France is paradise for foodies. It isn't just the many fresh produce markets filled with local foods, but even the simple act of visiting a local grocery store is divine. Guest Writer Kari Masson, who lives in Lyon, writes about her experiences shopping the markets and grocery stores in France.
She writes:
"Between the two weekly markets, the Monoprix, Intermarché, and Ed grocery stores within a fifteen-minute walk, and the big WalMart-esque Carrefour store a short bus ride away, I have greatly enjoyed grocery shopping in France."
Find out more: France for Foodies - Grocery Shopping and the Market Experience in France
Aloha! Another good point about French shopping: Vacationers visiting super markets or fresh air markets should not consider purchase of eco-bags a “waste.” My husband and I visit France (Nord et Sud) as often as we can (usually twice yearly) and each time we buy more of the great shopping bags. They fold flat and fit nicely into luggage. We carry them home to Hawaii and use them in our local fresh markets and stores. Now all our friends insist on us bring them bags as well. An important note: It’s wise for visitors to buy the bags before visiting a market (they are usually found as one enters a super market). The alternative is finding yourself faced with carrying an arm load of unbagged groceries. (We learned about bagless grocery stores this way). Also, if you remember to buy bags before visiting the open air markets, you’ll have something to cart your prized purchases home in. One final note: Don’t hesitate to buy the wonderful rotisserie chicken you’ll find at the smaller merchant, pleine aire markets or boucheries. They are unbelievably good and almost always organic. There’s nothing like them, especially with traditional french bread and a good French wine. Aloha! Lennie
The food halls at Lyon are incredibly mouthwatering. http://tinyurl.com/oxz3zl
Tours has a similar indoor market, the displays are a work of art, delicious and packaged with respect. It still amazes me how a small purchase of one single portion of patisserie is still wrapped with such loving care.