Shopping in France

Special purchases include lace, crystal glass, cheeses, coffee and, of course, wines, spirits and liqueurs.

Most towns have fruit and vegetable markets on Saturday.

Hypermarkets, enormous supermarkets which sell everything from foodstuffs and clothes to hi-fi equipment and furniture, are widespread in France. They tend to be situated just outside a town and all have parking facilities.

Shopping hours:

Department stores are open Mon-Sat 0900-1830.

Most shops are closed between 1200 and1430.

Food shops are open 0700-1830/1930.

Some food shops (particularly bakers) are open Sunday mornings, in which case they will probably close Monday.

Many shops close all day or half-day Monday.

Hypermarkets are normally open until 2100 or 2200.