What is brought from France: an overview of the best souvenirs. What gifts and souvenirs can be brought from France What goods are brought from France

Before returning to my homeland, I always faced the question of buying souvenirs. I really like to choose gifts for my relatives and friends, and then pack them beautifully. It's an art, really!

Key chains in the form of the Eiffel Tower are traditionally brought from France - we bought them at once in whole bunches of 10–20 pieces (they cost 1–2 EUR each, but then you can distribute them to friends and acquaintances); French perfumes (samplers are also given as a gift); clothes; wines (I preferred to take a familiar Frenchman with me, since I myself know little about them); cheeses (yes, yes, and I managed to smuggle them); foie gras (I bought already at the airport, in a closed package).

When I finally left Paris, because of the many things and gifts that I carried with me, the excess of my suitcase was as much as 6 kg! Despite the fact that the permitted weight was 23 kg. I flew with Belavia and I had to pay as much as 60 EUR extra for luggage. So accurately calculate the weight of your things and see that your gifts are not too big.

What, where and how can you bring from the most romantic country? Now I will tell you.

Perfume

How can you not remember the subtle, delicious French perfume! Chanel,Guerlain,Christian Dior,Cartier, Givenchy- each brand has a variety of flavors. Unfortunately, prices for them do not fall at all, but on the contrary, they only grow.

Let's take a look at the types of French perfumes, as this directly affects their price. If you go from cheapest to most expensive:

  • Eau de toilette means that the percentage of alcohol in the jar is much greater than the amount of the essence itself;
  • Eau de parfum- the percentage of alcohol is approximately equal to the amount of added essence;
  • Essence de parfum- these are the best perfumes, as they have more essence than alcohol. They cost more than everyone else.

Therefore, when choosing, carefully read the label. Toilet water is the cheapest, but the smell disappears much faster. Eau de parfum or perfume essence is more expensive, but also more resistant.

However, in addition to those mentioned above, there are other worthy brands that are in no way inferior to the previous ones, but are not so expensive:


Where could I buy

Fragonard and Yves Rocher perfumes are best bought in boutiques of these brands. The Fragonard store is located next to the Opera Garnier in Paris (metro Opera), and Yves Rocher has a fairly wide network, so their boutiques can be found everywhere in Paris and other cities in France.

If you still want to buy perfumes of such big brands as Chanel, then it is better to buy them in Marionnaud or Sephora chain stores. It's something like our Rive Gauche. They will be cheaper there. For example, in Marionnaud eau de toilette will cost you 55 EUR, and perfume - 61 EUR.

If you have such an opportunity, then you can go to the city. There are a lot of different enterprises for the production of perfumes, where they are sold. There, at the price of the factory, which means you can buy a perfume for yourself inexpensively - from 30 EUR.

Cosmetics

If we talk about good and purely French brands of cosmetics, then this, of course, Clarins,Clinique,Dior,Estee Lauder and others. The list is quite voluminous. There are also less known, but quite high-quality ones: Caudalie, carita,La Roche Posay. brand Yves Rocher, which I mentioned above, is a little more expensive in terms of, for example, decorative cosmetics. But they have not so expensive facial skin care products, etc. - from 10 EUR.

Where could I buy

If your budget does not allow you to pounce on expensive Dior, Shiseido, Chanel boutiques, then welcome to Marionnaud and Sephora stores. You can buy cosmetics of absolutely different brands from them at the price you need. And as a gift here you can get perfume bottles or nail polishes.

clothing

Among the high-quality French brands that you will not find in Russia, you can name: Andre, Sandro,Eram. At the same time, these stores are not too expensive, for example, in André, autumn boots cost me 150 EUR.

Where could I buy

All tourists, when they arrive at the same place, immediately go to Galerie Lafayette. I do not advise you to do this. Unless your wallet is bursting with a huge amount of 100 EUR banknotes, and there is no amount on the card with a lot of zeros.

Large shopping centers

If you come to, then go to the next to the "Gallery" H & M or Le Printemps. The prices there are quite different: from 10 EUR for regular jeans to 60 EUR for the simplest blouse.

Also in Paris it is worth getting to La Défence metro station. There is a very large shopping mall. Les square temps. The prices here are adequate, and the variety of brands is the same as in Lafayette.

I really liked Aldo shoes and clothes, the prices for which here start from 35 EUR.

Small shops and flea markets

Another tip: go to small shops where there are little-known brands. You can find good clothes there at reasonable prices.

You can also buy it at flea markets. They are held in any city in France, however, often irregularly. It is better to find out in advance from your French acquaintances. For 3-5 EUR you can buy shoes, jewelry, and clothes.

And at the end of January and August, discount periods begin, so you can buy clothes with a discount of up to -70%.

Guilt

If you go to any store in France, you will immediately find the wine section there: they are very large and, as a rule, occupy a large area. There you will find any wine for every taste and color, which is usually sorted by region for convenience.

To choose a good and high-quality wine, you need to understand what is written on the label. So if it says:

  • VDT, then this means that you have table wine (vin de table). This is the most inexpensive option: a bottle costs from 3–5 EUR and has a burgundy excise stamp.
  • VDP- vin de pays - wine produced in certain regions. The process of making such wines is strictly controlled, and the bottle goes through various instances before reaching the store. The price starts from 35 EUR; blue excise stamp.
  • VDSQ- vin délimite de qualité supérieur - wines whose quality is guaranteed. Price - from 50 EUR. The difference between them and the ones above is that the producers of this category of wines have more freedom in choosing the grape variety from which the wine is made.
  • AOC- appellation d'origine contrôlée - the best wines that are produced in certain areas of the country. The label must include, among other things, the region, city or castle where it was made. Moreover, the smaller the production area, the better the wine. Price - from 100 EUR per bottle; excise stamp green.
  • Premier Cru or grand cru- the most prestigious and very expensive wine of 30 years and longer aging. For one bottle of such wine, the price can start from 700 EUR.

Also check that the label says Mis en bouteille en propieté/recoltant/producteur/chateau , What means "Produced in such and such a region" . There will be no such inscription on a fake.

And one more little hint: the more modest and unpretentious the label, the better the wine.

Cheese

It is quite possible to carry them to Russia in a suitcase. The main thing is to buy cheese the day before or on the day of departure home. The package cannot be opened, and it is better to put the already packaged cheese in a couple of bags. Some French cheeses are very odorous.

Know: real French cheese lasts a maximum of 3-4 days. So when you get home, immediately put it in the refrigerator.

If you have a flight with a transfer or even two, and then another long journey home by train - do not risk it. During the time you spend on the road, the cheese will definitely disappear.

As you can see in the photo above, they are all different colors and textures. Why? The fact is that they are produced from different types of milk:

  • goat;
  • cow;
  • sheep;
  • buffalo.

For example, bleu cheese or blue cheese, as it is called in Russia, can be made from pasteurized sheep's or cow's milk, depending on the region.

Also, they differ in the nature of their production: some are prepared industrially, and some are homemade.

Below I will list only the most famous cheeses that can be found in stores:


Where could I buy

When you come to the supermarket, you will see entire racks full of cheeses. The most expensive, like wines, will be labeled AOC(appellation d'origine contrôlée). The price starts from 5 EUR for a small purchase.

Other products

As I already wrote, foie gras you can also bring it as a gift, but it is better to buy it in a well-closed package. For example, in the one shown in the photo below or in a tin can.

Also, be sure to check the expiration date and calculate that it is enough before your arrival in Russia. The same rule applies to all products that you want to take with you to Russia. For example, I bought a ready-made pie in a package, and it safely reached Russia.

Where could I buy

Foie gras costs from 30 EUR for a small jar. It is sold both in specialized stores and in ordinary supermarkets.

Various knick-knacks/trinkets/plates

This is another common type of souvenirs. In Paris, you should be careful when buying such souvenirs from Arabs and black people who sell them. And it is best to buy trinkets in special souvenir shops, as there are fixed prices.

Where could I buy

Regardless of the city in which you arrived in France, it is better to go through all the shops and shops first to compare prices and choose one in which souvenirs are not so expensive. On average, a keychain will cost you 1-2 EUR; a plate at 5–10 EUR; painting at 30–35 EUR.

If you want to find something more original in Paris than the usual key chains or magnets, then go to the Rambuteau metro station. Then go past the center of Georges Pompidou and delve into the network of small streets behind it. There you can find interesting shops with rather non-standard souvenirs: jewelry, paintings, boxes, etc. - costing from 3 EUR.

Summary

In my review about France, I told you what you can bring from each individual region of this country. But in general, souvenirs across the country are the same.

Happy shopping!

Products that are produced in France meet the highest standards and attract many of our compatriots with their quality, exclusivity and eccentricity. With all this, quite often their prices are even lower than Russian ones of the same quality. However, it is unlikely that everyone can go shopping to this country every weekend, so delivery to Russia has become quite popular.

What do people buy in France

By and large, you can buy almost everything. There are several categories of products that are in the greatest demand. Of course, we are now talking about household goods, and not industrial equipment and hydraulics, such as high pressure hoses. What do they buy in this romantic country?

  • First of all, it is perfumery and cosmetics - world famous brands are synonymous with real quality.
  • Electrical and household appliances.
  • Books, and musical production.
  • Clothing. This section is especially popular, and they buy not only adult, but also children's clothes.
  • Interior items, various decorative materials for interior design, textiles, various designer details. There is even an opportunity to choose decor exclusively for the children's room.
  • Furniture.
  • Tableware.
  • Chandeliers and other lighting fixtures.
  • Of course, chocolate and gastronomy are also in demand. After all, you really want to feel the taste of France, even when you are at home.

Options for delivering goods from France to Russia

Most of all, the method of delivery of the selected items causes concern. Many people think that it is very long and just as expensive. However, there are many delivery options, often they are combined so that the client receives what he wants as quickly as possible.

At the same time, all goods are necessarily insured, and the time of arrival in our country is not at all as long as it might seem. After all, even when making purchases in a Russian online store, for example, at http://www.ru.all.biz/, you have to wait for an order for some time. So, here are the main delivery options.

  1. Shipping. There are companies that make regular sea voyages delivering goods to Russia. To achieve maximum speed and regularity, ships of various lines are used. If only the sea route is used, then the approximate time after which the goods will arrive in our country is about 20 days.
  2. Use of road transport. The bulk of the vehicles used for transportation are large-capacity trucks and road trains. The purpose of using such transport is to deliver as many goods as possible and, accordingly, reduce the cost of transporting each of them. This method is faster - the desired will arrive in Russia in two weeks. However, using small-tonnage machines can speed up this process.
  3. air transportation. The fastest and most efficient option, but also more expensive. But if time is the highest priority, not cost, this is the best choice. The maximum period of this type of transportation is up to a week (7 days). This is even considering all the documentary preparation, which also takes time.
  4. ShortSea. This is the most modern logistics system, which implies the most optimal routes and sections of various transport in one route. It refers to intermodal transportation, when containers are used and all cargo passes not in separate units, but in whole containers. Accordingly, it requires less documents and time. This method can be safely attributed to the budget, since the goods always come in large quantities, which reduces costs.

If you want to arrange a piece of France in your home, it is not necessary to go somewhere. Any goods can be delivered here.

Summer is not only a time of lush greenery and flowers, but also, of course, the time of resorts and vacations. Choosing a country where holidays will bring an unforgettable experience, more than half of the girls surveyed, no doubt, will choose France.

Oh, Paris, the city of live music, fountains, lights and elegant young ladies... Having made a choice in favor of this amazing country, the girl will definitely not lose. The days spent in this magical place with all its sights are filled with the revived fairy tale of the eternally sleepless Parisian streets. The banks of the Seine River, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower - all these unearthly places flash before your eyes when it's time to say goodbye to your beloved country of romance and feelings. Gradually, one has to descend from heaven to earth and solve already pressing questions: what to bring home from such a breathtaking trip, to relatives? other tourists to keep at least a piece of the "Parisian" mood?

This article will present the best, and most importantly, proven options for gifts and souvenirs from wonderful France.

Famous French patisseries

When it comes to France, most of the associations are with traditional French croissants, which are served warm in cozy restaurants in the early morning. Of course, this creation of confectionery art could also be brought, but during the many hours of the journey, the tender dough can become stale ... But why not leave the country without its traditional sweets?

One of the best gift options for family and friends can be a quality French chocolate bar. How is it different from any other chocolate product? It's simple: the composition includes the most delicate milk and a large number of spices that the French know how to dispose of so well. Indeed, ordinary chocolate is lost against the background of the one that literally melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delicate aftertaste of cinnamon ...

Another win-win sweet that is usually brought from France is the well-known Macaron - here, in its historical homeland, this sweet is cheaper and of better quality than in other places.

Alcoholic products

Since we are talking about edibles, how can you miss such an important topic as the famous French medium-alcohol drinks, which, without a few extra degrees, will drive you crazy with their taste.

Of course, we are talking about luxury French wines and assortment. An elegant and simple gift in the form of a bottle of good wine, which will please both friends and family, will be a perfect example of what is brought from France. The most amazing thing is that in this country, especially in its heart, in Paris, good alcohol can be bought almost everywhere. And the point here is not at all the statistics of alcohol intoxication among the inhabitants of France: it’s just that Paris is always crowded with tourists from other countries who can’t wait to take a couple of bottles of the popular Bordeaux with them, and it just so happened that the French are a people who love to live beautifully and elegantly , and therefore there are simply no cheap fakes of alcohol here.

Thus, French wines or champagne will be a great souvenir option for loved ones. Moreover, the list of high-quality alcoholic beverages does not stop at wine - cognac is also one of the prides of French manufacturers, but its high quality corresponds to an equally high price, so cognac is not often chosen as a gift.

french cheeses

Continuing the theme of alcoholic beverages, one cannot fail to mention the ideal ensemble, which has long become a kind of classic. We are talking about wine and cheese - a pair that cannot be separated.

Thinking about what to bring from France as a gift, you can stop at a head of good-quality cheese. This delicacy will be appreciated anywhere, because French cheese is saturated with the atmosphere of this country, like any other national delicacy.

And do not forget that it was France that became the birthplace of world-famous blue cheeses. Naturally, not everyone will like such a product, but if a gourmet friend is waiting at home, then why not please him with the original blue cheese, which is significantly different from what you can buy in any supermarket?

Herbs and spices

Another hallmark of France can be considered a giant market called Richard Lenoir. Why did this market become a kind of attraction? Very simply - this place is entirely specialized in the trade of a wide variety of spices. Just think: there are thousands of spices here - from traditional coriander and saffron to the collection of Provence herbs.

A box filled with a whole bouquet of various spices is what you can bring from France as a gift to people who often prepare gourmet dishes. Such a souvenir will be appreciated, and therefore spices will be an ideal option straight from the French market.

Designer clothing

This gift option is more suitable for girls, because who, if not a woman, knows a lot about stylish clothes? So, in France there will be no problems with this souvenir, since Paris, along with Milan, is one of the current fashion capitals in the world. There is a huge number of designer boutiques where you can buy exclusive items.

Of course, the prices for ready-made luxury will correspond to its quality, but if you want to make a worthwhile gift from the heart, then you can’t save on this! Options for souvenirs from Parisian designers can be high-quality gloves, sunglasses, elegant wide-brimmed hats or berets in the rhythm of French fashion, and in no case should one ignore the personification of French style - chiffon balloon scarves.

Receiving such a gift, any girl will be able to feel in the place of that very Frenchwoman who every morning comes into the bakery for a cup of strong coffee with spices and a fragrant croissant to it. So designer clothes are one of the best answers to the question of what to bring back from France as a souvenir.

Cosmetics

The global authority that many French cosmetic firms have is indisputable, so why not buy a couple of products for someone as souvenirs? But first, it’s worth figuring out: what cosmetics to bring from France? To answer this question, you need to know the preferences of the person to whom you plan to give a gift: perhaps it will be a long-lasting classic lipstick, branded mascara or a set of facial creams. A set of fragrant oils for body skin care can be a wonderful option.

perfume

Not far from cosmetics, it is worth paying close attention to the dizzying French perfume. One thing is for sure - the best perfume in the world cannot be found! This is probably why French perfumes are the most frequently brought from France.

The atmosphere in which French perfumers invent and combine their unique fragrances makes any bottle coming from expensive and branded stores or from simple and average prices breathe a life of its own. France is also a country of fragrances, each of which tells its own story. So French perfumes have not just become a household name, denoting the degree of luxury of a perfume.

Coffee

Another amazing gift that you can think of is real French coffee. You will not be able to taste such a drink anywhere else! The tart taste and aroma, the feeling of cheerfulness that it gives - all this together makes you dizzy at the first sip. One of the best brands is considered Ricore - a drink in which coffee and chicory are mixed in special proportions - perhaps that is why it has such a unique taste. If it is preferable for girls and women to buy the best French sweets as a gift, then coffee is the best gift for serious men who will be able to appreciate it.

France - the country of forgotten vintage

After staying in this amazing country, many people ask themselves: what is the first thing they bring from France as souvenirs? The answer to this question can be found in the windows of many small shops that sell the most outlandish rarities. Having entered at least once in such a shop, it will be impossible to leave it empty-handed.

These tiny shops with antique knickknacks represent the spirit of France, and therefore will be a great gift when traveling home. Souvenirs can be beautiful vintage postcards with dried lavender flowers and exuding an incredible aroma, it can be vinyl records from the 30s or 40s, and what about shabby photographs depicting the most beautiful views of old Paris? An aged carved music box, from which motifs of national French music are pouring, can become an equally original gift.

Classic souvenirs

If none of the options listed above fell to my heart, then no one canceled the classic small souvenirs that can be obtained in any country.

Then you shouldn’t think about what souvenirs to bring from France: key rings with the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, magnets with views of the Champs Elysees or the Louvre, gift lighters again in the shape of the Eiffel Tower, small gift figurines, kitchen sets, jars for storing spices with night views of Paris ... How many of them! But the main thing is that anyone will be happy with such gifts, regardless of the person's taste, and plus, these souvenirs will never lose their popularity!

If you still have questions on the topic “Souvenirs from France: what to bring and how to please everyone”, then you can always ask the person himself, who will tell you exactly about his tastes and preferences. And yet, no matter how wonderful the souvenir itself is, nothing compares to living in this land of wish fulfillment and nighttime romance. So the best option for getting vivid impressions is not a welcome gift at all, but your own presence in this amazing country.

Even the shortest trip to the country of the Eiffel Tower, the three brave musketeers and fragrant cheeses will be unforgettable and will make you want to take at least something to remember with you. An experienced tourist will also be confused by the variety of goods, so the question is, what to bring from france interesting, unusual and useful, stands before everyone who plans a trip to the land of Balzac and Hugo.
The main principle before a shopping tour to France is simple: take less things with you and more money. The permitted weight of a suitcase at the airport is 23 kilograms in economy class cabins and 32 kilograms for business class passengers. Additional weight will be charged at the airport at your carrier's rate.

small souvenirs

The simplest gifts for friends are key rings in the form of the Eiffel Tower. They are sold immediately in bunches of several pieces, and in some kiosks they can make a discount for bulk purchases. It is better to purchase them in special outlets - enterprising merchants in the squares are very intrusive and ask for one and a half times more. The cost of one key pendant is 0.50 = 2 euros. Postcards and magnets are the second most popular souvenirs. Prices start from 2 euros.

Original small gift items can be found in the streets behind the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris (Rambuteau metro station). Jewelry, boxes, pictures and other little things cost from 3 euros.
Connoisseurs of beauty will be delighted with watercolor paintings with local views. You can buy such a gift on the embankment of the left bank of the Seine in Paris. Prices depend on the appetite of the artists: from 5 to 50 euros.
In Versailles, CDs with music recordings by composers of the 17th and 18th centuries are sold. Similar products are difficult to find in other countries.

Products

If you're scratching your head what to bring from france more interesting, then opt for edible souvenirs. Friends, colleagues, and family members will be happy with such a gift.
In France, they produce amazing chocolate, the most delicate macaroons, almond calissons and roast incomparable chestnuts.
The most paradoxical sweetness from the land of the Musketeers is sugared violets. The combination of caramel and flower petals is as unusual as it tastes good. The delicacy turns out to be completely not cloying, with light astringent notes. You can buy a bag with such a treat in Provence and Toulouse, where they are sold in literally every market. No less interesting is jam from the same flower petals. The cost of sweets starts from about 3 euros.
A traditional gift from France is a jar of goose or duck liver pate. Foie gras translates as "fatty liver" and has a rich creamy nutty flavor. It is better to buy in a closed package - a can or a glass jar with a tightly screwed lid. The pate costs about 30 euros for a small portion and is sold in any supermarket.
Delicious seafood is sold on the Cote d'Azur in France. If you have to enjoy oysters only in a restaurant, then you can bring a jar of canned mussels in garlic sauce.
And why not bring a piece of the famous cheese? You will not find so many types of this product in any country in the world! Hard and soft, seasoned and early ripening, with mold and nuts - the variety of varieties makes you dizzy. If it's hard to make a choice, opt for the classic goat cheese, a small piece of which will cost around 8 euros. Crotin de Chavignoles, Valansay and Selle sur Cher have a pleasant taste and unique aroma and go well with wine - of course, also French.
“Wine is not everything in life, but life without wine is nothing,” as the French say. Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and Beaujolais produce the finest drinks. If you are not a connoisseur of wines, we recommend buying Veuve Clicquot and Dom Perignon - you won't regret it. A bottle of such good wine will cost about 10 euros.
From alcoholic drinks, tourists also often bring pastisse herbal tincture, Cognac Meukow and Cognac Edouard III cognacs. It is better to buy them in supermarkets and company stores.
You can build a small basket with products: olive oil in a bottle with a convenient dispenser, violet syrup, Provencal spices, chestnut jam, a piece of cheese and wine. One can only envy the one who receives such a gift!

Cosmetics

France has long been famous for the best cosmetics on the planet. The world's most famous brands are much cheaper here, and you can be sure that you have purchased original products.
It is better not to bring decorative cosmetics as a gift if you do not know the person's preferences. But creams, masks and lotions of Vichy, Garnier, L'Oreal, L'Occitane, Yves Rocher brands, produced in their historical homeland, will delight every woman. Prices start at about 8 euros. Pay attention to the inscription "Fabriqué en France" and buy care products in pharmacies. Be sure to add a bar of beautiful lavender soap, which can be purchased at the market. In Provence, these fragrant bars are sold literally at every step, and they have different smells: from delicate mimosa to the original tomato. They cost about 1.5 euros.

Perfumery

What to bring from France as a gift to a beautiful lady? Of course, spirits! Famous fragrances from Chanel and Dior are significantly cheaper here than in the CIS countries, and differ in quality. It is better to purchase them in Sephora stores. For example, in Paris, the outlet is located on the Champs-Elysées and not far from Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann. Prices for really good perfumes start at 35 euros.
The Fragonard perfume museum is very popular among tourists, where you can buy unique perfumes - the treasured bottles are sold only in France! If you're lucky enough to be in Grasse, be sure to take a tour of the factory and create your own scent! A small bottle of concentrated Fragonard perfume costs about 30 euros. The shop at the museum also sells charming souvenirs - soap dishes, bath foam, boxes - that will melt the heart of even the most severe lady.

Clothes and accessories

Paris still challenges Milan for the title of the most fashionable city, but one cannot but agree that shopping in France is grandiose! You should not spare money for yourself and your loved ones - things are very high quality and really unique. It is unlikely that you will find a similar scarf or handbag from another fashionista.
Inexpensive but cute handbags and reticules with the image of the Eiffel Tower are sold in large quantities in souvenir kiosks. Their price is about 10 euros. An umbrella with views of Paris will also be a useful gift - about 9 euros.
Do you want to feel like a real Frenchwoman? Then hurry up to get a fashionable beret and scarf! At first they were worn by sailors, but now this headdress has become a stylish sign of bohemia. The price of the set is 15 euros.
As for the clothes of famous brands like Lacoste or Armani, buying a dress will cost a pretty penny. You can save money by coming to France in the season - then quality things can be bought for ridiculous money.

Children's joys

You shouldn't have to ask what to bring from france children. Feel free to go to Disneyland and buy t-shirts, mugs and toys with images of your favorite cartoon characters! Any toddler will be happy to receive a plush Mickey Mouse or a cap with Winnie the Pooh as a gift. The cost of souvenirs starts from about 8 euros.
The visiting card of France is Vilac wooden toys. Carefully polished and painted rocking horses and cars will please the little ones, and older children can be offered a designer or a set of furniture for dolls. Girls will surely like the cloth doll of the famous Deqlinqos brand.

A trip to France is like a dream come true, a paradise with magnificent cathedrals and cozy streets, cute restaurants and soulful cafes. Everyone who has been here will be happy to take with him a piece of this dream, at least in the form of memorable photographs or souvenirs.

Alcohol

Wine

The wines of France are perhaps the main brand of this beautiful country. Among the famous wine-growing regions, the first line is occupied by the city of Bordeaux. The windows of the local shops offer a rich assortment of high-quality cognacs, wines, liquors and other grape-based drinks.

Champagne

It is impossible to imagine France without sparkling wine, which is best made in the Champagne region, or without young Beaujolais wine. Fine wines are produced in Alsace and other regions of France. Among the most popular brands are Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Cognac Meukow and Cognac Edouard III, Moet&Chandon.

Pastis

In no way inferior in quality are the products of wineries in the region of Dijon and Burgundy, where since the beginning of the 20th century the pastis drink (also known as “Provencal milk”), which is made from pineapples, with the addition of licorice root and various herbs, has been very popular.

Toys

As a gift for children, you can bring very unusual wooden toys from the Vilac company, which has existed for over 100 years. Among the products of this company there are all kinds of developing designers and puzzles. Janod's wooden toys are no less popular. And soft toys and dolls from Deglingos are distinguished by their exclusive design.

A real paradise for young travelers is Disneyland Paris, where you can bring figurines of popular cartoon characters, toys and clothes with the symbols of the park and images of popular characters from the wonderful world of Walt Disney.

chestnuts

For many centuries, chestnuts served as almost the main food for the poorest segments of the population. But over time, everything changed, and they firmly entered the diet of all the French. Nowadays, roasted chestnuts are sold right on the street, and you can also buy very unusual chestnut jam and preserves.

Cosmetics and perfumery

It's no secret that the best fragrances in the world have French roots. Therefore, it is definitely better to buy perfumes in the very heart of Paris, at the Fragonard Perfume Museum. Here, after getting acquainted with the exposition, you can buy your favorite fragrance, or a whole set of several bottles.

The choice of cosmetics in France is very large, because it is the birthplace of many world brands "Vichy", "L'Oreal Paris", "Garnier", "Clarins", "Dior", "Chanel", "Guerlain". One of the best places to buy cosmetics is Sephora perfume store.

A pleasant gift will be a gentle natural soap, which is produced in Provence and is famous for its rich bouquet.

Limoges porcelain

Limoges porcelain has gained wide popularity due to a special production technology - the products of the porcelain factory in Limoges are distinguished by the brightness of patterns and the unparalleled whiteness of the base.

Meat delicacies

In French grocery stores, lovers of culinary delicacies can find a huge selection of sausages, meat products and game.

pates

Thinking about what delicious to bring from France, you can opt for the famous French pates, which the French themselves call "terrines". Pate recipes are unique and varied - from chicken, duck, salmon and even vegetables.

Jamon

Jamon is a Spanish dish that has become widespread in France. This unique product is the subject of special pride of the French, along with the best brands of wines. After all, French jamon is distinguished by a low fat content and excellent taste.

Foie gras

Foie gras is perhaps one of the most famous French delicacies. Foie gras means "fatty liver" in French. The dish is a goose or duck liver prepared in a special way. Foie gras is sold raw and canned. The second option can be easily transported.

Clothes, shoes and accessories

Paris deservedly bears the title of the capital of world fashion; there are boutiques of the best European fashion designers on almost every corner. The price of items from current collections is quite high, but seasonal sales open up a lot of opportunities.

Brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ungaro, Lanvin, Camaieu, Cacharel, KOOKAI need no introduction. The choice of accessories is also great: bags, scarves, bijouterie. Here you can always buy products of both world famous and emerging designers.

Olives, capers

There are several farms in France where the best varieties of olives are grown: Domaine de l'Oulivie, Combaillaux, Accent d'Oc, Capestang, Coopérative Oléicole L'Oulibo, Bize-Minervois. Of the variety of varieties, Luques, Olivière, Aglandau, Picholines, Ascolana and Bouteillan olives stand out in particular.

Capers are best bought salted for a gourmet taste of Mediterranean cuisine and can be easily found in food markets.

Condiments and spices

The list of French seasonings and spices is simply huge, among the most popular are tarragon, fragrant savory, rosemary, marjoram saturated with essential oils, somewhat reminiscent of parsley, chervil, thyme and basil.

Dijon mustard

This mustard owes its name to the city where it was once invented by Jean Nejon. As an experiment, he decided to use sour grape juice instead of vinegar. Dijon mustard in France is represented by dozens of varieties, it is prepared from the peeled seeds of the plant of the same name and diluted with white wine or the juice of unripe grapes.

poppy syrup

Poppy syrup in France is often used in home medicine to combat coughs and insomnia. The syrup is drunk diluted with water, and if you add white wine to it, you get the drink "kir". In cooking, poppy syrup is commonly used as a sweet additive. You can buy a jar of syrup at the candy factory, which is located a few kilometers from Nice.

Provencal herbs

Provence herbs got their name from the province of Provence, famous for its culinary traditions. It is an aromatic blend that includes basil, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, mint, savory, sage and thyme. Provencal spices will help sparkle with new colors in hot dishes, soups, side dishes and salads.

Sweets

French cuisine offers a huge selection of sweets: soufflés, profiteroles, brioches, blancmange, clafoutis, meringue, creme brulee and many more delicious items.

candied violets

A rather unusual and very popular delicacy is candied violets. The homeland of this delicacy is the city of Toulouse, whose stores also sell violet jam and ice cream. You can take a tour of the factory that produces these sweets and visit a boutique that sells not only candied violets, but also roses and all kinds of fruits.

Croissants

Croissants in France can be seen everywhere and in a variety of ways. Therefore, to please relatives or friends with a package of fresh croissants will be a very right decision.

Macarons

This is one of the favorite delicacies of the French, which has become popular all over the world. Macaroons are small round cakes made with white almond flour. It is best to purchase these multi-colored sweets in specialized confectioneries.

Chocolate

French chocolate, no doubt, is one of the world leaders, in no way inferior to Belgian or Swiss. It is not easy to answer the question of what kind of chocolate to bring from France, because the choice of chocolate bars and sweets in this country is huge.

It is difficult to find another country in Europe with so many boutiques and exclusive chocolate shops. The number of chocolate factories exceeds a hundred, and the world famous brands Valrhona and Richart need no introduction. You can buy sweets and chocolate in the tasting rooms that are open at each factory.

Souvenirs

Fans of souvenirs in the form of antiques should definitely look into the Parisian second-hand bookshops, which offer a large selection of interesting things. Here you can find vintage postcards with panoramas of old Paris, and rare vinyl records, and books published more than 100 years ago. In the souvenir shops of Paris, eyes widen at the sight of bright designer accessories, ceramics, picnic sets, all kinds of jars and other trinkets.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the easiest thing to bring back from France as a souvenir. There are no souvenir shops where this famous symbol of Paris would not be presented. The Eiffel Tower is present on postcards, key chains, magnets, jewelry, dishes, in the form of miniature copies.

An original decoration in the interior will be a floor lamp in the shape of a tower or a clock with its image, a very unusual souvenir - a glass bottle cast in the form of an architectural masterpiece.

Louvre

You can also take a piece of the Louvre from Paris. Near the famous museum there are many shops where you can find copies of unique works and art objects - figurines, magnets and postcards, cups with reproductions of beautiful paintings from the museum's collection. In the Louvre itself, notebooks and notepads with the image of the legendary Mona Lisa are sold.

Berets, scarves

The felt beret is not only one of the symbols of France, but is an integral part of the national costume. The tradition of wearing berets originated among fishermen, but gradually this headdress gained popularity among secular ladies and representatives of the creative intelligentsia.

The famous French scarves, which give their owner an unusual charm, will also become an elegant gift. French designers produce scarves made of silk, wool and cashmere.

Cheese

French cheeses are famous all over the world. It was here that the famous Camembert, blue cheese, was born. It is worth a try, as the cheese sold in French stores has nothing to do with what can be found in Russia.

There are more than 500 varieties of cheese in France, including hard, semi-hard and soft varieties, with mold and with all kinds of additives. The most popular varieties are Cantal, Comte, Mimolet, Layol, Temple, Roquefort, Emmental, Brie, goat.

tapenade

Tapenade is a traditional French dish. It is made from finely chopped olives, olives and anchovies with the addition of capers. Salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil are added to the mixture to give a piquant taste and a more viscous structure. Tapenades made according to old recipes are sold in the markets of Provence, but often a jar of this delicious pasta can be purchased at any supermarket.

Truffles

A true gourmet will not be able to ignore such an amazing creation of nature as the French truffle. This, at first glance, inconspicuous mushroom made France famous all over the world. A kilogram of such mushrooms costs up to 2,000 euros per kilogram.

But truffle is primarily a condiment, so it can be purchased by the gram. They are added to soups and pasta, meat and vegetable dishes. There are varieties of cheese with the addition of truffles. Truffle oil and paste are produced separately.

Football paraphernalia

Football is very popular in France, therefore, among the most common souvenirs are the football uniforms of the national team and French clubs Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain, Bordeaux, Olympic, as well as other sports paraphernalia - scarves, flags, calendars, player autographs. For any man who is passionate about football, such a gift will be unforgettable.

Jewelry and bijouterie

Branded jewelry in France is very widely represented and of high quality. As a rule, their cost is quite high, but if you are here during the sales period, you can buy original products at quite reasonable prices.

For lovers of jewelry, a large assortment of stylish earrings, rings and beads of excellent quality is presented. Such a gift will be unforgettable for any woman. The most popular French brands in the world: Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Chanel.

Cannot be exported

  • historical values;
  • antique items;
  • jewelry;
  • weapons and ammunition;
  • erotic content.