustion pollution
How can resident of France find best prices across Amazon’s sites? Remember to check that correct delivery costs have been factored in before choosing a deal from a different country
E.Leclerc France extends anti-inflation price freeze on key items The measure was initially applied to 120 of the supermarket chain’s most-bought products, but has now been expanded to include around 110 more
11 tips to save money on your food shopping in France With inflation at record levels, we share cost-saving advice with the help of consumer experts, specialist apps and the people who use them effectively
Did you know: First department store in world opened in France in 1852 A young man from Normandy who went to Paris to find work ended up converting a small shop Le Bon Marché into the new concept using innovative sales methods
Boom in French supermarkets buying and selling second-hand items All the big-name supermarkets are rolling out ‘coin occasion’ areas, as customers look to cash-in on used items
French supermarket tills where chit-chat is welcome grow in popularity The ‘slow checkouts’ are for shoppers who want a more personal experience and aim to help tackle loneliness and isolation
Carrefour France trials a ‘vegan butcher’ product range The meat substitutes – including mince and burgers – will be provided by popular brand the Vegetarian Butcher
What can I do if item bought online is not delivered? I bought a dress on a website I believe is based in Avignon – but it did not come and they did not respond to emails. What can I do? FF
Your questions: Covid-19 France hotline replies Must we put time as well as date on confinement forms? Can we drive people to airport? Can we use a Drive supermarket which is 12km away when we have a food shop 1km away? What about expiring contrôle technique ?
Covid-19 France: cycling for exercise I have two small questions about confinement: 1. I understand the ban on competitive or sporting cycling, but can I use my bike for exercise as long as I keep to a 1km limit from my home? 2. Can a couple both go in a car to the shops, but only one does the shopping and the other stays in the car?
France lockdown: Can a couple go shopping together? Anyone going out must remember to fill out an attestation and carry with them a valid ID. We look at the rules for shopping trips
France lockdown: Can I collect an item bought on Leboncoin? Leboncoin is a website that allows you to buy and sell items online
France lockdown: Can I drive to the shops with my partner? Anyone going shopping must fill out an attestation and carry with them a valid ID. We look at the rules for shopping trips
France lockdown: Can I shop in a nearby country? EU borders are still open but people in France should only be crossing them for essential reasons
Can French store staff carry out pat-down checks? Ordinary staff in a supermarket or any other shop are not allowed to search you physically
What is the law around vouchers not refunds for returns in France? Refund and credit notes depend on whether you have bought online or in store and whether the item is faulty or just not suitable, plus there are certain conditions
Countdown conundrum: To buy or not buy an advent calendar? Advent calendars are nothing new, but they are more popular than ever, with many brands selling them as a promotional tool
Entrepreneur steps up to save his village’s shops in France Claude Bellessort is being hailed as a Father Christmas figure after saving his village cafe, boulangerie and hairdressing salon from closure in Centre-Val de Loire
New French Channel Tunnel duty-free shop is ‘only fair’ says Getlink Tabac owners oppose plans for a new shop at the Eurotunnel terminal in Pas-de-Calais for travellers leaving France on their way to the UK saying it will ‘distort competition’
Hotel bed linen gets a second life in novel French recycling company Edwige Ciria travelled the world staying in luxury hotels on business trips spotted a gap in the market for the linen they use in their bedrooms and bathrooms and on tables
Over 25% of items bought online are dangerous, French authority finds An assessment of 450 products was carried out between 2018 to 2021. Items that were deemed dangerous include children’s toys and electronics
Which French M&S stores are to close - and which will stay open? The high street chain announced yesterday that it would be closing the 11 shops that it operates with French partner SFH
M&S to close 11 French stores, blaming post-Brexit customs checks The company’s chairman said previously that ‘draconian’ French border controls were preventing a third of sandwiches from reaching stores before their best-before date
M&S: Brexit customs issues are forcing us to review our French stores Company chairman said France’s ‘draconian’ border controls are preventing one third of sandwiches from reaching its 20 French shops before their sell-by date
French DIY and toy shops increasingly affected by material shortages A lack of raw materials means certain toys could be more expensive in the lead up to Christmas
Covid health pass rules lifted from over 100 French shopping centres It means that from Wednesday only 64 shopping centres in nine French departments will be impacted by the requirement
Health pass no longer required at 14 shopping centres in Île-de-France The administrative court of Versailles has ruled that those without health passes were unfairly treated in being stopped from obtaining basic necessities
Lidl’s internet-sensation trainers back on sale in France One pair of the multi-coloured shoes available in stores for €12.99 was sold online for €1,200
Price of online goods from outside EU to rise in France VAT crackdown Rises from July 1 are expected to affect many items purchased from countries ranging from China to the UK, both directly or via internet platforms
What’s new for residents in France in June 2021? A delay to summer sales, new double authentication for online payments, rising gas prices, and a ban on older diesel vehicles in Greater Paris are among key changes this month
French cities catch on to 15-minute order-to-door grocery apps Rapid services operating in Paris, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Lyon and Lille. Services say shoppers now want to order groceries like taxis and not to set time delivery slots
Online shoppers in France face extra payment security measures Stronger authentication methods, already in place for payments over €100, now extended to include purchases over €30
Legal action in France targets commission refunds for Vinted buyers French consumer group demands reimbursement of forced 5% commission which is presented as an option
Victims of credit card fraud in France must be paid back within a day Financial authorities send reminder to banks after online payments and fraudulent transactions have soared due to Covid
Marks & Spencer shuts Paris store but denies Brexit link The closure is not linked to Brexit-related delivery problems which have caused empty shelves lately, says M&S who still have 19 stores in France
Covid France rules: Large non-food commercial centres close France is to close non-food commercial centres of more than 20,000m2, and food shoppers should now shop alone with one customer only per trolley. We explain the new commercial centre rules
CBD: Shops for cannabis-derived products boom in France The market for the ‘feel good’ non-THC compound could reach €1 billion in France, proponents say, as the European Court of Justice rules it is legal