Shopping in French
France is a shopper's paradise, from the grand boulevards of Paris to charming Provençal markets. Whether you are browsing boutiques, hunting for antiques at a marché aux puces, or picking up gourmet treats, knowing how to shop in French elevates the experience. This guide covers the essential phrases for confident and courteous shopping anywhere in France.
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Browsing and Asking Questions
In French shops, the staff will greet you and may ask if you need help. Having the right phrases ready shows politeness and lets you browse at your own pace.
Always greet shop staff with Bonjour when entering and Au revoir when leaving, even if you buy nothing. In French culture, these greetings are essential social conventions. Skipping them is considered very rude and may result in noticeably cooler service.
Sizes and Fit
France uses European sizing, which differs from US and UK systems. These phrases help you find the perfect fit.
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Buying and Paying
Once you have decided on a purchase, these phrases handle the transaction smoothly.
The French soldes (sales) happen twice a year on government-regulated dates: winter sales in January and summer sales in late June. During soldes, discounts can reach 50-70%. Outside these periods, shops cannot legally offer the same level of discounts, so timing your visit can save you significantly.
Useful Shopping Vocabulary
These terms help you navigate French retail:
- La boutique — Shop / Boutique
- Le marché — Market
- Le grand magasin — Department store
- Les soldes — Sales
- La caisse — Checkout / Cash register
- Ouvert / Fermé — Open / Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bargaining acceptable in France?
No, bargaining is not customary in French shops, boutiques, or department stores. Prices are fixed. The exception is flea markets (marchés aux puces) and some antique dealers, where polite negotiation is accepted. You can ask C'est votre meilleur prix? (Is that your best price?) in those settings.
What are French clothing sizes?
France uses European sizing. Women's sizes start at 34 (US 2/XS) and go up by twos: 36, 38, 40, etc. Men's sizes follow a similar pattern. Shoe sizes use the European scale (37, 38, 39, etc.). When in doubt, say Quelle taille me conseillez-vous? (What size do you recommend for me?).
Can I get a tax refund on shopping in France?
Yes, non-EU residents spending over €100.01 in one store on the same day can claim a détaxe (tax refund) of about 12%. Ask the shop for a bordereau de détaxe (tax refund form). Process it at the airport before your flight. This applies to goods you are taking out of the EU.
What time do shops open and close in France?
Most shops open 10 AM - 7 PM Monday to Saturday. Many small shops still close for lunch (12-2 PM), especially outside Paris. Sunday shopping is limited but expanding in tourist areas and large cities. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette are open on Sundays in tourist zones.
What should I know about shopping at French markets?
At food markets, do not touch the produce unless invited to. Tell the vendor what you want, and they will select it for you. At clothing and flea markets, handling items is fine. Always bring cash and small bills — many market vendors do not accept cards or cannot make change for large bills.