France is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines. Wondering what to buy? Below, you’ll find a list of affordable and easily available foods and snacks in French supermarkets and grocery stores.
In Paris, gourmet supermarkets like La Grande Epicerie (le Bon Marché) or the Galerie Lafayette likely carry all these items.
Fleur de sel de Camargue (or de Guérande)
Used by the greatest French chefs, it is an essential condiment that should be in the kitchen.
Sprinkle it sparingly on salty dishes or chocolates to improve their flavors.
A jar of real Dijon mustard
Again, it’s a condiment that is considered “classic” in French cuisine. It can be used to season a salad or while cooking a rabbit.
You’ll have the choice between multiple mustards of different strengths and surprising flavors (champagne, black currant, raspberry, nut, etc.) to accompany your meats.
Caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel) can be found in candy form or as a spread
Bring it home in your luggage, and this classic of Breton cuisine will make your baked goods, crepes, and vanilla ice cream even more delicious.
A packet of Breton galettes or palets
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We’ll stay on the Atlantic coast to recommend these dry cookies, either thick or thin. They smell like good Breton butter (that you won’t be able to take back without it melting) and you don’t need to be hungry to eat them.
Similar to English digestive biscuits, you can use them to make a crumble or the base of a cheesecake.
A piece of Montélimar nougat
This is a Provencal specialty created in the Middle Ages with the inspiration from existing nougats from the East and Mediterranean countries.
The nougat is made from a mixture of egg whites, almonds, honey, and sugar.
You can find some fresh-cut nougat in artisan shops all over France or pieces in supermarkets.
Bags of madeleines de Commercy (individually wrapped to avoid drying out)
In the shape of shells, they are more delicious than their cousins, the long madeleines.
Prepared with a subtle touch of lemon to make it more delicate, the madeleine de Commercy, originating from a town in eastern France, will satisfy your little hunger.
A bag of biscuits de Reims
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As the name suggests, they were invented in Reims by bakers who wanted to take advantage of the bread oven’s heat to make some cakes. To hide the black vanilla seeds, they had the idea to color them red.
Since 1960, this cake has managed to conquer all of France and should be tasted with a glass of champagne when it isn’t replacing the biscuits normally in tiramisu.
A small box of filled waffles from the North
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If you haven’t had the chance to go to a Meert shop to discover the famous vanilla-filled waffles, you can buy some (from other makers) in the supermarkets.
They are soft and thin, so they are ideal for finishing a beautiful meal.
Some herbal tea from Les 2 Marmottes
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Here we are talking about a specific brand, Les 2 Marmottes, an original company from Haute-Savoie that creates divine herbal teas (and tea mixtures).
On the menu, there are natural, high-quality ingredients that were selected and brought together with love.
A jar of tapenade
This is a sauce made of capers, olives, anchovies and olive oil.
In the southeastern part of France, they have some before dinner with little pieces of toast. A bit like its cousin, pesto sauce, it is enjoyed in a dish with vegetables or raw ham. You’ll find most of its products in supermarkets.
Violet Flowers Confit
The violet is a characteristic flower from the southwest and it is used for the production of several typical products.
The violet flower confit is particularly scented and can be served with several types of meals, including foie gras. In the Toulouse region, it is also eaten on spreads, pancakes or even fruit pies.
Espelette Pepper
This traditional product, from the French Basque Country, is one of the most famous condiments in France.
It offers a balance between hot, non-burning spice and fruity flavors that make it one of the most versatile condiments used by the best French chefs.
Frontignan Muscat
This natural sweet white wine is typical of the Occitanie region in the southwest of the country. It is the result of a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and has developed over the centuries.
Today, this typical French wine is known throughout the world for its quality and delicious taste.
Périgord Truffle
As its name suggests, this gastronomic product comes from the Périgord region (located in New Aquitaine).
It is a kind of edible black mushroom that can be served with a wide variety of dishes, including pizzas, risottos and even meats. You will have to taste it sparingly because it is quite expensive.
Bêtises de Cambrai
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This candy, originating in Cambrai, in the Hauts-de-France region, is the result of a mistake.
In fact, a confectioner’s apprentice dropped mint into the dough used to prepare lozenges and to hide his stupidity, he rolled out the dough until it turned white.
Customers loved the new recipe and that’s how the “betise de Cambrai” was born. It’s a small candy with a rectangular shape, flavored with mint and lined with caramelized sugar.
Alsatian Sausages
If there is a region known for its sausages, it is the Alsace. There is something for all tastes and even the most demanding will find something to eat.
We especially recommend the spread sausage or Mettwurscht, a small raw sausage with smooth dough; ideal for an aperitif with friends, on small toasts or on a good country bread.
Breton Sardines
Sardines are a traditional product in France. Those of the Breton coasts are particularly famous, but there are also some producers on the Mediterranean shores.
You can buy them from several canneries, including La Belle Iloise, one of the most famous in the country.
Southwest Foie Gras
This is undoubtedly one of the most famous gastronomic products in France. This southwestern specialty, dating back to antiquity, leaves no one indifferent.
It can be eaten raw, half-cooked or fully cooked and can be served alone or as an accompaniment to other dishes, such as certain meats and salads.
Gingerbread
This is another Alsatian specialty, very popular during the holiday season.
We are talking about the famous gingerbread, a kind of honey cake with several spices that can vary depending on the producer.
Its origin dates back to the Greco-Roman era and it is currently consumed throughout the country.
Kouign Amann
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This Breton specialty comes from Douarnenez. It is a cake made from bread dough, butter and sugar.
We recommend you eat it warm and avoid consuming it a long time after its preparation – it is best fresh!
The real Kouign Amann is always a big cake, since the smaller versions cannot reach the same level of cooking in the oven.
Calisson from Aix-en-Provence
The calisson is an almond-shaped specialty from Provence, created in the twelfth century.
This candy, made of candied melon (or other fruits) and roasted almond paste, is topped with royal icing.
Crottin de Chavignol
Crottin de Chavignol is a goat cheese from its namesake village in the Center region, still made using traditional methods.
Its flavor is soft and smooth when young and becomes stronger with age.
Enjoy it cold with bread, in a salad, or warm in dishes like quiche.
Agen Prunes Filled With Prune Cream
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This handmade candy, a specialty from Lot-et-Garonne, consists of Agen prunes completely filled with prune cream and sometimes a bit of Armagnac.
These soft, delicious candies are available at local confectioneries.
Rillettes du Mans
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Rillettes from Le Mans, a staple of French cuisine, are enjoyed nationwide.
Made from small pieces of stewed pork that separate into strands, they are commonly served on toast as an appetizer.
Marrons Glacés from Ardèche
A specialty from Ardèche, these are chestnuts candied in sugar and vanilla syrup.
This iconic Christmas candy is available in supermarkets, confectioneries, and Christmas markets during the season.
Pastis de Marseille
Pastis de Marseille is an aniseed and licorice spirit with an ABV of about 40%.
This alcohol has been a popular aperitif throughout France since the 1950s and symbolizes the South of France.
It can be enjoyed alone or in a cocktail, according to preference.
Saucisson (Dry Sausage) from Auvergne
A traditional specialty from Auvergne, this thick dry sausage is a favorite among cold meat enthusiasts.
Enjoyed as an appetizer, it’s readily available in supermarkets.
Canned Cassoulet
For a taste of France at home, try canned cassoulet, easily found in markets and supermarkets.
Originating from Southwestern France, cassoulet is a hearty stew of white beans, vegetables, and various meats like duck or goose confit, pork, or lamb.
It offers a convenient way to share a classic French meal with family and friends.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
