[vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”Useful French Phrases for Shopping in France” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h1″ font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]If you’re planning to shop in France, knowing a few useful words and phrases will make the experience much easier. From local markets and bakeries to department stores and clothing boutiques, you’ll be able to ask about prices, find specific items, request another size and pay for your purchases.
In this guide, you’ll discover essential French shopping vocabulary for every stage of your trip. You’ll also learn how to ask for help, describe products and understand common sales signs, helping you feel more confident in everyday French conversations.
Let’s get started![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24315″ img_size=”700×400″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”1. Locating the Ideal Shop” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]When you travel to or live in a French-speaking countries, you might find yourself in need of some basic supplies, a few souvenirs, or perhaps even a new outfit. What kind of shops are you hoping to discover? Whether you’re in a big city or a more regional setting, there’s a wide variety of stores available. Some places offer a little bit of everything, from food items to home goods, while others focus on specific products.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”1.1 Different kinds of shops found in France” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Let’s begin our guide by helping you identify the kinds of stores you need and where to locate them :
- Centre commercial (m) = shopping centre
- Epicerie (f) = grocery store
- Grand magasin (m) = department store
- Marché fermier (m) = farmer’s market
- Marché bio (m) = organic market
- Supermarché (m) = supermarket
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now let’s see some more specialized shops :
- Agence de voyages (f) = travel agency
- Bijouterie (f) = jewelry store
- Boucherie (f) = butcher’s shop
- Boulangerie (f) = bakery
- Bureau de tabac (m) = tobacco shop
- Charcuterie (f) = delicatessen store
- Fromagerie (m) = cheese shop
- Librairie (f) = bookstore
- Magasin de fleurs (m) = flower shop
- Pâtisserie (f) = pastry shop
- Pharmacie (f) = pharmacie
- Poissonnerie (f) = fishmonger
- Salon de coiffure (m) = hairdresser salon
[/vc_column_text][insignia_section_heading title=”1.2 Signs and Places” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Next, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with its different areas. Here’s a list of all the essential vocabulary to help you get around a shop in French :
- en Bas = at the bottom
- les Cabines d’essayage = fitting rooms
- l’Entrée = the entrance
- Fermé = closed
- en Haut = at the top
- les Horaires d’ouverture = business hours
- Ouvert = open
- Pousser = to push
- Premier étage = first floor
- Rayon = section
- le Rez-de-chaussée = the ground floor
- la Sortie = the exit
- Tirer = to pull
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”1.3 Questions to find the right shopping spots” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Finally, you may need to ask for directions in French when you go shopping. If you have a particular item or place in mind but are unsure where to find it, these expressions will help you ask politely and clearly.
Begin with « Excusez-moi » (excuse me) to get someone’s attention, and add « s’il vous plaît » (please) to make your request more polite. To explain what you are looking for, use « Je cherche… » (I’m looking for…). Here are a few other useful phrases:
- Est-ce que vous pouvez m’aider ? (Can you help me?)
- Est-ce que vous avez des livres bilingues ? (Do you have any bilingual books?)
- Connaissez-vous une bonne pâtisserie près d’ici ? (Do you know a good pastry shop nearby?)
- Lequel / Laquelle me recommandez-vous ? (Which one would you recommend?)
- Où se trouve la boulangerie Utopie, s’il vous plaît ? (Where is the Utopie bakery, please?)
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24319″ img_size=”700×400″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”2. Asking about French products” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]Once you’ve identified the store you need, you’re all set to start your shopping experience in French ! In the following sections, you will learn the vocabulary necessary to describe the item you desire, along with details about sales and promotions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”2.1 Describing purchases” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]
Here are some common French adjectives and expressions you can use to describe products, from their price to their appearance and style.
- To say that something is inexpensive, you can use « C’est bon marché » (it’s inexpensive), « C’est abordable » (it’s affordable) or « Ce n’est pas cher » (it’s not expensive).
- By contrast, « C’est cher » means “it’s expensive”, while « C’est trop cher » means “it’s too expensive”.
- To describe an unattractive item, you can say « C’est moche » (it’s ugly, informal) or « C’est laid » (it’s ugly).
- For something more appealing, use « C’est joli » (it’s pretty), « C’est beau » (it’s beautiful) or « C’est magnifique » (it’s gorgeous).
- An elegant garment can be described as élégant, chic or raffiné. For something fashionable, you can use à la mode, tendance or branché.
Remember that adjectives usually agree with the noun they describe: un manteau élégant, but une robe élégante.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”2.2 Understanding Sales and Promotions” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Shopping in France involves several types of sales and discounts. Understanding the difference between them can help you spot good deals and interpret the signs you see in shops.
The soldes (official sales) take place twice a year, in winter and summer, during periods set by the French government. Outside these periods, retailers can offer other types of discounts:
- Les promotions (special offers): Temporary discounts or deals, such as « Achetez-en un, le deuxième est offert » (buy one, get one free).
- Les ventes privées (private sales): Special offers reserved for selected customers or loyalty programme members, often organised shortly before the official sales.
- Le déstockage (clearance): Price reductions designed to sell excess, discontinued or end-of-line stock.
Only official seasonal sales can be advertised using the word soldes. Promotions, private sales and clearance events can take place throughout the year, but they must comply with French pricing regulations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”3. Purchasing clothes and shoes in France” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]Many of the terms we have covered can be used for a wide range of products, but shopping for clothes requires some additional vocabulary. For a broader overview, you can also explore my guide on how to talk about clothes in French.
Let’s begin with a French clothing size chart before looking at some useful questions you can ask when trying clothes on.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”3.1 French sizes” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Firstly, to ask your size, the salesperson will ask you “Quelle est votre taille ?”. And to reply, you say “je fais du ..”. You can either give your size with the letter S (Small), M (Medium),.. or with a number 36, 38,.. “Une taille unique” means a one size fits all.
For shoes, we talk about “une pointure” for a size. And you could either say “je fais du 37” or “je chausse du 37”. Kindly note that unfortunately the European shoe sizing system does not feature “demi-pointures” (half sizes) like the UK and the US. But you can be lucky and find some in more upscale shoe stores or for some sport shoes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”3.2 Trying and fitting clothes” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Sizing can sometimes be a challenge when you’re testing out new brands, so be sure to collect your items and try them on in the fitting rooms. I’ve gathered a selection of useful phrases to help you engage with the salespeople and find just the right clothes :
- Bienvenue chez .. Est-ce que je peux vous aider / renseigner ? (Welcome to .. Can I help you / provide information?)
- Est-ce que vous cherchez quelque chose en particulier ? (Are you looking for something in particular?)
- Est-ce que je peux essayer ? (Can I try it on?)
- Est-ce que vous avez ce modèle en taille M ? (Do you have this model in size medium?)
- Dans une autre couleur (In another color)
- Ça me va bien (It fits me well)
- C’est trop grand ou trop petit (It’s too big, too small)
- Je vais réfléchir (I’m going to think about it)
- Je vais le/la prendre (I’m going to take it)
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”24317″ img_size=”700×400″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”4. Payment and Transactions” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]When shopping in France, knowing how to handle payments is essential. Whether you prefer cash or card, being familiar with the local phrases and practices can make your experience smoother.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”4.1 Paying With Cash or Card” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]In France, most shops accept both cash and credit cards. To ask how much something costs, you will say “Combien ça coûte?” or “Combien ça vaut?” (how much is it worth?).
If you prefer to pay with cash, it’s helpful to know common phrases. You can ask, “Est-ce que je peux payer en espèces ?” (Can I pay cash?) or “Désolé, je n’ai pas de monnaie” if you only have a big note. Be careful as “la monnaie” means the currency but also the change in French. Other basic words you need when going on a shopping spree are :
- des billets = notes
- des pièces = coins
- un distributeur = an ATM
- le taux de change = the exchange rate
- retirer de l’argent = to withdraw money
If you wish to pay with a card, simply say, “Je voudrais payer par carte.” (I would like to pay with a card). Keep in mind that some smaller boutiques may have a minimum amount for card payments, or they might not accept cards at all. Don’t hesitate to check if your card is accepted. Ask, “Est-ce que je peux payer par carte ?” (Can I pay with a credit card?).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1788419979426{background-color: #E8F0EB !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”4.2 Understanding Receipts and Invoices” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]After your purchase, you may receive “un ticket de caisse” (a receipt). Make sure to check it carefully. It should list all items bought, prices, and any applicable taxes. Knowing how to read it helps if you need to return anything later. Know that since August 1, 2023, customers will now have to request their receipt at the supermarket to get it printed. Businesses will also have the option to send receipts electronically.
If you ask for an invoice, say, “Est-ce que je pourrais avoir une facture, s’il vous plaît?” (Could I have an invoice, please?). This is particularly useful for larger purchases or business expenses. Keeping your receipts organized can help when tracking your spending or if there are discrepancies with your purchases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”4.3 Return and Exchange Policies” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h3″ font_weight=”font-weight-600″ heading_color=”#002766″][vc_column_text]Typically, you get a 15 to 30-day grace period to return to the store for “un échange” (an exchange), “un remboursement” (a refund), or “un avoir” (a store credit). This is referred to as the store’s return policy. Each shop has its own refund guidelines, which are usually printed on your receipt. But it’s wise to ask about these before finalizing your purchase. Knowing these details will make transactions easier and avoid confusion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row gap=”0px” css_animation=”none” css=”.vc_custom_1788419993693{background-color: #E8F0EB !important;}”][vc_column][insignia_section_heading title=”Ready to Go Shopping in French?” subtitle=”” add_icon=”” heading_tag=”h2″ font_weight=”default”][vc_column_text]You now have the essential vocabulary and expressions you need to shop with confidence in a French-speaking country, from finding the right shop and asking about sizes to trying items on and paying for your purchases.
If you would like to practise these expressions and feel more comfortable using French in everyday situations, feel free to contact me to discuss personalised lessons.[/vc_column_text][insignia_button btn_text=”Start your French Lessons” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frenchwithagnes.com%2Fcontact-private-french-tutor%2F|title:Contact%20your%20French%20Tutor|target:_blank” button_size=”btn-medium” border_radius=”btn-radius-default” button_align=”text-center” enable_icon=”” text_font_weight=”font-weight-600″ btn_bg_color=”#5C977A” hover_bg_color=”#6FAF8F” border_color=”#5C977A” hover_border_color=”#6FAF8F”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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