Shopping
France offers everything from hypermarkets to boutiques — and the shopping culture differs significantly from Germany.
Supermarkets & Groceries
- Hypermarchés (Carrefour, Leclerc, Auchan, Intermarché) — huge shopping centers on the outskirts with an enormous selection, including non-food. Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8:30–21:00 or longer
- Supermarchés (Monoprix, Casino, Carrefour Market) — medium-sized, often in the city center. Monoprix has good own brands and organic range
- Épiceries / Supérettes — small neighborhood stores, often open until 22:00 or later, also on Sundays. Prices higher than in hypermarchés
- Organic Stores — Biocoop, Naturalia, and La Vie Claire offer a wide range. "Bio" or "AB" (Agriculture Biologique) on the label indicates organic products
Shopping on Sundays
In France, most shops are closed on Sundays — the law protects the day of rest more strongly than in many other countries. Exceptions: bakeries (until noon), flower shops, épiceries, and certain tourist zones (Champs-Élysées, Marais in Paris). Supermarkets: some open Sunday mornings until 13:00.
Sales (Soldes)
The Soldes (sales) are legally regulated — twice a year, each for 4 weeks: Winter sales from mid-January, Summer sales from the end of June. Discounts of 30–70%. Outside the sales periods, discount promotions are limited (unlike in Germany).
Detaxe (VAT Refund)
Non-EU citizens can partially refund the TVA (VAT, 20%) from a purchase of €100.01 or more in a store. Ask for the "Bordereau de détaxe" in the store, scan it at the detaxe machine at the airport.
