Now that this year’s travel season has begun, many French Affaires’ readers have been asking about special things to see and do while in France. They also have been keen to know the best ways to ‘bring France home,’ i.e. what to shop for while on their French travels. Even though shopping preferences vary from person to person bien sûr, there some tried-and-true tastes of France that are easy to find and transport chez vous. So keep an eye out for these items – and don’t forget to bring along some bubble wrap and ziplock bags for safely getting your treasures home!
Market baskets – I have been buying and collecting French market baskets for more than twenty years. They come in a variety of shapes and colors at outdoor markets across France. I use them for food shopping, purses, weekend trips, plant containers, gift wraps…and of course, as a way to get more French purchases back to the U.S.
Honey – The French make an Art out of so many things in life, including honey. There is nearly always a honey vendor at food markets in France showcasing a collection of fragrant honeys and honey products. You can often find lavender honey, thyme honey, rosemary honey, chestnut tree honey, acacia tree honey, orange tree honey and many more. If you are in Paris, check out the shop La Maison du Miel for a good selection. (Traveler’s note: Jars of honey count as liquids to airline security personnel so you’ll want to pack them in your checked luggage.)
Sea Salt – The rugged region of Brittany has been harvesting sea salt for centuries. I never miss a chance to stock up on bags of sel fin de Guérande (finely ground salt from the Guérande salt marshes). It’s wonderful for cooking all sorts of recipes. I also buy gros sel (course salt) – its very salty character makes it perfect for pasta water or soups. And finally, there is the lovely fleur de sel de Guérande which is the delicate top layer of salt used more as a condiment, i.e. for flavoring a dish once it’s cooked.
Chocolates – The French are huge fans of chocolate as evidenced by all the chocolateries in France. It is usually possible to taste the marvelous flavor combinations before you buy which helps narrow down the choices. And boxes, or ballotins, of milk or dark chocolates make wonderful gifts for others or for oneself. Of course, if you are bringing back chocolates in the summer months, you’ll want to carry them on the plane as they might melt down in the baggage hold.
Still under the chocolate category is this unique sweet treat found at Da Rosa in Paris – juicy raisins soaked in Sauternes dessert wine and then cloaked in chocolate. The gourmet boutique Da Rosa has all sorts of other culinary items worth toting home, but these raisins are the real winner. If you don’t believe me, drop by this Left Bank shop and try some for yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
Soaps – The French also have a way with making lovely soaps in various colors and scents. Open-air markets typically sport a soap vendor or two, particularly in Provence. And perfume boutiques such as Fragonard carry wonderful soaps and bath products. A dear friend just gave me a beautiful bar of Fragonard lavender soap from Provence – I love to use it every day!
Hose – Hosiery in all manner of patterns and colors is a French forte. I have been fascinated by French stockings since my time as a student in France. Whenever I put them on, it’s a ‘Paris fashion day’ whether I am actually in la Capitale or not. French department stores have good selections as do specialized boutiques such as this one in the Rue du Bac below.
Linens and Textiles – While marvelous linens can be found all over France, I have found myself drawn to the Left Bank Simrane in Paris since the 1980’s. They have wonderful prints for home and table – but my favorite pieces are the cotton pareos in a host of colors and patterns. It’s hard to choose just one!
Antiques – I love anything old and since France is old as the hills, you can find incredible antique objects and pieces everywhere. Estate silver, decorative objects, paintings, prints and more are available at flea markets, second hand shops, antique dealers, and sometimes at weekly village food markets.
Cookware – Julia Child made Dehillerin in Paris her home away from home. And it has tempted many a cook before and after her time. I always find something special and/or practical at this iconic kitchenware shop. I adore my copper moule à tarte tatin (tarte tatin pan) as well as rolling pins, pastry cutters, cooking utensils, Eiffel tower cookie cutters and more.
Books – Beautiful art and garden books are a must-buy when in France. The photographs are delicious whether or not you read French. Museum gift shops are a good source as well as book shops along the Boulevard St. Germain on the Left Bank in Paris. And my favorite shop for books in Provence is the Maison de la presse located in St. Rémy-de-Provence. They always have something new and interesting on hand.
Of course, there are so many more things worth picking up when in France. Other gourmet specialties include butter shortbread cookies from Brittany, cannelé cakes from Bordeaux, Flavigny Anis candies from Burgundy, piment d’Espelette spice from the Basque country, almond macarons from Ladurée, and more. French stationery shops offer lovely things for the desk and office. French clothing and scarves have that ‘je ne sais quoi’ of French style. But you might want to pass on bringing back the magnificent French cheeses and pâtés. They’ll earn you some scrutiny from U.S. customs officials even if ‘factory sealed.’ Despite that small caveat, shopping in France is always a pleasure – and there’s always something new to discover. Bon shopping!
French Take-Out ~ La France à emporter
This May, French Affaires’ readers in Texas will have a wealth of French goodies to choose from – no overseas transport required. Central Market gourmet grocery stores are hosting “Passport France” from May 9 to 22 in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Their stores will be transformed into French culinary and cultural extravaganzas with new food products, wines, events, cultural experiences and more. Check out the Central Market web site in the weeks to come for more information and to sign up for some of the fun French events near you!
