What is sold in france. What to bring from France

Products manufactured in France meet the highest standards and attract many of our compatriots with their quality, exclusivity and originality. With all this, quite often the prices for them are even lower than for Russian ones of the same quality. However, hardly everyone can go to this country every weekend for shopping, so delivery to Russia has become quite popular.

What do they buy in France

By and large, you can buy almost anything. There are several product categories that are in the highest demand. Of course, now we are talking about household goods, and not industrial equipment and hydraulics, such as high-pressure hoses. What do they buy in this romantic country?

  • First of all, it is perfumery and cosmetics - world famous brands are synonymous with real quality.
  • Electrical and household appliances.
  • Books and musical products.
  • Clothing. This section is especially popular, and not only adults, but also children's clothes are bought.
  • Interior items, various decorative materials for interior decoration, textiles, various design details. It is even possible to choose a decor exclusively for the children's room.
  • Furniture.
  • Dishes.
  • Chandeliers and other lighting fixtures.
  • Of course, chocolate and gastronomy are also in demand. After all, one wants so much to feel the taste of France, even being at home.

Delivery options for goods from France to Russia

Most of all concerns are caused by the method of delivery of the selected items. Many people think that it is very long and just as expensive. However, there are many delivery options, they are often combined so that the client gets what he wants as soon as possible.

Moreover, all goods are necessarily insured, and the time of arrival in our country is not at all as long as it might seem. After all, even making purchases in a Russian online store, for example, at http://www.ru.all.biz/, you have to wait for an order for some time. So, here are the main shipping options.

  1. Shipping... There are companies that make regular sea voyages, delivering goods to Russia. To achieve maximum speed and regularity, sea vessels of a wide variety of lines are used. If only the sea route is used, then the approximate time after which the goods arrive in our country is about 20 days.
  2. Usage road transport ... The bulk of the vehicles used for transportation are large-capacity trucks and road trains. The purpose of using such transport is to deliver as many goods as possible and, accordingly, reduce the cost of transporting each of them. This method is faster - the desired will arrive in Russia in two weeks. However, using small-tonnage vehicles can speed up this process.
  3. Air transportation... The fastest and most efficient option, but also more expensive. But if time is your top priority over cost, this is the best choice. The maximum period for this type of transportation is up to a week (7 days). This is even taking into account all the documentary preparation, which also takes time.
  4. ShortSea... This is the most modern logistics system, which implies the most optimal routes and sections of various transport in one route. It refers to intermodal transportation, when containers are used and the entire cargo is transported not in separate units, but in whole containers. Accordingly, it requires less paperwork and less time. This method can be safely attributed to the budget, since goods are always sold in large batches, which reduces costs.

If you want to arrange a piece of France in your home, you don't have to go somewhere. Any goods can be delivered here.

Even the shortest trip to the country of the Eiffel Tower, three brave musketeers and fragrant cheeses will be unforgettable and will make you want to take with you at least something as a keepsake. A seasoned tourist will be confused by the variety of goods, so the question is, what to bring from France interesting, unusual and useful, confronts everyone who plans a trip to the land of Balzac and Hugo.
The main principle before a shopping tour to France is simple: take less things and more money with you. The permitted weight of a suitcase at the airport is 23 kilograms in economy class cabins and 32 kilograms for business class passengers. Additional weight will be paid at the airport at your carrier's rate.

Small souvenirs

The simplest gifts for friends are Eiffel Tower charms. They are sold at once in bunches of several pieces, and in some kiosks for wholesale purchase they can make a discount. It is better to buy them in special retail outlets - enterprising traders in the squares are very intrusive and ask one and a half times more. The cost of one key pendant is 0.50 = 2 euros. Postcards and magnets are the second most popular souvenirs. Prices start at 2 euros.

The original little gift items can be found in the streets behind the Georges Pompidou center in Paris (Rambuteau metro station). Jewelry, boxes, pictures and other little things start at 3 euros.
Connoisseurs of beauty will be delighted with watercolor paintings of local views. You can buy such a gift on the embankment of the left bank of the Seine in Paris. Prices depend on the appetite of the artists: from 5 to 50 euros.
In Versailles, discs with recordings of music by composers of the 17th and 18th centuries are sold. Similar products are difficult to find in other countries.

Products

If you are racking your brains, what to bring from France more interesting, then opt for edible souvenirs. Friends, colleagues and family members will be happy with such a gift.
In France, they produce amazing chocolate, the most delicate macaroon cakes, almond calissons and roast incomparable chestnuts.
The most paradoxical sweetness from the land of the musketeers is sugar violets. The combination of caramel and flower petals is as unusual as it tastes good. The delicacy turns out to be completely not cloying, with light astringent notes. You can buy a bag with such a treat in Provence and Toulouse, where they are sold in literally every market. Jam from the same flower petals is no less interesting. The cost of sweets starts at about 3 euros.
A traditional gift from France is a jar of goose or duck liver pate. Foie gras translates as "fatty liver" and has a rich, creamy nutty flavor. It is better to buy in a sealed package - a tin or glass jar with a tightly screwed lid. A pate costs about 30 euros per small portion and is sold in any supermarket.
Delicious seafood is sold on the French Riviera. If you have to enjoy oysters only in a restaurant, then you can bring a jar of canned mussels in garlic sauce.
And how not to bring a piece of the famous cheese? You will not find so many types of this product in any other country in the world! Hard and soft, aged and early ripening, with mold and nuts - the variety of varieties makes you dizzy. If you find it difficult to make a choice, opt for the classic goat cheese, a small piece of which will cost about 8 euros. Croten de Chavignol, Valence and Cel sur Cher have a pleasant taste and unique aroma and go well with wine - of course, also French.
“Wine is not everything in life, but life without wine is nothing,” as the French say. The finest drinks are produced in Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Beaujolais. If you are not a wine connoisseur, we recommend purchasing Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon - you won’t go wrong. A bottle of this kind wine will cost you about 10 euros.
From alcoholic drinks, tourists also often bring herbal liqueur "Pastis", cognacs "Cognac Meukow" and "Cognac Edouard III". It is better to buy them in supermarkets and company stores.
You can build a small basket of groceries: olive oil in a bottle with a handy dispenser, violet syrup, Provencal spices, chestnut jam, a piece of cheese and wine. Whoever receives such a gift can only be envied!

Cosmetics

France has long been famous for the best cosmetics on the planet. The most famous brands around the world are much cheaper here, and you can be sure that you have purchased original products.
It is better not to bring decorative cosmetics as a gift if you do not know a person's preferences. But creams, masks and lotions of the brands Vichy, Garnier, L'Oreal, L'Occitane, Yves rocher, produced in their historical homeland, every woman will be delighted. Prices start at around 8 euros. Pay attention to the inscription "Fabriqué en France" and buy care products in pharmacies. Be sure to add a bar of beautiful lavender soap available from the market. In Provence, these fragrant sticks are sold literally at every step, and they have different smells: from delicate mimosa to the original tomato. They cost about 1.5 euros.

Perfumery

What to bring from France as a gift to a beautiful lady? Of course, perfume! The famous fragrances from Chanel and Dior are significantly cheaper here than in the CIS countries, and are distinguished by their quality. It is better to buy them in Sephora stores. For example, in Paris, the outlet is located on the Champs Elysees and not far from Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. Prices for a really good perfume start at 35 euros.
The Fragonard perfume museum is very popular among tourists, where you can buy unique perfumes - the coveted bottles are sold only in France! If you're lucky enough to get to Grasse, be sure to take a tour of the factory and create your own scent! A small bottle of Fragonard Concentrated Perfume costs about 30 euros. Also, the shop at the museum sells charming souvenirs - soap dishes, bath foam, jewelry boxes - that will melt the heart of even the harshest lady.

Clothes and accessories

Paris is still challenging Milan for the title of the most fashionable city, but one cannot but agree that shopping in France is grandiose! You should not spare money on yourself and your loved ones - things are very high quality and really unique. It is unlikely that you will find a similar scarf or handbag from another fashionista.
Inexpensive but cute bags and reticules depicting the Eiffel Tower are sold in large quantities at souvenir stalls. Their price is about 10 euros. An umbrella with views of Paris will also be a useful gift - about 9 euros.
Do you want to feel like a real Frenchwoman? Then hurry up to get a fashionable beret and scarf! At first, they were worn by sailors, but now this headdress has become a stylish sign of bohemia. The price of the kit is 15 euros.
As for the clothes of famous brands like Lacoste or Armani, buying a dress will cost a pretty penny. You can save money by coming to France during the season - then you can buy quality things for ridiculous money.

Children's joy

You shouldn't have a question what to bring from France children. Feel free to go to Disneyland and buy T-shirts, mugs and toys with images of your favorite cartoon characters! Any toddler will be happy to receive a plush Mickey Mouse or a cap with Winnie the pooh... The cost of souvenirs starts at about 8 euros.
The visiting card of France is Vilac wooden toys. Thoroughly polished and painted rocking horses and toy cars will delight little ones, and older children can be offered a designer kit or a set of doll furniture. Girls will love the cloth doll for sure. famous brand Deqlinqos.

A trip to France is like a dream come true, a paradise with magnificent cathedrals and cozy streets, nice restaurants and soulful cafes. Everyone who has been here will be happy to take with them a piece of this dream, at least in the form of memorable photographs or souvenirs.

Alcohol

Wine

French wines are perhaps the main brand of this beautiful country. Among the renowned wine-growing regions, the city of Bordeaux ranks first. The windows of the local shops display the richest assortment of high-quality cognacs, wines, liqueurs and other grape-based drinks.

Champagne

It is impossible to imagine France without sparkling wine, which is best made in the Champagne province, or young Beaujolais wine. Fine wines are produced in Alsace and other regions of France. Among the most popular brands are Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Cognac Meukow and Cognac Edouard III, Moet & Chandon.

Pastis

The quality of the products of wineries in the region of Dijon and Burgundy is not at all inferior in quality, where pastis (also known as “Provencal milk”), which is made from pineapples, with the addition of licorice root and various herbs, has been very popular since the beginning of the 20th century.

Toys

As a gift for children, you can bring very unusual wooden toys from the Vilac company, which has existed for over 100 years. Among the products of this company there are all kinds of educational constructors and puzzles. Wooden toys of the Janod company are no less popular. And soft toys and dolls from "Deglingos" are distinguished by their exclusive design.

A real paradise for young travelers is Disneyland Paris, where you can bring figures of popular cartoon characters, toys and clothes with park symbols and images of popular heroes of the wonderful world of Walt Disney.

Chestnuts

For centuries, chestnuts have served as almost the main food for the poorest segments of the population. But over time, everything changed, and they firmly entered the diet of all French people. Nowadays, roasted chestnuts are sold right on the street, and you can also buy very unusual marmalades and chestnuts.

Cosmetics and perfumery

It's no secret that the best fragrances in the world have French roots. Therefore, it is definitely better to buy perfumes in the very heart of Paris, in the Fragonard perfume museum. Here, after familiarizing yourself with the exposition, you can buy a fragrance you like, or a whole set of several bottles.

Choice cosmetics in France is very large, because it is the home of many world brands "Vichy" "L'Oreal Paris", "Garnier", "Clarins", "Dior", "Chanel", "Guerlain". One of the best places to buy cosmetics is the Sephora perfume shop.

Delicate natural soap, which is produced in Provence and is famous for its rich bouquet, will be a pleasant gift.

Limoges porcelain

Limoges porcelain has gained wide popularity due to a special production technology - the products of the porcelain factory in Limoges are distinguished by the brightness of the patterns and the whiteness of the base that has no analogues.

Meat delicacies

In French grocery stores, lovers of culinary delicacies can find a huge selection of sausages, meat products and game.

Pates

Thinking about what delicious to bring from France, you can opt for the famous French pate, which the French themselves call "terrine". Paste recipes are unique and varied - from chicken, duck, salmon and even vegetables.

Jamon

Jamon is a Spanish dish that has become widespread in France as well. This unique product is a matter of special pride for the French along with the best brands of wines. After all, French jamon is distinguished by its low fat content and excellent taste.

Foie gras

Foie gras is perhaps one of the most famous French delicacies. Translated from French "foie gras" means "fatty liver". The dish is a goose or duck liver cooked in a special way. Foie gras is sold raw and canned. The second option can be safely transported.

Clothes, shoes and accessories

Paris deservedly bears the title of the capital of world fashion; boutiques of the best European fashion designers are located here on almost every corner. The prices for items from the current collections are quite high, but seasonal sales open up a lot of opportunities.

Brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, need no introduction. Louis vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ungaro, Lanvin, Camaieu, Cacharel, KOOKAI. The choice of accessories is also great: bags, scarves, bijouterie. Here you can always buy products from both world famous and novice designers.

Olives, capers

There are several farms in France where the best varieties of olives are grown: Domaine de l'Oulivie, Combaillaux, Accent d'Oc, Capestang, Coopérative Oléicole L'Oulibo, Bize-Minervois. Of all the varieties, the Luques, Olivière, Aglandau, Picholines, Ascolana and Bouteillan olives stand out.

Capers are best bought salted to get a taste of the exquisite taste of Mediterranean cuisine and can be easily found in food markets.

Condiments and spices

The list of French condiments and spices is simply huge, among the most popular are tarragon, aromatic savory, rosemary, rich essential oils marjoram, somewhat reminiscent of parsley chervil, thyme and basil.

Dijon mustard

This mustard owes its name to the city in which it was once invented by Jean Nejon. As an experiment, he decided to use sour grape juice instead of vinegar. Dijon mustard in France is represented by dozens of varieties; it is prepared from peeled seeds of the plant of the same name and diluted with white wine or unripe grape juice.

Poppy syrup

Poppy syrup in France is often used in home medicine to combat coughs and insomnia. The syrup is drunk, diluted with water, and if you add white wine to it, you get the drink "kir". In cooking, poppy syrup is commonly used as a sweet addition. You can buy a jar of syrup at a candy factory located a few kilometers from Nice.

Provencal herbs

Provence herbs are named after the province of Provence, famous for its culinary traditions. It is an aromatic blend that includes basil, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, mint, savory, sage and thyme. Provencal spices will help hot dishes, soups, side dishes and salads to sparkle with new colors.

Sweets

French cuisine offers a huge selection of sweets: soufflés, profiteroles, brioche buns, blancmange, clafoutis, meringue, crème brulee and many more delicious items.

Candied violets

A rather unusual and very popular delicacy is candied violets. The homeland of this delicacy is the city of Toulouse, in whose shops they also sell violet jam and ice cream. You can go on an excursion to the factory that produces these sweets and visit the boutique, which sells not only candied violets, but also roses and all kinds of fruits.

Croissants

Croissants in France can be seen everywhere and in a wide variety of designs. Therefore, it will be a very right decision to please relatives or friends with a package of fresh croissants.

Macaroons

This is one of the favorite delicacies of the French, which has become popular all over the world. Macaroons are small round cakes made with white almond flour. It is best to purchase these colorful sweets in specialized pastry shops.

Chocolate

French chocolate, undoubtedly, is one of the world leaders, in no way inferior to Belgian or Swiss. It is not easy to answer the question of what kind of chocolate to bring from France, because the choice of chocolate in bars and sweets in this country is huge.

It's hard to find another country in Europe with so many boutiques and exclusive chocolate shops. The number of chocolate factories exceeds a hundred, and the world famous brands Valrhona and Richart need no introduction. You can buy sweets and chocolates in the tasting rooms that are open at each factory.

Souvenirs

Fans of souvenirs in the form of antiques should definitely look into the Parisian second-hand bookshops, which offer a large selection of interesting things. Here you can find vintage postcards with panoramas of old Paris, rare vinyl records, and books published over 100 years ago. In the souvenir shops of Paris, eyes run up at the sight of bright designer accessories, ceramics, picnic sets, all kinds of jars and other trinkets.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the simplest thing that can be brought from France as a souvenir. There are no souvenir shops where this famous symbol of Paris would not be presented. The Eiffel Tower is present on postcards, key chains, magnets, jewelry, dishes, in the form of miniature copies.

An original decoration in the interior will be a tower-shaped floor lamp or a clock with its image, very unusual souvenir- a glass bottle molded in the shape of an architectural masterpiece.

Louvre

You can also take a particle of the Louvre from Paris. There are many shops near the famous museum, where you can find copies of unique works and art objects - figurines, magnets and postcards, cups with reproductions of beautiful paintings from the museum collection. In the Louvre itself, notebooks and notepads with the image of the legendary La Gioconda are sold.

Berets, scarves

The felt beret is not only one of the symbols of France, but also an integral part national costume... The tradition of wearing berets originated among fishermen, but gradually this headdress gained popularity among secular ladies and representatives of the creative intelligentsia.

Famous French scarves, which give their owner an extraordinary charm, will also become an elegant gift. French designers produce silk, wool and cashmere scarves.

Cheeses

French cheeses are famous all over the world. It was here that the famous Camembert, blue cheese, was born. It is worth trying, as the cheese sold in French shops has nothing to do with what can be found in Russia.

There are more than 500 varieties of cheeses in France, including hard, semi-hard and soft varieties, with mold and with all kinds of additives. The most popular varieties are Cantal, Conte, Mimolet, Layol, Temple, Roquefort, Emmental, Brie, and goat.

Tapenade

Tapenade is a traditional French dish. It is made from finely chopped olives, olives and anchovies with the addition of capers. To add a piquant taste and a more viscous structure, salt, pepper are added to the mixture, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Tapenades made according to old recipes are sold in the markets of Provence, but often a jar of this delicious pasta can be purchased at any supermarket.

Truffles

A true gourmet cannot ignore such an amazing creation of nature as the French truffle. This, at first glance, inconspicuous mushroom made France famous throughout the world. A kilogram of these mushrooms costs up to 2,000 euros per kilogram.

But truffle is primarily a seasoning, so it can be purchased by grams. They are added to soups and pasta, meat and vegetable dishes. There are varieties of cheese with the addition of truffles. Truffle oil and paste are produced separately.

Football paraphernalia

Football is very popular in France, therefore, among the most common souvenirs - football uniform national team and French clubs "Nantes", "Paris Saint-Germain", "Bordeaux", "Olympic", as well as other sports paraphernalia - scarves, flags, calendars, autographs of players. For any man keen on football, such a gift will be unforgettable.

Jewelry and bijouterie

Brand jewelry in France is represented very widely and is of high quality. As a rule, their cost is quite high, but if you are here during the sales period, you can purchase original products at very reasonable prices.

For lovers of jewelry presented a large assortment stylish earrings, rings and beads of excellent quality. Such a gift will be unforgettable for any woman. The most popular in the world French brands: Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel.

Can't be taken out

  • historical values;
  • antiques;
  • jewelry;
  • weapons and ammunition;
  • materials of an erotic nature.

Before returning to my homeland, the question of buying souvenirs always arose before me. I really like to choose gifts for my family and friends, and then pack them beautifully. This is a whole art, in fact!

Keychains in the form of the Eiffel Tower are traditionally brought from France - we bought them at once in whole bunches of 10–20 pieces (they cost 1–2 EUR each, but then we could give them out to friends and acquaintances); French perfumes (they also give samples as a gift); clothes; wine (I preferred to take a French friend with me, since I myself don't know much about them); cheeses (yes, yes, and I managed to transport them); foie gras (I bought it already at the airport, in a sealed package).

When I finally left Paris, because of the many things and gifts that I was carrying with me, the overweight of my suitcase was as much as 6 kg! Given that the permitted weight was 23 kg. I flew with Belavia and I had to pay as much as 60 EUR in excess of my baggage. So be sure to calculate the weight of your items accurately and make sure your gifts are not too big.

What, where and how can you bring from the most romantic country? I’ll tell you now.

Perfume

How can you not remember the delicate, delicious French perfume! Chanel,Guerlain,Christian dior,Cartier, Givenchy- each brand has a variety of fragrances. Unfortunately, prices for them do not fall at all, but on the contrary only rise.

Let's take a closer look at the types of French perfumes, as this directly affects their price. Going from cheapest to most expensive:

  • Eau de toilette means that the percentage of alcohol in the jar is much higher than the amount of the essence itself;
  • Eau de parfum- the percentage of alcohol is approximately equal to the amount of added essence;
  • Essence de parfum are the most best perfume, since they have more essence than alcohol. They are more expensive than anyone else.

Therefore, when choosing, carefully read the label. Eau de toilette is the cheapest, but the smell disappears much faster. Eau de parfum or perfume essence is more expensive, but also more persistent.

However, in addition to the ones mentioned above, there are other worthy brands that are in no way inferior to the previous ones, but are not so expensive:


Where can I buy

It is better to buy Fragonard and Yves Rocher perfumes in the boutiques of these brands. The Fragonard store is located next to the Opera Garnier in Paris (Opera Metro), and Yves Rocher has a fairly wide network, so their boutiques can be found everywhere in Paris and in other cities of France.

If you still want to buy perfumes from such large brands as Chanel, then it is better to purchase them in the Marionnaud or Sephora stores. This is something like our "Rive Gauche". They will be cheaper there. For example, in Marionnaud Eau de Toilette will cost you 55 EUR, and the perfumery - 61 EUR.

If you have the opportunity, then you can go to the city. There are a lot of different perfume manufacturing enterprises, where they are sold. There, at the price of the factory, which means you can buy a perfume for yourself inexpensively - from 30 EUR.

Cosmetics

If we talk about good and purely French brands of cosmetics, then this, of course, Clarins,Clinique,Dior,Estée lauder and others. The list is quite lengthy. There are also lesser known, but quite high quality ones: Caudalie, Carita,La roche-posay... Brand Yves rocher, which I mentioned above, is a little more expensive in terms of, for example, decorative cosmetics... But they have less expensive face skin care products, etc. - from 10 EUR.

Where can I buy

If your budget does not allow you to pounce on expensive boutiques Dior, Shiseido, Chanel, then welcome to the Marionnaud and Sephora stores. You can buy cosmetics of completely different brands from them at the price you need. And here you can get bottles of perfume or nail polishes as a gift.

clothing

Among the high-quality French brands that you cannot find in Russia, you can name: André, Sandro,Eram... At the same time, these shops are not too expensive, for example, autumn boots in André cost me 150 EUR.

Where can I buy

All tourists, when they arrive at the same, immediately go to Galerie lafayette... I advise you not to do this. Unless your wallet is bursting with a huge amount of 100 EUR banknotes, and there is no amount on the card with a lot of zeros.

Large shopping centers

If you come to, then go to the adjacent to the "Gallery" H & M or Le Printemps. The prices there are completely different: from 10 EUR for regular jeans to 60 EUR for the simplest blouse.

Also in Paris it is worth getting to La Défence metro station. There is a very large shopping center Les quatre temps... The prices here are adequate, and the variety of brands is the same as in Lafayette.

I really liked Aldo shoes and clothes, the prices for which here start from 35 EUR.

Small shops and flea markets

Another tip: go to small shops that have little-known brands. You can find decent clothes there at normal prices.

You can also buy it at flea markets. They are held in any city in France, however, often irregularly. It is better to find out in advance from your French acquaintances. For 3-5 EUR you can buy shoes, jewelry, and clothes.

And at the end of January and August, discount periods begin, so you can buy clothes with a discount of up to -70%.

Guilt

If you go to any store in France, you will immediately find the wine department there: they are very large and usually occupy a large area. There you will find any wine for every taste and color, which is usually sorted by region for convenience.

To choose a good and quality wine, you need to understand what is written on the label. So, if it says:

  • VDT then this means that you have a table wine (vin de table) in front of you. This is the most inexpensive option: a bottle costs from 3–5 EUR and has a burgundy color of the excise stamp.
  • VDP- vin de pays - wine produced in certain regions. The production process of such wines is strictly controlled, and the bottle goes through various instances before it reaches the store. The price starts from 35 EUR; blue color of the excise stamp.
  • VDSQ- vin délimite de qualité supérieur - wines whose quality is guaranteed. Price - from 50 EUR. The difference between them and the ones above is that the producers of this category of wines have more freedom in choosing the grape variety from which the wine is made.
  • AOC- appellation d'origine contrôlée - the best wines produced in certain areas of the country. The label should, among other things, indicate the region, city or castle where it was made. Moreover, the smaller the production area, the better the wine. Price - from 100 EUR per bottle; green color excise stamp.
  • Premier cru or Grand cru- the most prestigious and very expensive wine, aged 30 years or more. For one bottle of such wine, the price can start from 700 EUR.

Also check that the label says Mis en bouteille en propiété / recoltant / producteur / chateau , What means "Produced in such and such area" ... There will be no such inscription on a fake.

And one more little tip: the more modest and unassuming the label, the better the wine.

Cheeses

It is quite possible to take them to Russia in a suitcase. The main thing is to buy cheese the day before or on the day you go home. The package cannot be opened, and it is better to put already packed cheese in a couple of bags. Some French cheeses are very odorous.

Be aware that real French cheese lasts 3-4 days maximum. So when you get home, immediately put it in the refrigerator.

If you have a flight with a transfer or even two, and then another long journey home by train, do not risk it. During the time you spend on the road, the cheese will definitely disappear.

As you can see in the photo above, they are all different colors and consistencies. Why? The fact is that they are made from various types of milk:

  • goat;
  • cow;
  • sheep's;
  • buffalo.

For example, bleu cheese or blue cheese, as it is called in Russia, can be made from sheep's or cow's pasteurized milk, depending on the region.

Also, they differ in the nature of their production: some are prepared industrially, and some are homemade.

Below I will list only the most famous cheeses that can be found in stores:


Where can I buy

When you come to the supermarket, you will see entire shelves completely filled with cheeses. The most expensive, like wines, will be marked with the inscription AOC(appellation d'origine contrôlée). The price starts from 5 EUR for a small purchase.

Other products

As I already wrote, foie gras you can also bring it as a gift, but it is better to buy it in a well-sealed package. For example, in the one shown in the photo below or in a tin can.

Also, be sure to check the expiration date and calculate that it will last until your arrival in Russia. The same rule applies to all products that you want to take with you to Russia. For example, I bought a ready-made pie in a package, and it arrived safely in Russia.

Where can I buy

Foie gras costs from 30 EUR for a small jar. It is sold both in specialized stores and in regular supermarkets.

Various trinkets / key rings / plates

This is another common type of souvenir. In Paris, you should be careful when buying such souvenirs from the Arabs and blacks who sell them. And it is best to buy trinkets in special souvenir shops, as there are fixed prices.

Where can I buy

Regardless of the city in which you arrived in France, it is better to go through all the shops and shops first in order to compare prices and choose the one in which souvenirs are not so expensive. On average, a keychain will cost you 1–2 EUR; plate for 5-10 EUR; painting for 30–35 EUR.

If you want to find something more original in Paris, besides the usual key chains or magnets, then go to the Rambuteau metro station. Then you go past the center of Georges Pompidou and go deeper into the network of small streets behind it. There you can find interesting shops with rather non-standard souvenirs: jewelry, paintings, boxes, etc. - costing from 3 EUR.

Summary

In my overview about France, I told you what you can bring from each separate region of this country. But in general, souvenirs are the same throughout the country.

Happy shopping!

Summer is not only a time of lush greenery and flowers, but, of course, a time for resorts and vacations. Choosing a country where a vacation will bring an unforgettable experience, more than half of the girls surveyed will no doubt choose France.

Oh, Paris, the city of live music, fountains, lights and elegant young ladies ... Having made a choice in favor of this amazing country, the girl will definitely not fail. The days spent in this magical place, with all its attractions, are filled with a revived tale of eternally sleeping Parisian streets. The banks of the Seine, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower - all these unearthly places flicker before your eyes when it comes time to say goodbye to the beloved country of romance and feelings. Gradually, you have to descend from heaven to earth and solve the already pressing questions: what to bring home from such a breathtaking trip, to relatives? other tourists to preserve at least a piece of the "Parisian" mood?

This article will present the best, and most importantly, proven options for gifts and souvenirs from wonderful France.

Famous French pastry shops

When it comes to France, most of the associations are associated with traditional French croissants, which are still warm and served in cozy restaurants early in the morning. Of course, it would be possible to bring this creation of confectionery art, but during the many hours of travel, the tender dough can become stale ... But one cannot leave the country without its traditional sweets?

One of the best gift options for family and friends is a quality French chocolate bar. How is it different from any other chocolate product? It's simple: the composition includes the most delicate milk and a large number of spices that the French are so good at using. Indeed, ordinary chocolate is lost against the background of one that literally melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delicate aftertaste of cinnamon ...

Another win-win sweetness that is usually brought from France is the well-known Macaron - here, in its historical homeland, this sweetness is both cheaper and better made than in other places.

Alcoholic products

Since we are talking about edibles, how can you miss such an important topic as the famous French medium-alcoholic drinks, which will drive you crazy with their taste even without an extra few degrees.

Of course, we mean luxury French wines and assortment. An elegant and simple gift in the form of a bottle of good wine, which will delight both friends and family, will be a perfect example of what is brought from France. The most amazing thing is that in this country, especially in its heart, in Paris, good alcohol can be bought almost everywhere. And the point here is not at all in the statistics of alcoholic intoxication among the inhabitants of France: it's just that Paris is always overflowing with tourists from other countries who can't wait to take with them a couple of bottles of the popular Bordeaux, and it just so happens that the French are a people who love to live beautifully and elegantly , and therefore there are simply no cheap fakes of alcohol here.

Thus, French wines or champagne will be an excellent souvenir option for loved ones. Moreover, the list of high-quality alcoholic beverages does not stop at wine - cognac is also one of the prides of French producers, but its high quality corresponds to an equally high price, because cognac is not often chosen as a gift.

French cheeses

Continuing the theme of alcoholic beverages, one cannot but mention the ideal ensemble, which has long become a kind of classic. We are talking about wine and cheese - a pair that cannot be separated.

Thinking about what to bring from France as a gift, you can stop at a head of good-quality cheese. This delicacy will be appreciated anywhere, because French cheese is imbued with the atmosphere of this country, like any other national delicacy.

And do not forget that it was France that became the birthplace of world famous blue cheeses. Naturally, not everyone will like such a product, but if a gourmet friend is waiting at home, why not please him with original blue cheese, which is significantly different from what you can buy in any supermarket?

Spices and spices

One more business card France can be considered a giant market called Richard Lenoir. Why has this particular market become a kind of tourist attraction? Quite simply - this place is wholly and completely specialized in the trade of a wide variety of spices. Just think: there are thousands of types of spices - from the traditional coriander and saffron to the collection of Provencal herbs.

A box filled with a whole bunch of various spices is what you can bring from France as a gift to people who often prepare delicious dishes. Such a souvenir will be appreciated, and therefore spices will be an ideal option straight from the French market.

Designer clothing

This gift option is more suitable for girls, because who, if not a woman, knows a lot about stylish clothes? So, in France there will be no problems with this souvenir, since Paris, along with Milan, is one of the current fashion capitals in the world. Here you can find a huge number of designer boutiques, where you can buy exclusive items.

Of course, the prices for the finished luxury will correspond to its quality, but if you want to make a worthwhile gift from the heart, then you cannot save on this! High-quality gloves can be options for souvenirs from Parisian designers, Sunglasses, elegant wide-brimmed hats or berets in the rhythm of French fashion, and in no case should you ignore the personification of the French style - chiffon air scarves.

Receiving such a gift, any girl will be able to feel in the place of the very French woman who every morning comes to the bakery for a cup of strong coffee with spices and a fragrant croissant for him. So designer clothing is one of the best answers to the question of what to bring from France as a souvenir.

Cosmetical tools

There is no doubt the world authority that many French cosmetic companies have, so why not grab a couple of products for someone as souvenirs? But first, it's worth figuring out: what kind of cosmetics to bring from France? To answer this question, you need to know the preferences of the person to whom you plan to present the gift: perhaps it will be a long-lasting classic lipstick, branded mascara or a set of face care creams. A set of aromatic oils for body skin care can be a wonderful option.

Perfume

Not far from cosmetics, you should pay close attention to the dizzying French perfume. One thing is for sure - the best perfume in the world cannot be found! This is probably why French perfume is what is brought from France most often.

The atmosphere in which French perfumers come up with and combine their inimitable fragrances leads to the fact that any bottle that comes out of expensive and branded stores or simple and medium-cost ones breathes its own life. France is also a land of fragrances, each of which tells its own story. So French perfume has become a household name for a reason, denoting the degree of luxury of a perfume.

Coffee

Another amazing gift you can think of is real French coffee. You won't be able to taste such a drink anywhere else! Astringent taste and aroma, the feeling of vivacity that it gives - all this together makes your head dizzy at the first sip. Ricore is considered one of the best brands - this is a drink in which coffee and chicory are mixed in special proportions - perhaps that is why it has such unique taste... If it is preferable to buy the best French sweets as a gift for girls and women, then coffee is best gift for serious men who will be able to appreciate it.

France - the land of the forgotten vintage

After staying in this amazing country, many ask the question: what is primarily brought from France as souvenirs? The answer to this question can be found in the windows of many small shops that sell the most outlandish rarity things. Having entered such a shop at least once, it will be impossible to leave it empty-handed.

These tiny shops with antique trinkets embody the spirit of France, and therefore will be a great gift when traveling home. Souvenirs can be beautiful vintage postcards with dried lavender flowers and exuding an incredible aroma, it can be vinyl records from the 30s or 40s, but what can we say about shabby photographs depicting beautiful views old Paris? An equally original gift can be an aged carved music box, from which the motives of national French music flow.

Classic souvenirs

If none of the options listed above suits the heart, then no one has canceled the classic small souvenirs that can be obtained in any country.

Then you shouldn't even think about what souvenirs to bring from France: key rings with the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, magnets with views of the Champs Elysees or Louvre, gift lighters, again in the shape of the Eiffel Tower, small gift figurines, kitchen sets, jars for storing spices with views of Paris at night ... How many of them! But the main thing is that anyone, regardless of the person's taste, will be happy with such gifts, and on top of that, these souvenirs will never lose their popularity!

If you still have questions on the topic "Souvenirs from France: what to bring and how to please everyone," then you can always ask the person himself who will tell you exactly about his tastes and preferences. And yet, no matter how wonderful a souvenir is in itself, nothing beats a living stay in this country of fulfillment of desires and nighttime romance. So the best option for getting vivid impressions will not be a welcome gift at all, but your own presence in this amazing country.