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Popular French grocery stores & supermarkets in France

The ultimate list of French grocery stores and supermarkets in France. A must-read for anyone interested in the chains where real French people shop.

Whenever I travel to a new country, one of my favourite things to do is explore the local grocery stores.

Wandering up and down the aisles of foreign supermarkets is a delicious way to discover unique snacks and new foods. But more importantly, it gives you a glimpse into the local food culture and ingredients that families buy and use to cook at home.

I still remember the awe I felt when I visited the cheese section in a French grocery store when I first moved to France and finding surprises like frozen escargot or oyster-flavoured potato chip s that claim they taste like the sea; each visit was a new adventure and a peek into a French families list of ingredients. 

Even after living in France for more than a decade, I still find myself fascinated by the whole “French grocery store” experience. 

For example, I finally tried white asparagus, which is everywhere in France. Its slender shape looks scarily similar to a human appendage.

Related :  100 Essential French ingredients for your French grocery list.

Now, join me on a journey through French grocery stores and supermarket chains in France with my comprehensive list and guide. I’ve even included each grocery store’s logo so that you can easily recognize them when you come across them.

Jump to section ↓

Types of Grocery stores in France: 

There is no shortage of food stores and supermarkets in France, which come in all shapes, sizes and specialties, from mammoth Hypermarkets that give Walmart a run for its money to cozy corner shops nestled in urban nooks.

If you’re a tourist or a newbie in France, telling these stores apart can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the chains, their names, and specialties. You may even pass by one without knowing it. 

Let’s first take a quick look at how these large grocery stores in France name their stores and then jump into the list of the major grocery store chains that exist in France where the majority of French people shop. 

Large Supermarkets and Extra-large Hypermarkets

The two large grocery store formats that you need to keep an eye out for are “supermarché” and “hypermarché.”

• Supermarché : A large supermarket or Grocery store. 
• Hypermarché : Hypermarket is a general term for a supersized supermarket. These one-stop-shop superstores combine a department store with grocery stores and sometimes other things like pharmacies, gardening supplies, decorations, electronics, laundromats, restaurants and even a gas station.

In French, “ Marché,” which means Market, is a general term that refers to a traditional food market where fresh products are sold by local vendors at outdoor markets. They also refer to indoor markets like “les Halles.” In this sense, the word “Marché” is closely related to the term “farmers market.”

Smaller French grocery stores and convenience stores

Most French grocery store chains also have smaller versions of their store that are more like convenience stores or express stores that cater to the needs of local neighbourhoods and urban areas where larger supermarkets or hypermarkets aren’t available.

These smaller grocery stores will typically have a limited selection of essential groceries, produce, household and convenience items.

How to recognize the smaller versions of grocery store chains

Each grocery chain has its own naming convention to differentiate between the various store sizes and formats, but they usually include the name of the grocery store chain with a descriptive noun.

I didn’t know that when I first moved to France. For instance, there was a small grocery store near us called “Petit Casino” but I had no idea it was part of the Casino Géant chain. Then there’s the chain of “U grocery stores.” Their large hypermarkets are called “Hyper U,” their supermarkets are called “Super U,” and their convenience stores are called “Marché U, U Express, and Utile.” Each one is even smaller than the previous one. 

Take a look at how three major French grocery store chains, Casino, Carrefour, and System U, name the various sizes of their grocery stores. 

List of French grocery store chains in France (and some German ones)

Now that you know that French grocery stores have supermarkets, hypermarkets, and smaller convenience stores with different naming conventions, let’s jump into the list of the grocery stores that have a presence in France. 

Carrefour :

French-owned: Founded in 1957

Carrefour is the largest and most well-known supermarket chain in France. They are known for their supersized hypermarkets, supermarkets, and smaller convenience stores located in cities and urban areas. Their supersized hypermarkets could be considered the French Walmart equivalent , but classier and without those strangely dressed Walmartians. 

Here are their store formats. 

• Carrefour Hypermarché 
• Carrefour Supermarché 
• Carrefour Market:
• Carrefour Bio: Bio is the French term used for Organic.
• Carrefour Contact:
• Carrefour Express: 
• Carrefour City: 
• Carrefour Proxi:  

Leclerc Group:

French-owned: Founded in 1949

Leclerc is another major supermarket chain known mainly for its hypermarkets and supermarkets, but it does have a smaller format store called Leclerc Express. 

• Le Marché Bio E.Leclerc
• Leclerc Express

Fun fact: Édouard Leclerc, who founded E. Leclerc, invented the concept of a wine faire in 1973, which he launched in his French supermarkets.

Auchan Group:

French-owned: Founded in 1961.

A hypermarket and supermarket chain with a significant presence in France.

Casino grocery stores

French-owned: Founded in 1898 under the corporate name Guichard-Perrachon & Co

Casino has hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores throughout France. They are France’s fourth-largest grocery store chain and the fifth-largest in the world.

Here are Casinos store formats:

• Géant Casino aka Casino Géant . In the process of being rebranded as “Casino Hyper frais.”(One-stop shop superstores/hypermarkets). 
• Casino Supermarchés : Casino supermarkets.
• Petit Casino
• Casino Shop
• Casino Shopping
• Casino Express: Small convenience stores with a limited selection of groceries and convenience items.
• Casino Shop: Smaller supermarkets offering essential groceries, fresh produce, and household items, often located in urban areas.

Casino has a long history in France and is one of the oldest French grocery store chains still in operation.  They are owned by Groupe Casino aka “Casino Guichard-Perrachon S.A.” However, its parent company is informally referred to as Guichard-Perrachon. 

Fun fact about its name: The very first casino was actually called Casino Lyrique ( Lyrical Casino.) It opened in 1856 and was not a French grocery store but a “café chantant” (singing café). Singing cafés were popular entertainment venues in the 19th century where people could enjoy music, singing, poetry readings, and comedic acts in a relaxed café setting. Back then, the word “casino” didn’t exclusively refer to gambling establishments like it does today.  Instead, “casino” was used to describe a wide range of entertainment venues and social gathering places such as singing cafés.  Hence the name “lyrical casino.” 

In 1860, the Casino Lyrique was shut down for questionable activities, and four years later, Mr. Perrachon purchased the defunct Casino Lyrique and converted it into a corner grocery store. 

 In 1892, Mr. Perrachon son in law, Geoffroy Guichard, became the owner of the Lyrical Cafe and expanded the range of food and groceries sold in the store.

Then, in 1898, Geoffroy Guichard opened a second Casino in a town called Veauche, located in the Loire, which he called the Casino store and formed “la Société des Magasins du Casino,” which formally established “Casino Guichard-Perrachon S.A.” as a company. By 1904, there were 100 Casino stores located in France.

So even though Casino was founded in 1898, it existed long before this date but wasn’t part of a formalized company structure yet. 

Intermarché Group:

French-owned : Founded in 1969

A popular supermarket chain of urban supermarkets and convenience stores.

• Intermarché Hyper
• Intermarché Super
• Intermarché Express

French-owned: Founded in 1932.

Monoprix, sometimes just referred to as “Monop” is another popular chain of French supermarkets and hypermarkets that seamlessly blends elements of a department store and a supermarket.

Monoprix is a favourite among both locals and tourists who are drawn to its modern and stylish interiors and unique shopping experience.  While Monoprix primarily focuses on groceries, its hypermarket stores can be compared to Target, offering a diverse range of products, including home goods and apparel. It’s a great place to go for clothing, cosmetics, and household items. It’s also a great place to buy interesting gifts to bring back home. 

The name “Monoprix” is a combination of two words: “monopoly” and “prix, (monopoly” +” price.) The name represents the chain’s original idea of providing competitive and fixed prices for a variety of products all in one place, similar to a pricing monopoly. This is ironic because, based on several studies, it’s one of the more expensive French grocery stores in France.

Jump to the end of this article for a ranking of the least to most expensive grocery stores in France. Go

• Monoprix Express
• Monop Station: found in some French train stations.

Système U:

French-owned:  Founded in 1894 as “Le Pain Quotidien” (The daily bread.)

U stores are a French cooperative of merchants with a chain of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and smaller neighbourhood convenience stores, which all operate under different names. 

• Hyper U: Hypermarkets
• Super U: Supermarket
• U Express: Small convenience store found mainly in city centres and rural areas.
• Utile:  the smallest of their convenience stores, mainly found in small towns, village centers and at rest stops along French autoroutes .

They have a really useful map to locate all their stores here . 

 Fun fact: In 1894, Auguste Juhel and three other small independent French grocery store owners united to form a cooperative called “Le Pain Quotidien” (the daily bread.) There goal was to unite so that they could compete with larger stores. The name was later changed to “Unico,” as in “ Un ion Co mmerciale,” and was eventually changed to “Système U” in 1983. The “U” in Système U is a remnant of the Unico name, signifying Union.

Grand Frais

French-owned:  Founded in 1992 

Grand Frais, which means “Big Fresh,” is a chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout France. Its name reflects the store’s emphasis on a wide selection of fresh, high-quality produce, meat, and other food products.

What sets Grand Frais apart from many other French grocery stores is the produce areas are set up to resemble a traditional French open-air farmers’ market. Some even have indoor umbrellas like you might find at a French outdoor marché.  They also focus on higher quality meat, produce and international products. 

Belgian-owned: Founded in 1974

Cora is a Belgian multinational chain of supermarkets and hypermarkets owned by Louis Delhaize , with around 60 locations in France. Louis Delhaize is a ductch grocery chain, dating back to 1875

The Cora supermarkets are named after the Roman goddess Proserpina, also known as Cora. In Roman mythology, Proserpina is the goddess of springtime and the queen of the underworld, and the name Cora is related to her role as a vegetation goddess and her association with the changing seasons.

• Cora Hypermarket

Dutch-owned: Founded in 1932

Spar is a Dutch multinational chain that operates various store formats, including supermarkets and convenience stores in both urban and rural areas. Spar was founded in the Netherlands in 1932 but is relatively new to France.  I first came across this store in Marseille near the old port and had no idea it was a grocery store. The store sign just said SPAR, with a green tree logo, so i though it was some store that sold outdoor products. 

Organic and natural food grocery store chains in France

French-owned: Founded in 1973.

Naturalia is part of the Monoprix group, which just so happens to be owned by Casino Group. They specialize in a wide range of organic and natural products, including fresh produce, groceries, health foods, supplements, and eco-friendly household items. Naturalia stores are primarily found in urban areas across France.

Bio c’ Bon:

Founded in 2008.

Bio c’ Bon is a subsidiary of Carrefour Group that sells organic and locally sourced products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and packaged organic goods. Stores are usually located in urban city centers.

Founded in 1986.

Biocoop is a cooperative of independent organic food stores that sell organic and sustainable products that emphasize transparency and ethical sourcing. Biocoop stores are found throughout France, mainly in urban and rural areas. This is my goto store for delicious produce. 

Frozen food stores

French-owned:  Founded in 1906

Most tourists have no idea what Picard is, but it’s an extremely popular frozen food store that sells a wide range of upscale, ready-made Frozen meals and products. Frozen duck confit, hors-d’oeuvres, green beans with garlic butter sauce, and duck à l’orange are just a smidgen of the things you can find ready-made. All you do is take it home, heat it up, put it on a pretty platter and serve.

When you first walk into a Picard for the first time, it is a little confusing because of the way it’s set up. Picard stores are always relatively small, compared to standard grocery stores, typically measuring around 150 to 300 square meters (1,600 to 3,200 square feet) and feature 6 to 10 aisles lined with chest freezers. Each freezer has a glass top that slides open to reveal a treasure trove of ready-made meals.

Picard Website:

Fun fact: Picard, more formally known as Picard Surgelés (frozen Picard) was founded in 1906 by Raymond Picard as “Les Glacières de Fontainebleau” (the ice houses of Fontainbleu.) He initially sold Ice blocks to households and businesses before refrigerators were household items. 

French-owned: Founded in 1966

Thiriet is a family-owned business founded by Claude Thieret that sells prepared frozen meals similar to Picard.

Initially, Thiriet stores were ice cream parlours, but gradually expanded into the frozen food business. Products include Frozen food products, such as frozen fruits and vegetables, ready-made meals, ice cream, pastries, and more. They are known for their high-quality frozen desserts and French cuisine. Thieriet also has a prepared meal delivery service similar to HelloFresh but better because all the meals are already prepared. You just heat and eat. 

Thieret Website:

Simply Market

French-owned: Founded in 2005

Simply Market is a supermarket chain owned by the same company as Auchan grocery stores. Simply markets are mainly found in urban and suburban areas and specialize in a range of groceries, household essentials, produce and more. 

A supermarket chain offering convenience and a variety of products.

French-owned: Founded in 1958. Part of the Casino group.

Franprix is a French retail chain that operates small to medium-sized convenience stores and supermarkets. Franprix stores are often found in urban areas throughout France and are known for their convenience and accessibility to shoppers in busy city environments.

Known for being discounted store chains

France has several discount supermarkets that offer a limited selection of high-turnover foods at low prices for customers looking for budget-friendly shopping options. Some are French-owned, others are German-owned.                        

Lidl Group:

German-owned: Founded in 1930

Lidl is a well-known German discount supermarket chain with many locations in France known for its no-frills shopping experience. 

German-owned: Founded in 1946

Aldi is another German discount grocery store chain well known in France, but not as well as Lidll, also known for its no-frills shopping experience. 

Leader Price

French-owned: founded in 1989.

Leader Price is a discount French supermarket chain primarily found in urban and suburban areas across France that sells a wide range of grocery products, including fresh produce, packaged goods, household items, and more.

French-owned: Founded in 1961. 

Netto is a budget-friendly discount supermarket chain found in both urban and suburban areas. They sell a range of grocery products, fresh produce, packaged goods, and household items. 

Netto is part of the Les Mousquetaires Group that also owns Intermarché. It is not affiliated with the Netto stores owned by the Danish Salling Group and by the German Edeka group. 

French-owned company: Founded in 2003.

Ecomax is a discount supermarket chain based in Martinique. Its stores are mainly located in French overseas departments and territories, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Reunion Island. They offer grocery products, including fresh produce, household items, and more.

• Ecomax Supermarket:  
• Ecomax Marché:  
• Ecomax Discount:  
• Ecomax Express:  

Least expensive to most expensive French grocery stores in France

I thought it would be interesting to include this study conducted by UFC-Que Choisir, a French consumer association which ranked hypermarkets and supermarkets in France and New Caledonia from least to most expensive. Discount stores were not included in the study, and they did not survey every grocery store chain in France.

They selected 82 products from 1,342 stores, including drinks, grocery items, milk, cheese, meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and home care/hygiene products. The total price of these products was then calculated to rank each store from most expensive to least expensive.

The prices ranged from €364 to €437, with Monoprix being the most expensive and E. Leclerc being the least expensive among the stores surveyed.

Below is an infographic showing the results of their study.

Happy shopping!

Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a 'petite commission' at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my links. It helps me buy more wine and cheese. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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Annie André

About the author

I'm Annie André, a bilingual North American with Thai and French Canadian roots. I've lived in France since 2011. When I'm not eating cheese, drinking wine or hanging out with my husband and children, I write articles on my personal blog annieandre.com for intellectually curious people interested in all things France: Life in France, travel to France, French culture, French language, travel and more.

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French grocery stores and supermarkets (local’s guide)

• Post category: Living in France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

There is no better way to get to know how the French live than to visit a grocery store in France. From épiceries (convenience stores) to supermarchés (supermarkets), it can be a rather head-scratching experience. And that is even if you speak French!

As someone who has lived in Paris for over 10 years, I can tell you that from cultural practices to local regulations, French grocery stores offer a distinct shopping experience. And that too varies from one supermarket to another.

So whether you are planning a picnic , an apéro , or just an ordinary weeknight dinner, let’s get to my top tips for grocery shopping in France, shall we? Allons-y!

Large supermarket chains

First off, you may have seen them everywhere as you wander around France, the grand supermarché .

If you don’t want to head to the boulangerie (bakery), boucherie (butcher), fromagerie (cheese shop), marché des legumes (vegetable market), poissonniere (fish shop), etc. you will want to head to one of these large supermarkets or hypermarkets.

The largest and most popular supermarkets in France are:

• Auchan – large supermarkets, usually in the city outskirts. Often sell everything from food and alcohol to clothing and electronic equipment.
• Carrefour – large supermarkets, but also have more smaller grocery stores that are in city centers called “Carrefour city”, “Carrefour Express”, “8 à Huit”, and “Proxi”. One of the world’s largest grocery chains, competing with Auchan.
• Monoprix – a high-end supermarket, which is smaller than Carrefour or Auchan and has slightly higher prices. Monoprix has formed a partnership with Amazon.com, similar to Whole Foods in the USA, and is even popular for its clothing shopping .
• Franprix – smaller grocery chain, usually in city centers.
• Leclerc – large supermarkets with good prices but not usually in city centers like Paris. Leclercs are often only accessible by car, but have the largest food markets in France.
• Intermarché – similar to Carrefour with large hypermarkets in city outskirts and smaller “express” grocery stores in centre-villes.
• Casino and Spar – similar to Auchan, large supermarkets in the outskirts and smaller shops in city centers.
• Super U supermarkets – several brands under the name Super U, Hyper U, and the smaller U Express stores.

Frozen foods stores

As large as French supermarkets are, they do not have the same range of frozen foods as one might like.

With everything from French sauces , soups, appetizers , and other prepared dishes, as well as raw ingredients, frozen food shops are very popular in France:

• Picard – a very popular frozen food shop that can be found in just about every small town and neighborhood in France.
• Thiriet – a newer frozen food shop that is trying to compete with Picard.

Discount supermarkets

If you are watching your wallet and looking for a discount alternative in France, here are the supermarkets to head to:

• Aldi – large chain that took over the Leaderprice discount chain from Casino.
• Lidl – slightly higher prices, positioned between Aldi and Carrefour.

Organic, bio and specialty markets

For organic foods and products, you will want to head to these bio supermarkets:

• Naturalia – a specialty shop from Monoprix with organic fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy products, etc.
• Bio c’ Bon – specializing in organic fruits and vegetables.
• Biocoop – a biofoods cooperative from local farmers and producers that has a network of independent shops.
• Naturéo – smaller network of organic supermarkets.

French grocery stores that deliver

In cities and larger towns in France, grocery delivery services have gained popularity in recent years. With busy lifestyles and the convenience of online shopping, many people opt for having their groceries delivered.

You can go online and create an account and have your items delivered to your doorstep. Prices are slightly higher than in person, and there can be a delivery fee depending on how much you order.

Along with delivery, you can also order online and use the “Drive” where you come and pick up your items. Some of the most popular grocery shops for delivery are:

• Monoprix and Amazon – partnership to get almost anything delivered to your door.
• Carrefour – wide range of delivery and pickup options across the country with better prices than Monoprix.
• Auchan – similar to Carrefour.
• Picard – frozen food shop offering delivery and drive.
• Houra – a bit more expensive than Carrefour or Auchan, but good delivery.
• Mon marche  – regular and organic fruits and vegetables delivered to your doorstep.
• Leclerc  – good prices but limited delivery depending on where you live.
• Intermarché – both delivery and pickup “drive” options

Tips for French grocery stores and supermarkets

Now before you head over to your local grocery store in France, you may want to read a few tips. It isn’t quite like you may be used to, believe me I know!

1. Check opening hours

One of the most important things to note when visiting a grocery store or supermarket in France is to check their opening hours.

Unlike some countries where supermarkets are open 24/7, French stores much more restricted operating hours. Opening times vary depending on the size and location of the store, with some supermarkets closing as early as 8 p.m. on weekdays and being completely closed on Sundays.

I would highly advise you to plan your shopping accordingly and check the opening hours in advance!

2. Bring your own bags.

In recent years, France has introduced a law to ban excessive plastic and promote sustainability. As a result, you are required to bring your own bags to the grocery stores or purchase a new one.

Plastic bags are no longer freely provided at checkout counters, and customers are encouraged to bring their own tote bags or reusable shopping bags. Most supermarkets usually provide sturdy bags near the checkout counters for customers to purchase.

3. A 6-pack can be opened and sold individually.

In French grocery stores, it is common to find packaged items, such as beverages on display in bulk. You are actually allowed to open a 6-pack of milk and just buy one however.

This allows customers the freedom to purchase single items rather than being constrained by pre-packaged quantities. So, if you only need one can of soda or a single yogurt, you are free to do so.

4. No medication aisles (although there may be a parapharmacy).

Unlike some countries where over-the-counter medications are readily available in grocery stores, medication is not legally allowed to be sold in supermarkets in France.

You may be able to find some health and wellness products like bandaids and organic products in the “parapharmacy section”, but for anything more you will have to head to an actual pharmacy.

5. No alcohol sales on Sundays.

In France, there are a lot of regulations governing the sale of alcohol. One notable restriction is the prohibition of alcohol sales on Sundays in most stores.

This rule is rooted in French christian traditions and aims to preserve the reverence for Sundays as a day of rest and family time. So if you are having a big Sunday lunch, it’s important to plan your shopping accordingly in advance.

6. Milk and eggs are stored at room temperature.

In French grocery stores you will find that milk and eggs are typically displayed at room temperature on a shelf, rather than being refrigerated. This is because milk is pasteurized at higher temperatures than in North America, and so does not need refrigerating.

For the eggs, European regulations and food handling practices ensure they are safe to consume even when not refrigerated. While it may seem unusual at first, rest assured that these products are perfectly safe to use.

In case you were wondering, pasteurization was developed by French scientist, Louis Pasteur, who incidentally has several streets named after him . You can read more French food facts here.

7. Eggs are brown, not white

And speaking of eggs, eggs are brown in France not white. The color of the eggs depends on the genetics of the chicken and in the U.S., it is the “leghorn” breed being used, which gives white eggs.

Never fear though, the shell color doesn’t change the flavor of the eggs, or their nutritional value. You can read about more items from a classic French pantry here.

8. Head to the “foreign foods” aisles.

If you are looking for American-style peanut butter or British-style scones, you will not find these in your regular French grocery aisle. Instead you will have to head to the foreign foods section to find your favorite delicacies from back home.

9. Check out the regional section.

Depending on where in France you live , you will also find different regional products on your local grocery shelf. From truffle jams in Occitanie , olive oil in Provence and cider from Brittany , you will find many regional specialities depending on where you are.

If you are looking for souvenirs to take home from France , it is much more cost-effective to pick up a few items from a French supermarket than one of the souvenir shops.

10. Bag your own groceries.

In French grocery stores, customers are typically responsible for bagging their own groceries. Unlike in some countries where store employees bag the items for you, in France it is customary to pack your own purchases.

These days most supermarkets in France also use self-checkout. There is often an option on screen to complete your transaction in English, if you don’t speak French.

11. No helpers to bring the groceries to your car.

In France, you won’t find helpers or baggers to assist you in carrying your groceries to your car. Once you have completed your purchase and packed your bags, you are responsible for transporting them to your vehicle.

This self-reliant approach may initially seem different for those accustomed to having assistance, but unfortunately there is no help for it.

12. Bring your own shopping caddy or trolley.

If you are buying a lot of groceries and don’t have a car, it is common to come to the grocery store in France with your own shopping cart or trolley. Known as “caddies” in French, they are available for purchase in all large hypermarkets and hardware shops.

These carts offer a convenient way to navigate the store, especially when you have a larger shopping list. (In smaller shops, you will typically see French people leave their caddy at the entrance and then pick it up at the end as they pay.)

13. Buy in store and get your groceries delivered.

If you live near a Monoprix, you may want to look into home delivery. Unlike many other grocery stores in France, Monoprix offers to let you shop in-store and choose your products as you normally would.

Then rather than carrying your groceries home, they will deliver it to your residence within 2 to 3 hours from checkout. You can also choose a one-hour slot for delivery, the same day or the next day.

So the next time you visit a grocery store or supermarket in France, go ahead and explore the aisles. If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more about exploring the French marché . A bientôt!

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Guide To French Supermarkets and Grocery Stores

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: September 16, 2022  - Last updated: October 28, 2022

More than the rich history, stunning architecture and iconic sights, France is a haven for foodies. The good food isn’t confined in cafes or Michelin starred eateries either, but even in  local supermarkets and grocery stores in France.

Inside, you’ll find aisles and shelves of exciting flavors from different regions – from cheeses to chocolates to truffles to wine.  Plus, an assortment of health, beauty, and lifestyle products that you won’t get enough of.

If you’re visiting France, you most likely want to bring all those French goodies home with you.

And, if you’re planning to move to France it can be daunting to pick your go-to supermarket for your supplies.  Which supermarket carry the best brands?

Which ones offer great discounts? Here’s our guide for everything you need to know about French supermarkets and grocery stores.

There are many different supermarket and grocery chains in France, and the majority of them operate across the country, but there are some differences between the regions as well.

As a result, the selection that is available to choose from in your immediate vicinity might not be comprehensive. The following are some of the most popular supermarket and grocery stores in France:

Things you'll find in this article

2. Carrefour

3. grand frais, 4. intermarché, 6. monoprix, 9. naturéo, 10. biocoop, 11. m&s food, store schedule, guide to french supermarkets: what you need to know, guide to french supermarkets and grocery stores.

Auchan is a retail chain that specializes in larger-format stores and operates approximately 2,000 locations across the country. It places the majority of its supermarkets and hypermarkets in areas that are outside of the primary cities.

One benefit of this is that French grocery stores tend to be relatively large, and as a result, they can provide more competitive pricing. Today, it is one of the largest supermarkets in all of France.

This French retailer is one of the largest grocery store chains in the whole wide world. It has more than 5,000 retail locations throughout France, ranging from compact shopping centers to sprawling hypermarkets in rural areas.

This is a French international firm that specializes in retail and wholesale trade, and its headquarters are located in Massy, France. It is the ninth largest retailer in terms of revenue in the entire world.

As of January 2021, it operates a retail chain that includes hypermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores across more than 30 countries, with a total of 12,225 locations.

Founded in 1992, the Grand Frais network of supermarkets is one of the oldest in France. It is renowned for its extensive selection of fresh products and necessities sourced from all around the world.

The layout of Grand Frais supermarkets is similar to that of covered markets. These markets each contain five distinct sections, including fruit and vegetables, groceries from around the world, butchers, fishmongers, and dairy products.

There is one Grand Frais supermarket in Belgium in addition to the 216 that is located in France. You won’t find a Grand Frais in the city of Paris, but there is one in the suburb of Fresnes, which is located in the south of the city.

Intermarché is the brand name of a general-commercial French supermarket that is a subsidiary of the large retail group Les Mousquetaires. Jean-Pierre Le Roch established the business in 1969 under the name EX Offices. In 1972, the store formerly known as EX Offices became known as Intermarché.

There are approximately 2,000 Intermarché stores around the country, so it’s quite unlikely that you’ll ever be too far away from one, regardless of whether you’re looking for a supermarket or a hypermarket.

Leclerc is a hypermarket chain that has been operating in France since it was originally established in 1949. It is commonly considered to be one of the most affordable supermarkets in France, with over 700 outlets throughout the country.

The majority of these French grocery stores are located outside of the principal cities. An interesting fact: a study found that the prices at Leclerc were higher in the province of Île-de-France (which is the region where Paris is located) as well as in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

The headquarters of the French retail company Monoprix SA is located in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France, which is close to Paris. The company’s retail locations provide a variety of goods, including those related to fashion, beauty, and the home.

The quality of Monoprix’s products, from every day groceries to its fashion line and homewares, is excellent; so the prices tend to be on the pricier end of the spectrum. The stores of Monoprix are also of a size that customers find to be relatively comfortable.

In addition to Leader Price, Casino, and Match, there are a great number of additional grocery chains located throughout France. The location has a significant role in determining the accessibility of these retail establishments.

Discount Supermarkets in France

Over the past decade or so, discount shops in France have seen their market share grow, mirroring a trend seen in many other European countries. The following are some of the most prominent discount supermarkets in France:

This German bargain chain is well-known throughout Europe for carrying a wide variety of items priced affordably. The merchandise is presented in cardboard boxes, and customers can take advantage of weekly deals.

Although Lidl does not carry as many name-brand products as other supermarkets do, the retailer does sell its store-brand goods at prices that are much lower than those of its competitors.

There are currently around 1500 Lidl locations in France, with approximately 15 of those stores located in the city of Paris alone

Another German supermarket business that has conquered the French market is Aldi, which was founded in 1946. It is Lidl’s primary rival and is organized in a manner that is comparable to Lidl’s.

Additionally, it has around the same number of stores, with over 1400 in total across France. The fact that the company strives to make shopping easy and reasonable for its customers is one of the reasons why it is so successful in France.

Specialty Supermarkets in France

A specialty supermarket in France is a good choice to visit if you’re looking for a more specialized shopping experience while in the country. These stores have product selections that are more narrowly targeted and include:

This organic store now operates somewhere around 50 supermarkets across the country. There is a wide variety of fresh and dry organic products available at the stores.

Over 600 organic food outlets are owned and operated by this cooperative of organic food retailers. Across France, these supermarkets have become known for specializing in organic, regional, and seasonal fare..

The British department store Marks & Spencer has a few standalone food stores in the French capital of Paris. These stores can be found in convenient local locations and carry foods from all around the world, including Britain..

French supermarkets and grocery stores have resisted the trend of staying open around the clock. Instead, most supermarkets and grocers (of any size) will open at 08:00 and shut at 20:00 or 21:00. Larger cities typically have supermarkets with later closing times.

Know that on Sundays, most French supermarkets are closed. Some open in the morning but close by lunchtime. This is why you should either do your food shopping on Saturday or plan on eating out on Sunday.

There are a few things you should know before you go on a shopping spree at a local grocery or supermarket:

● Observe the store hours Be aware that the hours at which French supermarkets are open may differ. Most shops are closed on Sundays, however, you may find some open early in the day.

● Prices may vary Prices at certain supermarkets are determined on a franchise basis rather than at the corporate level. Due to competition across outlets selling the same brand, prices may fluctuate even within the same chain during the high season.

● Bring your bags France is only one of many European countries that have banned the distribution of plastic shopping bags in supermarkets. Many residents opt to bring their bags, and those who forget can always purchase reusable ones at the cashier.

● French supermarkets and grocery stores don’t sell cigarettes or medicines You can’t get your hands on prescription drugs at a French grocery store; instead, you’ll need to visit the local pharmacy. If you’re looking for tobacco products, you’ll need to visit a tobacco shop instead.

● Bring a euro coin to use a shopping cart It is recommended that you bring one euro coin to unlock a shopping cart from the chain. A coin or token is required to unlock the cart, but it is returned to you when you return the cart and lock it.

● Sign up for a loyalty card Register for store loyalty cards if you plan on spending more than a week or two in France. One of the best things about grocery shopping in France is their penchant for sales, so watch out for them. Some cards offer instant savings, while the vast majority earn points or discount balances that can be redeemed at a later time.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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Grocery Shopping in France

We all know that food is a very important part of French culture, and eating is a major part of any trip to France. Of course, strolling through an outdoor market , or going to a bakery to select a delicious pastry are on the must-do list for all travelers. However, when I travel to a foreign country, I love to go to the grocery stores, because this is where local food habits are laid bare.

As a general rule, French people shop more frequently for food supplies than in other countries. This is due to many different things: the desire for very fresh products, smaller refrigerators, the social aspects, the need to pick up the daily baguette, etc. But busy daily life also takes over, so you will see customers just picking up a couple of items for the next few meals, to carts filled to feed the family for the week.

There are many different sizes of grocery stores in France. In the inner cities, you can find mini-supermarkets, and these are practical for picking up a quick lunch or a few emergency items, and prices are a little higher. I do most of my shopping at the intermediate size stores, but there are also mega-sized ones, called hypermarchés, that carry everything from food, to stereo equipment and computers, to tickets for shows and theater.

The biggest surprise you may have when shopping in a French grocery store is the immense aisle size of certain categories, the variety of produce and French products, and the portions.

Portions – Don’t look for a Costco!

A few years ago, my young teen-aged niece Samantha came to visit. She came to the grocery store with me, and I asked her if there was something specific she wanted, her answer being potato chips. I put the bag in the caddy and continued with the shopping. After a few more items were added, Sammy picked up the bag and said that maybe the individual bag was not enough and I should get the family-sized bag to last a couple of days. You already know the end: this was the French family-sized bag.

We laughed, but also knew that we would eat the whole bag at once anyway. We then started noticing all the differences with sizing for all types of products, be it food or not. Boxes of cereal, ketchup bottles, ice cream, shampoo, kid’s snacks, etc. You can draw your own conclusions on this point.

Photo: You won't find this in France, Quaker Oats

Variety of Produce and culturally relevant products

During strawberry season, you can typically find at least 5 different varieties offered: Mara des bois, Gariguette, Ciflorette, and Charlotte. Before coming to France, I thought there was just “strawberry”. The same is true for potatoes, lettuces, radishes etc. A lot of stores have a little sign saying which each variety is used for, which helps a lot. And there is not much in terms of pre-cut fruits and veggies, but this is changing and families have less time to prepare weeknight meals.

Photo: Just some of the different types of potatoes available in France, Pikist

You may have to weigh your own fruit and vegetables before going to the check-out. Make sure you do this if necessary, or you will experience many of the famous gallic shrugs accompanied with the “ oh la la ” in your direction.

The meat and fish department is also interesting. In France, you will be surprised by the variety of meats and fresh fish and seafood on display. You may find whole rabbits, “abats” (which include specialties like heart, feet, tripe or any other funky part that is edible), a variety of tiny birds and such. France remains a meat-eating country, but reducing meat intake and even vegetarianism is growing, so there is also a very small vegetable-based “meat” section as well.

Also, don’t look for eggs or milk in the refrigerated section – they are not sold refrigerated.

Photo: Eggs are not refridgerated in French supermarkets, L Crotet

Looking for a " madeleine" ? You will have a huge decision to make! The variety of typical French specialties is impressive, be it from French wines to different pâtés, the choice is huge. For peanut butter, however, only Skippy is available and in one tiny sized jar.

Aisle size matters

In most American grocery stores, it seems the biggest aisles are allocated to soda, chips, and ice cream. The last temptation is even abundant at the check out counter with candy and chocolate bars, drinks, and gum.

In France, the biggest aisle, more be it a large section of the store, is allocated to dairy products. A large variety of butter and creams for cooking, yogurts of every different milk type and flavor to be enjoyed with every meal or as a snack, and of course cheese. It takes some time to understand how, for example, the yogurt aisle is organized, but once you do, choosing is very efficient. Different sub-categories are separated and include yogurts for kids, unsweetened yogurts, fruit yogurts, dessert yogurts flavored with chocolate or caramel, fat-free yogurt, specially packaged yogurts for when you are out and about, goat or ewe milk yogurts, yogurt with “medicinal” properties, . . . Not surprising when you consider that over 50% of French people eat yogurt at least once per day, as compared to 20% is the US.

In contrast, the soda aisle is small. There is more juice offered than soda. You will have a bigger selection of different types of “limonade” which is a popular French version of a less sweet 7Up, than of Coke or Pepsi. And way, way, way more of a choice of bottle water. This is a good thing.

Photo: Typical soda aisle in a French supermarché, L Crotet

So, the next time you are in France and want a culturally enriching experience, try a supermarket. A few last tips beforehand: most grocery stores are closed on Sunday, and you need to bring your own bags or buy a bag at the check-out (and you must bag your own groceries) and have a one euro coin to unlock the cart (that you get back when you put the cart away).

- Laura Crotet, France Just For You

If you would like to check out a French grocery store while in France, please contact us to help you plan your future trip.

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Grocery Shopping in France, 2024: 13 Grocery Store Tips

Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 04:54 pm

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Wondering how to negotiate grocery shopping in France? I’ve got you covered.

Grocery shopping in France is a little bit different to other countries I’ve lived in.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Living in France was a bit of a culture shock, to say the least. But like most things, once you know what you’re doing and how things work, it’s a lot easier.

Understanding how to navigate French supermarkets is essential if you want to avoid unnecessary stress. And once you know what to do, you can enjoy the fabulous cheese counter and patisserie aisles that come as standard in France.

I’m sharing 13 grocery shopping tips that have made my trips to the supermarket much smoother and easier.

What you need to know about grocery shopping in France

Before we dive in there is one important thing you should know upfront about food shopping in France. And is that the French generally go shopping if not every day then every other day.

And there are a few reasons for this. But the most important is definitely because of the local produce here in France.

Grocery shopping in France compared to the UK or US

Grocery or food shopping in France compared to the UK or the US is a little bit different.

Whether it’s in your local SuperU or a  bigger Carrefour or LeClerc, it can be a wee bit confusing.

So if you want to avoid looking like a complete tourist I have some quick tips to help you navigate.

Tip 1 – Groceries are seasonal in France

Fruit and veg in a French supermarket is generally seasonal.

You don’t have the array of choices you have in other countries and you won’t find things available all year around.

But what you will find, or you certainly do in my local Leclerc, is the option to buy from the local farmers.

You’ll see baskets full of wonderful seasonal items that have quite literally come from the fields down the road.

From green beans and carrots to pumpkins and potatoes. It’s such a lovely idea to be able to support the locals. And trust me when I say, their produce tastes ridiculously good. It’s so much fresher than anything else you can buy.

This calendar of seasonal fruit and veg in France is really handy >>>

Tip 2 – bread only lasts for a day in france.

The other thing is the bread. Generally, it needs to be eaten the day you buy it. The French make the daily trip to the boulangerie to get their fresh baguette, boule de pain, or whatever their bread of choice is.

And this in itself is just a wonderful part of French life.

I love nothing more than seeing people walking through the village with a baguette tucked under their arms.

And it wouldn’t be unusual to see them nibbling the end as they walk. I mean who can blame them when they smell and taste so good?

Tip 3 – The French shop in speciality stores

Part of the fun of grocery shopping in France is that you get to enjoy the different speciality stores.

From the boulangerie (bakery), patisserie (pastry) and boucherie (butcher) to the fromagerie (cheese shop), charcuterie (delicatessen), and caviste (wine merchants) stores, it’s food heaven.

Of course, you can just get everything in the supermarket, but that isn’t the French way.

Tip 4 – French grocery store opening hours are different

There is no such thing as 24-hour supermarkets here. In fact, it’s not uncommon for supermarkets to close at 7.30 pm and not open again until 9 am the following morning. Especially here in the Charente region.

And as for Sundays, this is not really a day for shopping of any type. Most shops don’t open on a Sunday, period. But some supermarkets are open until 12.30 pm and then that’s it till Monday.

So you need to plan your grocery shopping accordingly.

Tip 5 – Cigarettes aren’t available in French supermarkets

In France, it’s not possible to purchase tobacco products from supermarkets. Only tobacco shops are authorised to sell cigarettes and other tobacco items.

Tip 6 – There is nobody to pack your groceries for you

Although this is normal for us Brits, in Australia and the US the checkout person would normally pack your groceries for you, but that’s not the case here in France.

So get your shopping bags ready because it’s time to pack your own shopping.

Tip 7 – Cheque books are still a thing in France

Don’t be surprised if you see people paying for their grocery shopping by cheque. Yep, cheque books are still a thing here in France.

I actually have one myself from Credit Agricole, my French bank. But I literally only use it to pay the woodman for our wood delivery once a year.

At all other times, my French cheque book sits in a cupboard gathering dust.

Tip 8 – There is no pharmacy aisle in a French supermarket

As a born and bred Brit I’ve always been used to being able to get literally everything from the supermarket. And that includes my stash of Nurofen, aspirin, paracetamol etc.

And as I’ve also lived in Australia and the US, I know it’s the same there too. Not the case in a French supermarket.

So plan a trip to the ‘ Pharmacie ‘ if you want to stock up on painkillers.

And be prepared to queue because you can’t just pick them up off the shelf. They are over the counter only.

Tip 9 – You need to weigh your own fruit & veg

In many of the supermarkets, you’re required to weigh everything yourself before going to the checkout. Now this can be problematic if you don’t know the French name for the items you’ve picked up.

If you’re like me and carry an extensive shopping list with each meal for the week planned out, you’re in luck.

Try writing the French word for each of the fruit and veg on your list before setting off. Write them down next to the English word and you’ll be all set.

Now like I said not all supermarkets require you to do this. For example, in my local SuperU in Mansle, they do it for you. But in pretty much every other supermarket I’ve ever been to you have to do it yourself.

Look out for the little weighing machines in the fruit & veg areas. There are usually a few of them dotted around in the general fruit and veg area.

Oh, and don’t forget to check if the price is per item or per kilo. I’ve been caught out like this before with Kiwis.

Often they are priced per kiwi so don’t need to be weighed. If that’s the case you’ll see something like ‘ à prix unitaires ’ next to the price.

Trust me there’s nothing worse than standing at the weighing machine trying to find something that just isn’t there. You feel like a right idiot and you’ll likely start to flap.

Tip 10 – Refrigerated milk isn’t popular in French grocery stores

The French buy UHT milk and it’s found on the shelves along with other grocery items. Not in the refrigerated section.

So if you’re looking for the huge array of milk options you see in ASDA, you’ll be disappointed.

As someone who always bought skimmed red milk in the UK, I’ve had to make a change to ‘ demi-écrémé ’ in France (semi-skimmed).

For reference, the blue top is semi-skimmed. Red top here is ‘ entier ’ and that’s whole milk. There is no readily available skimmed option .

Tip 11 – Loyalty cards at grocery stores in France

Be prepared for the question “La carte du magasin?”

Every cashier will ask you this question as standard. Do you have a loyalty card? A simple ‘oui’ or ‘non’ will suffice here.

But in all honesty, if you’re starting the adventure that is living in France , then it’s definitely worth getting one.

My purse is full of them. From the cardboard loyalty cards for the English Fish & Chip van to the plastic variety issued by SuperU, Leclerc and Carrefour.

The latter will sometimes give you discounts on the spot but more often it’s likely to be an accumulation of points. A bit like a Boots Advantage card.

Tip 12 – A 6-pack isn’t sold only as a 6 pack

This one had me stumped for quite a while when I first moved to France. In fact, it actually used to really wind me up. I’d see people ripping open a 6 pack of coke, taking one bottle, and walking off.

Why would you do that? Why not just take the 6 bottles? Or take one bottle from the stacks of single bottles sitting there waiting to be picked up.

It was absolutely beyond me, and still is if I’m honest. I just don’t get it.

I’m always reminded of that scene from Father of the Bride where Steve Martin’s character goes into a supermarket and breaks open a packet of hotdog buns.

He then completely loses it at the shop assistant because he only wanted eight buns, not the twelve that came in the packet.

I guess it made sense to his character, in the same way, it makes sense to the French.

Tip 13 – French grocery stores don’t often offer home delivery.

If you prefer not to do the whole supermarket thing then you can order your groceries online.

It’s definitely not as common as in the UK or US but it is possible.

I’ve not done this myself but you can order online in some of the larger stores and either collect or have them delivered.

This isn’t something that is readily available in the rural areas so you’d need to check with each store.

Bonus tip – they have fresh orange juice stands

The main supermarkets in France

Just like in most countries, there are a variety of supermarkets to choose from.

Carrefour. Probably the biggest and most recognisable as you’ll find them around Europe. You’ll often find these in the big retail shopping areas outside of the main towns.

Leclerc. I shop here regularly and they have over 700 hypermarkets around France. Often they’re inside a shopping centre alongside cosmetic stores, opticians and cafes.

SuperU. My favourite store for a quick shop. You don’t see as many large stores with this brand and they’re usually found in the smaller towns. We have one locally to us which is great for a ‘top up’ shop during the week. Their own brands are really good too, especially their version of Magnums.

Monoprix. Just like many of the UK supermarkets they have their own range of homeware and tend to be big hypermarkets. Usually, they’re found in big cities rather than smaller towns.

Intermarche. The size of the stores in the more rural areas isn’t very large, so I don’t tend to shop here. But they have a range of larger stores in the bigger cities.

Auchan. This store is popular was founded in 1961 and tends to focus more on larger shops and hypermarkets.

You’ll also find Aldi and Lidl in most places if you’re looking for a budget alternative.

Organic grocery shopping in France

You’ll find an organic aisle in the bigger supermarkets in France but if you’re looking for an organic store then the three main ones are:

• La Vie Claire

Although not an organic store another one to look out for, which is a fresh fruit and veg chain, is Grand Frais .

I love a trip to this store as they have literally every type of fruit and veg you can imagine, and some you didn’t know existed.

If I’m cooking anything that requires something a little exotic I’ll usually go to Grand Frais.

Are groceries cheaper in France?

I have to be honest here and say unfortunately not. My grocery bill on average is about 20% more than it was in the UK.

However, the other benefits of living in France outweigh this.

I’ve also found that the cost of living crisis has seen things swing slightly in France’s favour.

The best way to do your grocery shopping in France

Food markets are a way of life here in France . And in the Charente, we have an abundance of them.

The produce is usually local and just the experience itself is worth it. I’d always pick the food market over the supermarket any day of the week.

One of my favourite things to do on a Sunday morning is to go to my local food market in Verteuil .

With a view of the fairytale chateau , it’s like being in a French fantasy dream world.

The market is held in the square till around 1 pm. I get my cheese and pate fix, visit the Brit shop for my English treats, and do the rounds of the fruit and veg stalls.

Afterwards, it’s a glass of rose in the square enjoying the sun and surroundings.

FAQS: Shopping in a French grocery store

What is grocery shopping like in france.

French supermarkets, locally known as “supermarchés”, often have fresh produce sourced from local farmers, reflecting the French dedication to quality and seasonality.

Cheese counters are fabulous, showcasing wheels of Camembert, Roquefort, and Brie alongside hundreds of other regional specialities. Meanwhile, every supermarket has a French bakery, or “boulangerie”, offering pastries, croissants and freshly baked bread.

Where do most French people do their grocery shopping?

While France is renowned for its outdoor markets and speciality shops, the majority of French people do their grocery shopping at supermarchés or supermarkets. These stores, which range from large hypermarkets like Carrefour to smaller neighbourhood stores like Franprix, offer a wide array of products all under one roof, making them a convenient one-stop-shop for most households.

Are groceries expensive in France?

The cost of groceries in France can vary significantly depending on where you shop and what you buy. Supermarkets are generally more affordable, offering a vast array of products at competitive prices. However, it’s worth noting that shopping at local markets or speciality stores might be a bit more costly, but it ensures high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced produce.

Do you bag your own groceries in France?

Yes, in France you bag your own groceries unlike in the US or Australia.

Final thoughts: Grocery shopping in France

Grocery shopping in France is fun and gives you a glimpse into the French way of life. Exploring the food on the shelves is an adventure as you never know what you’re going to find.

It still makes me smile when I see escargots (snails) in tins alongside the kidney beans, and frogs legs in the freezer next to the scampi. You never know what you’re going to find which is what makes it such a great experience.

If you’re looking to attempt a little French cooking then don’t forget to check out my top French recipes. Here are some of my favourites:

• Tarte Tatin
• Mussels in White Wine Sauce
• Beef Bourguignon
• Coq au Vin Blanc

TRAVELLING TO FRANCE?

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Kylie Lang is the founder of Life in Rural France. She moved to France in 2016 and lives in the beautiful Charente region in the Nouvelle Aquitaine. Through the blog, she showcases the best places to visit in France, especially in the South West. From chateaux and winery tours to hotels and restaurants, she has first-hand experience of life in France.

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• C.C Petite Arche (Route de Paris), 37100 Tours, France, GPS: 47.427513,0.699562
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Public holidays and Sundays in France

What is shut and what is open .

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Public holidays in France, when most things are closed

• January 1st,
• Easter Monday (in 2024 : April 1st ) (though not Good Friday except in Alsace),
• May 1st - La fête du travail, labour day.  A Wednesday in 2024.
• May 8th - Armistice day, World War II
• Ascension Thursday (in  2024 9th May)
• Whit Monday   (Lundi de Pentecôte) (in  2024 20th May),
• July 14th , French national holiday, Bastille day. A Saturday in 2024
• August 15th , Summer holiday day - Assumption day. A Tuesday in 2024
• November 1st , Toussaint, All souls' day
• November 11th , Remembrance Day, Armistice of World War I
• December 25th, Christmas , (though not Boxing Day, December 26th). Wednesdsay in 2024

• For information on Paris museums, see Paris Tourist Attractions .
• For information on roads and traffic congestion, see Driving in France

Normal shopping hours and closing times

Sundays in france, when most shops are closed, sunday shopping in paris, other tourist locations.

Mondays in France Particularly in small provincial towns, many shops are closed on Monday morning - so don't plan a big shopping trip on a Monday morning if you are on holiday in rural France. A lot of French provincial museums and monuments are also closed on Mondays. However supermarkets tend to be open as normal on Mondays, even in small towns.

Tuesdays in France This is the day on which a lot of museums and national monuments are closed. It is particularly the case with national monuments and museums, such as the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. 

Summer holidays Many businesses, administrations and shops will actually shut down completely for a week or two in Late July or early August, though shops are unlikely to close during this period in tourist areas. The closure of public administrations during August can be particularly frustrating.

Other disruptions to normal service Strikes and barricades France has the reputation of being a country prone to strikes. In actual fact, it is not a country where strikes are particularly commonplace; it is just that they tend to occur in high-profile sectors, in places where they are very visible and affect the lives of millions of ordinary men and women; i.e. in public services and in the transport sector.   Public transport is a sector frequently affected by strikes, that can bring rail services or airports to a halt nationally or regionally; and all kinds of workers in France have a habit of blocking roads, ports and railway lines in defence of their objective. Such events are strongly mediatized, but actually relatively rare . Foreign tourists often find it hard to understand why blockades are not quickly dispersed by the police; but this is part of the French way of life, a legacy of the Revolution and the spirit of the "barricades". Increasingly, police are brought in to disperse blockades, but generally not until after the striking workers or students have had time to make their point.

Top 10 Supermarket Retail Chains In France

Earlier this year, France 's government agreed a deal with major retailers to cap the price of essential food items, in a bid to ease the impact of inflation on shoppers.

Whether this – or broader market trends – had an impact on the current decrease in food price inflation, which recently slowed for the seventh month in a row , is still to be determined, but either way, the picture is looking somewhat brighter for shoppers as the new year looms.

Food price inflation stood at 7.8% in October, compared to 9.7% in September, Insee data showed, with the slowdown particularly noticeable in number of categories – including bread and cereals (+9.4%, compared to +10.9% in September); meat (+6.8%, compared to +8.3% in September); and milk, cheese and eggs (+11.2%, compared to +13.5% in September). Fresh fruit and fresh fish showed an increase in inflation, however.

To combat high inflation, shoppers are utilising a number of different channels, with e-commerce proving to be particularly popular among French consumers. In October, the online grocery channel gained 0.6 percentage points to account for 10.3% of the market, its highest level since the pandemic, Kantar data noted. In addition, the discount channel is also showing signs of acceleration in recent months.

Here's an overview of the top ten supermarket retail chains in France, according to their most recently-available full-year turnover. All data is supplied by Retail-Index.

***EXCLUSIVE OFFER*** Gain access to Retail-Index.com with a limited discount of 10% – use the code ESM10 in the remarks section on the  Price & Order form .

1. E.Leclerc Turnover: €51 billion (2021)

With a turnover of €51 billion in 2021, E.Leclerc is the largest retail chain in France. It has over 1,400 outlets under its various banners, including Brico E.Leclerc, Drive-in, E.Leclerc, L'Auto E.Leclerc, Le Manege a Bijoux E.Leclerc, Optique E.Leclerc, Parapharmacie, Sports et Loisirs, and Une Heure Pour Soi. It has had a presence in France since 1949.

As of October 2023, E.Leclerc accounted for 23.7% of French grocery spend , according to Kantar, seeing a 1.8 percentage point gain in market share – its biggest leap since the middle of 2020.

2. Carrefour Turnover: €35.28 billion (2021)

With more than 60 years of history under its belt, Carrefour is the second-largest retail chain in France, with a turnover of €35.28 billion as of 2021. It operates 5,773 outlets under various banners, including Carrefour Hypermarket, Carrefour Proximity Super Markets, Carrefour Supermarket, and Promocash.

In October, Carrefour noted that consumers were cutting back on spending as a result of the continued inflationary situation. "In a context of continued pressure on the purchasing power of our customers, our group confirmed the solidity of its commercial momentum and the attractiveness of its model," commented CEO Alexandre Bompard.

3. Les Mousquetaires Turnover: €36.06 billion (2022)

Les Mousquetaires is the third-largest retail chain in France, with a turnover of €36.06 billion in 2022. It operates under the Intermarché and Netto banners and has 2,200 outlets. Les Mousquetaires also has a presence in Belgium, Portugal and Poland.

In August, Les Mousquetaires boss Thierry Cotillard said that he expected consumer prices to remain high until March 2024 , although drops in the price of raw materials did indicate that some relief was on the horizon for both the retailer and its customers.

4. Système U Turnover: €22.97 billion (2021)

With a history dating back to the late 19th century, Système U reported a turnover of €22.97 billion in 2021, and operates under various banners, including Hyper U, Marché U, Super U, U express, and UTile. It has 1,640 outlets.

5. Auchan Turnover: €16.2 billion (2021)

Auchan had a turnover of €16.2 billion in 2021 and operates under various banners, including Auchan Hypermarket, Auchan Supermarkets, AuchanDrive and chronodrive, My Auchan, and Oney (Auchan). It has 588 outlets, as of last year.

Earlier this year, Auchan announced plans to sell a number of its French stores to franchisees, a new approach to its store operating model that it plans to accelerate in the coming years.

6. Casino Turnover: €14.03 billion (2021)

Groupe Casino reported turnover of €14.03 billion in France in 2021. It has 5,705 outlets under various banners, including Casino Proximité, Casino Supermarchés, Cdiscount, Franprix, Géant Casino, Le Petit Casino, Monop', Monoprix , Naturalia , Sherpa Supermarche, SPAR, and Vival.

In October, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky led a team of creditors in finalising a binding lock-up agreement to restructure Casino's debt, after the retailer was brought to the edge of default. A number of store offloads are planned as part of the restructuring process .

7. Lidl Turnover: €14 billion (2021 – estimated)

Part of Germany's Schwarz Group , Lidl boasts 1,630 outlets in France as of 2022. While its exact sales figures aren't known, sales in France are estimated at €14 billion for 2021. It has had a presence in the country since 1988.

During the summer, Lidl expressed its interest in acquiring a tranche of the Casino and Monoprix stores likely to be offloaded as part of the latter's restructuring process.

8. Cora Turnover: €5.09 billion (2021)

Cora reported a turnover of €5.09 billion in 2021 and operates under various banners, including Cora and Match. It has 176 outlets (as of last year). The first Cora hypermarket opened in France in 1969.

Earlier this year, Carrefour announced it was to acquire the Cora and Match banners from owner Louis Delhaize Group, with the transaction set to close in the summer of 2024.

9. Metro Turnover: €3.75 billion (2021 – estimated)

Wholesale group Metro reported an estimated turnover of €3.75 billion in 2021, and has 99 cash-and-carry outlets across the country. Part of Germany's Metro AG, it has had a presence in the country for more than 50 years, opening its first outlet in 1971.

Read More : 10 Ways In Which Metro AG Is Redefining The Wholesale Sector

10. Aldi Turnover: €3.3 billion (2020 – estimated)

Rounding off the top ten, Aldi France, a subsidiary of Aldi Nord in Germany, reported an estimated turnover of €3.3 billion in 2020, and has 1,388 outlets as of last year.

A report in April of this year indicated that the discount channel was the fastest-growing in France , with Aldi leading the charge, increasing its market share to 3.0%, a 0.2 percentage point gain.

A number of notable retailers fall outside the top ten, and are also worth mentioning. Picard Surgelés is a frozen food specialist that has over 1000 stores across France, while SPAR has 898 outlets across the country. There are also several notable retailers that specialise in organic and natural products, including Biocoop (781 outlets), Naturalia, Comptoirs de la Bio (102 outlets) and Bio c' Bon (95 outlets). Finally, there are several smaller chains such as G20, Colruyt, and Norma.

About Retail-Index

Retail-Index is a specialist supplier of management information on consumer retail markets, provided by Veraart Research Group in the Netherlands. Its mission is to supply managers with up-to-date key information on retail markets in Europe and support them in their international expansion.

The company dates back to 1964, when it started as a market research and marketing consulting company for consumer products and services. In 1989, it started publishing written reports on various retail sectors in Europe. As of 2005, it publishes its information on retailers through the online database and curated datasheet exports available on  www.retail-index.com . A team of researchers manages the data to reflect upon current developments in the markets, collected from an extensive number of sources.

Read More:   Top 10 Supermarket Retail Chains In Austria

Read More :  Top 10 Supermarket Retail Chains In Belgium

Read More: Top 10 Supermarket Retail Chains In Bulgaria

Read More: Top 10 Supermarket Retail Chains In Czechia

© 2023  European Supermarket Magazine  – your source for the latest  retail  news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click  subscribe  to sign up to  ESM: European Supermarket Magazine .

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