Commerce & Services France

Main supermarket and hypermarket chains

 

 

 

E.Leclerc: the largest retail chain in France; includes over 1400 stores under various brands such as E.Leclerc, Drive-in, L'Auto E.Leclerc, and others; offers a wide range of products from groceries to electronics.

 

 

 

Carrefour: the chain includes over 5773 stores of various formats, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores; offers a selection of products from food to electronics; stores are tailored to various customer categories, from budget-conscious to those seeking premium products; actively develops online sales.

 

 

 

Les Mousquetaires: the network includes brands like Intermarché and Netto; has around 2200 stores; known for a wide assortment and support for local producers.

 

 

 

Auchan: over 588 stores; offers a variety of products at competitive prices; actively develops online sales.

 

 

 

Système U: a cooperative supermarket network; includes brands like Hyper U, Super U, and others; has 1640 stores; known for supporting local producers.

 

 

 

Casino Group: manages numerous brands, including Casino Supermarchés, Géant Casino, Monoprix, and others; offers diverse products and services, including e-commerce and delivery.

 

 

 

Lidl: a German discount chain; includes 1630 stores; offers a limited but quality assortment of groceries and household goods.

 

 

 

Aldi: a German discount chain; has 1388 stores; offers products at affordable prices.

France has many large online stores offering a wide range of products from food to electronics and fashion clothing. Here are some of the most popular online retailers:

 

 

 

Amazon.fr: the largest online retailer in France; offers a vast assortment of products, including books, electronics, clothing, household appliances, and much more.

 

Shein.com: specializes in fashion clothing and accessories.

 

Veepee.fr: a popular site for shopping through flash sales, offering branded clothing, accessories, and home goods with significant discounts.

 

Auchan.fr: one of the largest hypermarkets in France with a strong online presence; the platform offers groceries, household appliances, electronics, and much more.

 

 

 

Boulanger.com: specializes in selling electronics and household appliances.

 

Courses U: an online store associated with the U supermarket chain; offers a wide assortment of groceries and household goods with home delivery or pickup options.

 

Apple.com: the official Apple website; offers products such as iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and accessories.

 

E.Leclerc: a well-known hypermarket chain; actively develops its online trade; offers a wide range of groceries, household goods, electronics, and much more.

 

Leroy Merlin: a leading retailer in home and renovation goods; offers tools, building materials, furniture, and decor.

 

Cdiscount.com: one of the largest online retailers in France; offers a wide range of products, including electronics, household appliances, furniture, fashion, and automotive goods.

The French postal service, known as La Poste, offers a wide range of services covering not only the delivery of letters and parcels but also financial, insurance, and mobile services. Post offices also provide access to government services and the possibility of renting post office boxes.

 

 

 

Letter and Parcel Delivery

 

Domestic Mail:

 

Green stamp - second class, delivered within three days.

 

Red electronic stamp - first class, delivered the next day.

 

Lettre Suivie - tracked mail available for domestic shipments.

 

 

 

International Mail:

 

Timbre Violet (violet stamp) is used for international shipments.

 

Insurance up to 5000 euros is available for valuable shipments.

 

 

 

Registered Mail:

 

Registered letter with return receipt, recommended for official documents.

 

Registered letter without return receipt but with the recipient's signature upon delivery.

 

 

 

Additional Services

 

Banking and Insurance Services: La Poste offers services through La Banque Postale, including opening accounts, providing loans, and issuing insurance policies.

 

Mobile and Internet Services: connection of mobile communication and internet.

 

Rental of mailboxes and temporary or permanent mail forwarding services.

 

- Photocopying and printing, as well as the possibility of obtaining passports and identity cards.

 

For more detailed information, you can visit the official La Poste website.

 

 

 

Other popular courier companies

 

 

 

Colissimo: the main postal service operated by La Poste; offers both domestic and international shipments.

 

 

 

Chronopost: also a subsidiary of La Poste; specializes in express delivery; a leader in express parcel delivery up to 30 kg throughout France and beyond.

 

 

 

DPD France: offers flexible delivery conditions, including the Predict service that allows the recipient to choose the time and place of delivery; includes thousands of parcel pickup points across Europe, making it convenient for international shipments.

 

 

 

Mondial Relay: specializes in delivery of parcels to pickup points; a popular service for e-commerce; has an extensive network of pickup points and is a reliable partner for many online stores.

 

 

 

UPS: offers various delivery services, from next-day express delivery to economical options for less urgent shipments; provides solutions for e-commerce, including integration with online stores and automated delivery notifications.

 

 

 

DHL: an international courier company; offers a wide range of delivery services worldwide.

 

 

 

FedEx: offers services for both domestic and international shipments.

In France, telecommunication services cover a wide range of offers, including television, internet, and telephone communications.

 

Orange: the largest provider in France; offers high-quality services throughout the country; packages include internet, television, and phone services.

 

SFR: the second-largest provider, offers similar service packages. The budget brand RED by SFR provides more affordable options without a contract. SFR also provides TV packages with international content.

 

Bouygues Telecom: offers mobile communication, internet, and television services; their B&You brand is focused on cheaper and more flexible contract-free options; known for its good fiber-optic internet deals.

 

Free Mobile: known for its competitive prices and extensive 5G coverage; offers simple and affordable service packages including internet, television, and mobile communication. Probably the simplest, cheapest, and adequate operator!

 

 

 

Installation and Costs

 

When connecting telecommunication services, it is important to consider the following costs:

 

Equipment rental: Some providers may charge a monthly fee for renting a router or modem.

 

Installation fee: A one-time fee for activating or installing the service.

 

Contract termination fee: May be charged if you choose to stop using the service before the contract expires.

 

Number porting fee: If you want to keep your current phone number when switching to a new provider.

 

 

 

Television

 

The French free television network is called TNT (Télévision Numérique Terrestre), which includes around 20 channels. Most providers offer additional paid packages with access to international channels and on-demand services such as Netflix and Disney+.

 

 

 

Useful Tips

 

Pay attention to the fine print: Carefully study the terms of contracts, including possible hidden fees and price changes after the first year of use.

 

 

 

Buying a phone SIM card in France for a foreigner is quite a simple process, but it requires knowing some nuances. Major operators offer various rate plans and services, as well as prepaid SIM cards (do not require contract signing and can be recharged as needed, ideal for short stays) and contract SIM cards (require a contract for a fixed term (usually 12-24 months) and offer more favorable rates for long-term use).

 

Phone SIM cards can be purchased in official mobile operator stores, tobacco kiosks, supermarkets, and electronic stores (Carrefour, Auchan, FNAC, Darty).

 

To purchase a SIM card, you will need:

 

A passport or other identification document. This is required to register the SIM card in your name.

 

An address in France: Some providers may request the address of your residence or temporary stay.

Restaurant food delivery

 

Uber Eats: one of the most popular food delivery platforms in France; offers a user-friendly interface, quick delivery, and real-time order tracking.

 

Deliveroo: very popular in France; works with numerous restaurants and offers delivery of a wide variety of dishes, from fast food to premium restaurants.

 

Just Eat: part of the international group Takeaway.com; offers a wide selection of restaurants and the ability to order food online for home or office delivery.

 

Daily goods and groceries delivery

 

Carrefour Sprint: Carrefour, one of the largest retailers in France, launched the Carrefour Sprint fast delivery service in partnership with Uber Eats. This service allows you to receive groceries and essential goods within 15 minutes of ordering, which is especially convenient for residents of large cities.

 

Amazon Fresh: provides a home grocery delivery service. The service offers a wide range of fresh products, household items, and many other categories. Delivery is carried out within a few hours after placing an order.

 

Auchan Direct: an online grocery delivery service owned by one of the largest retailers in France; offers a variety of food products, household goods, and other necessary items, with home delivery or pickup points available.

 

Intermarché Livraison à Domicile: offers a home grocery delivery service; the service is available in most regions of France and offers a wide range of products at competitive prices.

 

Meal kit delivery services

 

HelloFresh: offers delivery of meal kits including all necessary ingredients and step-by-step recipes. This is a convenient option for those who want to cook at home without spending time shopping for groceries.

 

Marley Spoon: operates on a similar model, offering a variety of recipes and fresh ingredients for home cooking. The service places a strong emphasis on product quality and menu diversity.

In France, the operating hours of shops and services can vary significantly depending on their type and location.

 

General operating hours

 

Most shops open at 9:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. In large cities and shopping centers, shops may operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM or even later.

 

Supermarkets usually open earlier, at 8:30 or 9:00 AM, and close around 8:00-8:30 PM. Some large supermarkets may operate until 9:00 PM.

 

Small shops and boutiques often close for a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

 

Banks and pharmacies usually operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and also close for lunch.

 

 

 

Working days and weekends

 

Sunday: Most shops are closed on Sundays, except some grocery stores, bakeries, and shops in tourist areas. In large cities, such as Paris, some shops and shopping centers may be open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas like the Champs-Élysées and the Marais.

 

Monday: Many small shops are closed on Monday mornings and may only open after lunch. This is especially true for shops that operate on Saturdays.

 

 

 

Holidays

 

In France, there are several public holidays when most shops and services are closed:

 

New Year (January 1)

 

Easter Monday

 

Labor Day (May 1)

 

Bastille Day (July 14)

 

All Saints' Day (November 1)

 

Christmas (December 25).

 

 

 

Tourist areas and exceptions: In tourist areas such as Paris, shops may have more flexible operating hours and be open on Sundays and holidays. For example, major department stores like Galeries Lafayette and BHV are open on Sundays.

Local brands

 

Fashion and clothing

 

Chanel: One of the most famous French fashion houses, specializing in haute couture, accessories, and perfumery.

 

Louis Vuitton: Known for its luxury bags, clothing, and accessories.

 

Dior: A leading brand in fashion and cosmetics.

 

Lacoste: Popular for its sportswear and footwear.

 

 

 

Cosmetics and Perfumery

 

L'Oréal: The world's largest cosmetics company offering a wide range of products.

 

Guerlain: One of the oldest and most respected perfume houses.

 

Clarins: Known for its skincare and makeup products.

 

La Roche-Posay: Specializes in products for sensitive skin.

 

 

 

Automobiles

 

Renault: One of the largest car manufacturers in France, known for its reliable and innovative vehicles.

 

Peugeot: A historically significant brand offering a wide range of cars from compact to SUVs.

 

Citroën: Offers innovative and practical cars, from compact vehicles to commercial ones.

 

 

 

International Brands

 

Fashion and Clothing

 

Zara: A Spanish brand offering trendy clothing at affordable prices.

 

H&M: A Swedish clothing retail chain popular for its trendy collections.

 

Uniqlo: A Japanese brand known for its quality and affordable basic clothing.

 

 

 

Technology and Electronics

 

Apple: An American brand widely represented by its stores and products.

 

Samsung: A South Korean electronics giant offering a wide range of smartphones and home appliances.

 

Sony: A Japanese brand known for its televisions, audio, and video equipment.

 

 

 

Food and Beverages

 

Nestlé: A Swiss brand offering a variety of food and beverage products.

 

Coca-Cola: An American brand known for its soft drinks.

 

Starbucks: An international coffeehouse chain popular among youth and tourists.

 

France is a paradise for shopaholics, with thousands and thousands of brands both traditionally French and international competing for your wallet!

Main aspects of French shopping etiquette

 

Greeting upon entering a store

 

In France, it is customary to greet salespeople when entering a store. The standard greeting is "Bonjour" (Good day) or "Bonsoir" (Good evening) after 6:00 PM. This demonstrates respect and sets a positive tone for the interaction.

 

 

 

Service expectations

 

French people take pride in their work and do not see themselves as merely service personnel. Sometimes this may seem unfriendly or arrogant, but it is a part of the culture. It is best to approach with low expectations and be pleasantly surprised if you receive special attention.

 

 

 

Market etiquette

 

French markets are not just a place for shopping but an important part of social life. Here you will find fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade items. It is customary to greet sellers, sample offered goods, and be respectful of the products. A small haggle is possible, but it's important to do so politely and with a smile.

 

 

 

Specialty stores

 

In France, there are many specialty stores such as wine shops and cheese shops. In these places, sellers often have deep knowledge about their products and can provide valuable recommendations. Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek advice.

In France, there are two main sales periods regulated by the government and are the most anticipated times for shoppers. These are the winter and summer sales.

 

The winter sales usually start in early January and last for four weeks. This is when stores offer substantial discounts on winter collections of clothing, footwear, and other goods to make room for new spring and summer collections.

 

The summer sales occur at the end of June and also last for four weeks. This period is characterized by discounts on summer goods, including clothing, footwear, accessories, and other seasonal products.

 

 

 

Sales features

 

Discount stages: Products go through multiple stages of discounts, starting from 20-30% at the beginning of the sales and reaching up to 50-70% by the end. This allows shoppers to find great deals throughout the sales period.

 

Private sales: Some stores conduct so-called private sales before the official sales start for their loyal customers or loyalty program members. This allows for purchasing products at reduced prices before the official sales launch.

 

Return Policy: During sales, stores may limit the possibility of returning or exchanging items unless the item is defective. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the store's policy regarding the return of sale items before purchasing.

 

Regional Differences: In some regions of France, such as Corsica and overseas departments, sale dates may differ from the national ones.

In France, the system for disposal and recycling of household waste is organized quite thoroughly and aims to minimize environmental impact. The main aspects include waste sorting, mandatory composting, recycling, and special collection points for different types of waste.

 

Waste Sorting

 

Yellow bins: are intended for collecting plastic, metals, and cardboard.

 

Green bins: for glass, including bottles and jars. Large glass items, such as windows or mirrors, must be taken to special municipal points.

 

General bins: for unsorted waste, such as dirty packaging and non-recyclable trash.

 

 

Composting

 

As of January 1, 2024, mandatory composting of organic waste has been introduced in France. All households must separate food and garden waste for composting. Local authorities are required to provide residents with composting options, whether individual compost bins or collective compost sites.

 

Recycling Specific Waste

 

Electronic waste: such as old mobile phones and computers, must be taken to special collection points or returned to the stores where they were purchased.

 

Medicines: old or expired medications can be returned to pharmacies for safe disposal.

 

Batteries: collection points for batteries are usually located in supermarkets and specialized stores.

 

Collection of Large Items

 

For the disposal of large items, such as furniture or appliances, there is a service called “encombrants.” Local authorities organize regular collections of such items upon request, or they can be taken to municipal collection points.

 

In France, compliance with waste disposal regulations is strictly controlled. Violations, such as unauthorized waste dumping, are subject to fines starting from 135 euros plus cleanup costs.