‘Le Shopping’
Isn’t it maddening how French women always look chic? Or how the French effortlessly produce delicious meals? What’s the secret? Do they spend a fortune? Pas du tout! They simply know how to shop. They don’t ‘shop til they drop’ like some westerners, they take their time until they find that ‘coup de coeur’, be it fashion or food. The French can dress and eat like royalty without paying a king’s ransom. Less is more.
The secret to great French food is quite simple: fresh local products ideally bought on a daily basis from a specialty store – or at one of those famous farmer’s markets. Looking for the market? Just follow a parade of colorful bags, baskets, shopping trolleys filled with fruit, vegetables, cheese, charcuterie, meats, fish, olive oil….
When you arrive at the market, you may be surprised at the variety of goods: everything ranging from food and wine to clothes, flowers, vintage goods and housewares all at amazing prices. Indoor markets or halles in French– are usually open every day and can be slightly more upmarket. Some even serve dishes created by Michelin star chefs! Other French markets have floating stalls like those in the annual market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in Provence.
But market day is by no means just about shopping. It’s also a social gathering occasion. People will be spilling out of local bars and brasseries, sitting at tables in the open air and chatting with friends over a coffee, a glass of wine, and even a plate of oysters. It’s the essence of the South of France.
To enjoy your French retail therapy and impress your French hosts, a few tips on etiquette. Never approach a merchant without saying a bonjour – nor an au revoir or ‘bonne journée’ (or both) upon leaving. Likewise a s’il vous plait and merci are polite and absolutely essential.
A few words and phrases in French never hurt on a shopping spree.
Please S’il vous plait.
Thank You Merci.
Hello Bonjour !
Good bye Au revoir.
Have a nice day! Bonne Journée !
How much does it cost? C’est combien?
Credit card Une carte de crédit
I’m looking for … Je cherche…
My Favourite Markets
Farmers’ markets are generally held mornings on specific days of the week from 6h30am to 1pm.
Farmers/Street Markets
- St Remy de Provence: Wednesday
- Aix en Provence: Saturday
- Arles; Saturday
- Antibes: Daily
- Uzès: Saturday
Specialty Markets
- Flowers in Nice : daily
- Anitques in Isle sur Sorgue : Sundays
- Pottery and ceramics in St Quentin la Poterie : May 1st
Indoor Markets or “Halles”
- Sète, fish and seafood, every morning 7/7
- Narbonne open daily from 6:30 am to 1pm
A Few of My Favorite Things
Soaps
Marseille is known for its soaps, so look out for those especially with at least 52% olive oil content. Some of the best are artisan-made using a strict centuries-old soap-making tradition. They are often beautifully packaged and make great gifts.
Lavender
Provence is known for its glorious purple lavender fields that turn the landscape into a vibrant impressionist painting. French markets offer plenty of lavender products to take home as gifts, such as lavender sachets, essential oils and soaps.
Textiles and Pottery
A wide range of textiles can be found in both the markets and stores, many with the distinctive Provençal design. Les Textiles Mistral and Souleiado offer quality clothing and household textiles, sold in stores or online.
“Santons “ Nativity Figurines
If you’re in Provence in December you’ll notice the markets are full of small hand-painted terracotta nativity scene figurines. These figures represent characters from Provençal village life and are used to decorate the traditional mangers.
Happy Shopping!
This article is also published on Journeywoman.com.
