No matter whether you are exploring the stores and boutiques of a city centre, browsing for bargains in a provincial market, or simply looking to purchase some basic grocery items at a local village store, shopping in France can be a hugely rewarding experience.

The variety of goods available is enormous, and in most cases it will be of an extremely high quality. This is particularly true not just of the obvious products associated with France such as wine and food, but also of the many specialist crafts that the country is equally renowned for – fine lace and ceramics are just two examples. Purchases like these can make wonderful mementos of your holiday, also presents for friends and family when you return home.

Food markets (Marché)

Food market day is always something of an occasion, and Brittany is no exception. There’s a definite feel-good factor in the atmosphere as you wander amongst the crowds and various stalls taking in a pleasing variety of aromas. Colourful sights, and frequently, even more colourful characters, will constantly catch your eye to tempt you with all kinds mouth-watering local specialities.

If you can grow it, catch it, bake it, cure it or bottle it, there’s a good chance that someone here will have it on display. From ham to honey, baguettes to beef, cheese to charcuterie, and poultry to pâté, this is where you’re sure to find an amazing array of all the regions' finest produce.

Other Markets

In common with most of France, almost every town and village in Brittany has its own weekly food market – in bigger cities they may even be held daily. In addition there are many other regular markets specializing in anything from local crafts, to antiques and clothing. Arrive early and there are frequently some tremendous bargains to be had.

More generally, flea markets (Brocante), clothing markets (Foire), and arts and crafts fairs (Artisanat), can also provide some serious bargains. They are also excellent hunting grounds if you’re looking for some original souvenirs or presents for people back home.

Markets, of course, have their individual rules. Many are mornings only, although some operate all day, and a few are held in the evening. The best advice if you’re after the top bargains is to contact the local tourist office for exact times. As with any kind of sale, it’s the early bird that gets the juiciest pickings.

Opening hours

Food shops, especially bakers (boulangeries), tend to open very early, usually around 7am. For other stores, especially the large departmental variety, 9am is more the norm. However, closing for lunch is far more common than in the UK, and you’re liable to find many shops, particularly those in rural areas, displaying a 'fermér' sign any time between noon and 3pm, after which they will probably re-open until around 7pm. The one almost certain exception to this rule are the hypermarkets, which invariably stay open all day, and frequently on until quite late in the evening too.

Supermarkets

French supermarkets are laid out pretty much the same way as those in the UK, but standards do vary a great deal, and you will definitely need a coin (usually 1€) to release a trolley. Also, they are very rarely open on Sundays or national holidays. More dependable names include Hyper U, Champion, E Leclerc, Auchan, Carrefour and Géant.