What To Buy in France: 14 Everyday Items Worth Bringing Home
From food and fashion to skincare and homeware, the real joy of shopping in France lies in the simple, everyday finds.
With its emphasis on quality and craftsmanship, France is one of the best places in the world to shop. Whether you're looking for beloved French brands or authentic artisan pieces, here are 14 items to treasure that capture the spirit of France.
1. Copper cookware
These rustic French kitchen pans not only look stylish, but are renowned for their superior heat conductivity and culinary performance. Prized by professional chefs, brands like Mauviel and De Buyer are heavy duty and built to last, making them more sustainable than your average cookware. They can be pricey, so browse markets in Paris or small-town antique shops for vintage and second-hand pieces. Department stores like BHV Marais (52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris) sell a wide range of kitchen products and homeware.
2. Peugeot salt and pepper grinders
Before Peugeot made cars, they designed salt and pepper mills – now seen in high-end restaurants around the world. Produced locally in France since the 1800s, they come in traditional and modern designs of all shapes and colours, and can be found in most department stores and kitchen shops.
Good to know: Built to last, the grinding mechanisms come with a lifetime warranty.
3. Fleur de sel sea salt
Time to fill that Peugeot salt mill! Highly sought after since ancient times, this crystallised sea salt is often used as a finishing touch to gourmet dishes. Formed by sea water evaporation along France's coastal salt marshes, the salt is revered for its unique texture and taste. The delicate crystals are harvested by hand and often combined with herbs and spices like cumin, garlic and espelette peppers.
Top tip: Try Fleur de sel with dried seaweed flakes for a delicious umami flavour; it's a good source of iodine too.
4. Puy lentils
Grown in Le Puy-en-Velay, in south-central France, these distinctive green lentils have an AOC designation, thanks to the region's mineral-rich volcanic soil. Known as "poor man's caviar", authentic puy lentils have a firm texture, nutty flavour and high nutritional value, and can be purchased easily in supermarkets across France.
Top tip: Prepare them the French way by steaming them, tossing in a Dijon mustard vinaigrette and topping with a poached egg.
5. Chestnut cream
Chestnuts are a perennial French favourite and crème de marrons – a paste of chestnuts, sugar and vanilla – is used as a delicious sweet filling for crêpes, croissants and cakes. If you're passing a pâtisserie, look out for Mont Blanc, a classic dessert of chestnut purée topped with whipped cream. You'll find affordable tubes or tins in supermarkets, with brands such as Clément Faugier widely available.
6. Fruit confiture
Traditionally cooked in copper basins, using high-quality seasonal fruit (often over 60%) and minimal sugar, French preserves are renowned for their rustic texture and natural taste. The artisanal methods and unique flavour combinations, such as raspberry violet or strawberry and Champagne, make this a great option when deciding what to buy in France as a gift.
"Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness."
– Auguste Escoffier, French chef and restaurateur
7. Herbes de Provence
If you're wondering what to buy in France that's light and easy to pack, dried herbs make an excellent choice. A staple of French cooking, herbes de Provence are known for their fragrant aroma and intense flavour, thanks to the sun-drenched terroir of the Mediterranean. Available in markets up and down the country, they make a good-value culinary souvenir. Herbs to look out for include:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Savory
Top tip: In Paris, Marché Bastille (Boulevard Richard-Lenoir; 75011, open Thursday and Sunday mornings) is one of the country's biggest markets, with a wide range of regional produce.
8. French pharmacy skincare
France is famous for its effective, no-fuss skincare and beauty products, and many of these can be bought in local pharmacies for very affordable prices. Brands such as La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Caudalíe and Avène offer high-quality essentials like suncream, face serums and lip balms at a fraction of the cost you'll find them at home.
Top tip: Pharmacies are easy to find, thanks to the flashing green crosses outside.
9. Savon de Marseille soap
When it comes to what to buy in France, this traditional soap is a must. Found in almost every household, the versatile cubes are used for everything from handwashing and laundry to scrubbing floors. Made from vegetable oils using centuries-old methods, the iconic bars create a creamy lather and offer long-lasting scents, such as lavender, verbena and lemon. You’ll find them in supermarkets, market stalls and artisan boutiques across the country.
10. Perfume from Grasse
Grasse, in the south of France, has a fragrance-making tradition dating back to the 16th century. Lightweight and beautifully packaged, the artisan perfumes are crafted by historic houses like Fragonard (20 Boulevard Fragonard, 06130 Grasse), where you can view the distillery and take part in workshops to create your own signature scent.
Good to know: Just a short drive from Grasse, Novotel Antibes Sophia Antipolis makes a tranquil base for exploring the French Riviera.
11. Silk scarves
Lightweight and easy to pack, silk scarves add a colourful touch of French style to every outfit, without taking up much luggage space. Lyon is considered the country's capital of silk, and it's here you'll find artisan brands like Brochier Soieries. Details such as high-quality silk (it should be smooth, with a soft, almost waxy feeling) and hand-rolled edges are an indication of superior quality.
Good to know: Novotel Lyon Centre Confluence Bord de Saone offers a convenient base for shopping in the historic centre.
12. Breton striped tops
Designed for the French navy so sailors could be easily spotted if they fell overboard, the distinctive blue-and-white striped marinière tops have become a French wardrobe staple. Made from 100% cotton, heritage brands like Armor-Lux and Orcival offer durable, high-quality cuts. Keen to find out more? Tour the Saint James atelier near Mont-Saint-Michel for an insight into its history.
Fun fact: The original Breton shirt was designed with 21 horizontal stripes, one for each of Napoleon Bonaparte's victories.
13. Wool berets
Originally worn by shepherds, these iconic hats have become an iconic symbol of France. Good-quality brands, such as Laulhère, use 100% cashmere or merino wool sourced from the Pyrenees mountains. You'll find a beautiful array of colours available in shops across the country.
14. Wooden toys and traditional crafts
Still deciding what souvenirs to buy in France? Wooden toys offer a timeless alternative to mass-produced tourist trinkets. Reflecting the country's long history of craftsmanship, brands such as Vilac and Jeujura are known for their artisan quality. One of Paris's oldest toy shops, Au Nain Bleu (14 Rue Saint-Roch, 75001) is a good place to start, or visit the Marché de la Création (11 Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris) on a Sunday for traditional handmade crafts.
Tips for what to buy in France
- Look for the "Fabriqué en France" (Made in France) label to ensure authenticity
- Opt for items that pack easily and check customs regulations before travelling
- Visit supermarkets for well-priced everyday items, alongside specialist stores
- Leave space in your luggage or bring an extra holdall to fill up with French souvenirs
- Wrap your gifts in a red, white and blue grosgrain ribbon for a contemporary French feel
If you're unsure what to buy in France, focus on quality everyday items. The best French products combine practical use with a strong sense of local culture, making them lasting mementos of your trip.
| What should I buy in France? | Products |
| Short on space | Silk scarves, savon de Marseille soap |
| Best bargains | French pharmacy skincare |
| Specialty flavours | Crème de marrons, Puy lentils |
| Easy food souvenirs | Herbes de Provence, fleur de sel, fruit confiture |
| French fashion staples | Breton striped tops, wool berets |
| Artisan keepsakes | Perfume from Grasse, handmade crafts |
| More sustainable souvenirs | Copper cookware, Peugeot salt and pepper grinders |
What to buy in France includes quality everyday items across food, skincare, homeware and fashion. Regional specialties include fleur de sel, Puy lentils and savon de Marseille, alongside iconic French brands like Saint James and Peugeot. Practical, travel-friendly items such as silk scarves and Grasse perfumes make ideal souvenirs from France. Pharmacies, supermarkets and local markets offer affordable, authentic products, while artisan boutiques showcase heritage crafts and design.
