travel items in french

28 Top France Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

France’s gorgeous landscape and many tourist attractions make it a top-of-list destination for many travelers. It’s one of our favorite countries to visit!

If you haven’t been there before, though, it can be hard to know what to pack.

To help you, we’ve prepared a guide to what to wear in France , what NOT to bring, and answers to some of the top France FAQs to make sure you get the most enjoyment possible out of your trip. Bon voyage!

What to Pack for France – 28 Essentials

1. universal power adapter.

Having this device on hand will allow you to use your American electronics in French power outlets without damaging them. This one pictured is great because it also comes with 2 USB ports and works in over 100 popular countries. It also has a built-in fuse to protect your devices and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Jet Lag Relief

If you’re traveling overseas for your trip to France, chances are you’ll fall victim to the negative effects of jet lag. It can be 10+ hours on many direct flights to France and that’s before any layovers or long transfers to your accommodation. To prevent and treat any exhaustion, simply take these homeopathic jet lag relief pills and make the most of the first day of your vacation in France! I never travel far distances without them.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

After having my credit card number stolen at an Airbnb in Paris, I know the importance of a VPN. Hackers in Europe are modernizing their predatory tactics and the most common type of cyberattack in France is ransomware (when the thief places a malware block on your files so you can’t access them and requires a ransom payment to unlock them). Keep your passwords, credit card data, and other sensitive information safe and protected from potential hackers by using a VPN like NordVPN whenever you connect to public Wi-Fi sources.

You’ll likely often be using Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, and airports during your trip, so it’s pivotal to make sure your information is secure. A VPN will defend your online privacy and ensure you are an anonymous web surfer while also limiting any local censorship that can hinder your internet access. Some of your favorite websites (like Netflix, PayPal, YouTube, or apps needed for work) could be blocked, but a VPN will give you a truly private network.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Neck Wallet

A good neck wallet is an incomparably useful item to bring with you on any vacation abroad, and France is no exception. Whenever you’re in particularly touristy or crowded areas, you’ll want to keep your valuables, like cash, credit cards, passport, and smartphone, organized and tucked away. I’ve had my wallet stolen in Paris right on the subway train, I barely felt it but knew something was gone immediately. This can be worn under your shirt so no one can even see your essentials!

5. Comfortable Flats

Tasteful flats with good traction are your best bet pretty much everywhere in Europe. These shoes enable you to do a lot of walking around during the day but they also keep you from having to pack a second pair to wear to dinner at night. They are also a good way of coping with the occasional hazards posed by cobblestoned streets, uneven pavement, and slick stone staircases.

6. Travel Insurance for France

The French healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world. This is why travel insurance is critical since your domestic provider will generally not cover you overseas (this includes Medicare and Medicaid). Trust us, you don’t want to get stuck paying out-of-pocket for six-figure medical expenses, and we’ve seen friends save nearly $50K by having protection against common issues like theft, baggage loss, cancelations, delays, international hospital bills, and costly medivac transits.

We’ve been blown away by Faye because they have unique plans for every type of traveler. They reimburse you at the time you need it most by handling the claims process and wire transfers through their mobile app. We’ve told all of our loved ones and readers about this awesome company because they are modernizing insurance (not to mention making it way less daunting!) Coverage is very affordable and will offer you great peace of mind against anything that doesn’t go according to plan. Trust us, you can’t afford to travel without it.

Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

7. Packing Cubes

Using packing cubes is a super useful way to remain organized and avoid overpacking during your trip to France. This set comes in a variety of fun colors and allows you to organize your clothing and belongings into separate cubes so you’ll never have to dig around your luggage searching for one specific item. It even has laundry bags to divide your clean and stinky clothes properly.

Available on HeroTravelSupply.com with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code “HERO” .

Or view them on Amazon.com ➜

8. Luggage Straps

Identify your bags quickly and save precious time at baggage claim with these brightly colored straps. Your luggage will pop from across the room and not blend in with the never-ending carousel of basic bags that roll down the ramp. Not to mention, some major airports in France, including Charles De Gaulle (CDG) in Paris, are known for frequent baggage loss – so these straps are a wise addition since they have a built-in identification tag. Someone can easily contact you and your bag won’t be missing for long.

Many people also use luggage straps to support their zipper and ensure nothing pops open or breaks. These straps centralize the weight and can withstand 700+ lbs of force tension, which means even the toughest toss by baggage handlers won’t result in your laundry being poured out on the conveyor belt!

9. Anti-theft Backpack

Don’t underestimate the usefulness of having a good daypack on hand. This item can serve as a purse, daypack, a beach bag, or a shopping tote. You want something that’s big enough to hold all your daily essentials without being overly large and unwieldy. This one is perfect for a day out in France and stylish, so you’ll blend in with the locals!

10. Hanging Toiletry Bag

If there’s one thing you should know about Europe, it’s that the bathrooms are so small that the Brits literally refer to them as ‘water closets’ and the countertop space is virtually nonexistent. This hanging toiletry bag will be your new best friend because it creates a shelf-like design in any bathroom. Simply hang it on a door, hook, or pole and it will hold all of your hygiene items, shower products, towels, makeup, etc., in a vertical organization system.

It also places everything at eye-level so you don’t have to go digging through annoying plastic sacks to find your petite lip balm or buried serum. This case is leak-proof, stain-resistant, and works like magic to maintain your routine (and your sanity!) Thank us later.

11. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Don’t travel to France without your quick-dry towel. This will come in useful if you’re spending a day on the beach in the South of France or if your accommodation doesn’t provide a towel or if the one provided isn’t up to your cleanliness standards. It’s lightweight and dries quickly so you can toss it in your bag whenever you need it. I use it as a seat cover on dirty public transit seats, packing cushion, and more.

12. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

If you plan to use your phone or camera during the day while you’re out and about in France, you’ll be glad you brought along a lipstick-sized portable charger. Simply toss it in your purse or daypack and always have a backup battery if yours runs out at an inconvenient time. It’s the power bank of all power banks!

13. Windproof Travel Umbrella

The weather in France can be unpredictable so you’ll want to make sure you have a sturdy, windproof umbrella in case of rain. Toss it in your daypack so you’ll never be unprepared! We love this one because it can fit two people underneath and it’s very resilient against gusts of wind.

14. France eSIM Data Service (Avoid Roaming Fees!)

Saily is the best option we’ve found for immediate internet use upon arriving at your destination! Staying online while overseas is imperative, and we’ve fully embraced the seamlessness of eSIMs, which can be activated remotely. We actually predict that physical SIM cards will soon fade out of use, and digital SIM cards will become the new standard for global travelers.

There are infinite perks to using an eSIM service – you only pay for the data you plan to use, your connection is safer due to avoiding sketchy public Wi-Fi networks where hackers may lurk, roaming rates will be lower since you can connect to a local carrier’s network, and it’s more affordable than using your domestic service. Additionally, the ‘e’ stands for ‘embedded’ into your phone, so it’s literally impossible to lose or damage an eSIM. Connect in a few quick taps!

Pick a data plan at Saily.com ➜

15. Luggage Locks

Send your checked luggage to France without worrying about your belongings getting snatched. With a set of TSA-approved luggage locks, you won’t have to worry about anyone going through your luggage besides TSA. Luggage locks are also great for securing your day bags while exploring crowded areas. You’d be surprised how easily pickpockets can get into your bag and snatch your things without you even noticing. This is the land of gypsies, and they are pros!

Not only is a scarf quintessentially French, but it will come in clutch as an evening shawl on a chilly night or even a modesty wrap for certain attractions. Many churches and sacred sights will not allow access to patrons with uncovered shoulders or exposed legs. Or you can tie it around your neck like Grace Kelly to complete the look! This wrap is small to pack, and you won’t regret having it.

17. Brita Water Bottle

A good water bottle will pay for itself before a trip is over. The tap water in France is perfectly safe to drink and doing so can save you several dollars per day. This Brita water bottle will filter your water before you drink it, adding an added layer of health and protection. It noticeably improves the taste too.

18. Discounted Tickets for French Experiences

Booking your ticket in advance is always recommended so things don’t get sold out. Get Your Guide is our favorite excursion platform to find the coolest local activities!

You should see the obvious attractions in Paris like the Louvre , the Eiffel Tower , and Disneyland . But the real highlight of France is its day trips. As someone who’s lived in France for many months at a time, I’d recommend spreading out to see the country in its entirety.

You will find mountainous provinces in the North like Mont-Saint-Michel , and Mediterranean beaches in the South like the breathtaking Calanques . Tours that are easy to access from Paris include the Palaces of Versailles , the historic châteaus of the Loire Valley , and the Champagne region !

See all France attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

19. Stylish Raincoat

Bring along a nice raincoat with your umbrella in France and be prepared for any weather situation. You want something like this that’s darkly colored and fairly stylish so that you’ll blend in more with the locals. You’ll definitely want to leave the rain ponchos at home, as the locals generally don’t wear them. Linked below is one for women and here’s an equally chic rain jacket for men .

20. Cooling Towel

Don’t be fooled by pictures, France gets hot! And a cooling towel is a really refreshing way to cool off on those smoldering days. Whether I’m exploring a city, hiking, or relaxing by the sea, I find it really nice to have a cooling towel to help escape the heat. They’re chemical-free and easy to use. All you do is wet the towel, wring it out, and it instantly becomes 20-30 degrees cooler than the outside temperature for up to an hour. Wet again for more frosty relief! Boom!

21. French Phrasebook

Though many people in France will speak some level of English, it will be much appreciated by locals if you make an effort to use some French. This phrasebook will give you all the essentials so you can get by in a basic way. This will be especially helpful if you’re traveling to the countryside or more rural areas where less English is spoken. I promise a little effort goes a long way here.

22. Activated Charcoal

Though France is renowned for a variety of delicious food and wine, you don’t want to be unprepared if you end up eating or drinking something that doesn’t agree with you. Food poisoning is common when traveling because your body is adjusting to the local cuisine. Take these activated charcoal pills if you start to feel sick and they’ll quickly absorb and expel the toxins in your system. You’ll feel better in no time!

23. Waterproof Pocket Blanket

France is probably my favorite place on earth to shop for a picnic from the beautifully stinky cheese shops, les boucheries (butcher shops), and local produce markets. This waterproof blanket is perfect for picnics, Eiffel Tower gazing, parade watching, concerts, festivals, and park lounging. It won’t leave your clothes stained from the wet ground and it folds into a small pouch about the size of your hand, making it perfect for travel.

24. Deodorant Wipes

Especially if you plan to travel in the summer and if you’re doing a lot of walking or hiking, you’ll be glad you brought a pack of deodorant wipes. They are incredibly refreshing and will keep you feeling clean and invigorated when a shower is not available. We promise this is better than sprinkling your pits with sink water in the public bathroom, been there!

25. Gorgeous Outfit

A capsule-style wardrobe is best when traveling so that you can mix and match, and do laundry only when you need to. However, you will want to bring at least one gorgeous outfit that makes you feel great – wear it when you go out to a nice dinner or take in local nightlife, and you’ll look and feel confident! This jumpsuit is a power look, it will turn heads, guaranteed.

26. Compression Flight Socks

While the risk is low, blood clots are more likely to occur on flights over 4 hours. And in general, swelling is very common due to the pressurized cabin and lack of movement on long flights. This is why flight attendants wear tight stockings for long flights – and you should do the same to keep your blood circulating well. These compression flight socks are a no-brainer and I really regretted not having them the last time I flew to France. Never again!

27. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

France has a plethora of incredible shopping to do, that’s why it boasts the fashion capital of the world! Between the clothes, jewelry, perfumes, macarons, Bordeaux wine, Champagne, and other treats – you’ll love having an extra bag stowed away for unexpected purchases and gifts. This one is virtually weightless with a duffle material, and counts as your personal item for the flight home to avoid carry-on fees. Voila!

28. Universal Waterproof Phone Case

Since France is wrapped in over 2,000 miles of coastline – with water from the beaches of the Northern tides, to the English Channel, to the Bay of the West, to the Southern Seas – a waterproof phone case is a smart decision. This one allows you to film underwater and will protect against moisture, sun, sand, scratches, and debris. Too affordable to risk your lifeline!

Other France Packing List Items

• Luggage Lock
• Travel Insurance
• Notebook or Journal
• Travel Towel
• Noise Canceling Headphones
• Travel Pillow
• Clothesline
• Wine Wings Cushions
• Small Flashlight
• Plastic Bags
• Reading Materials
• Stain Remover
• Picnic Supplies
• France Power Adapter
• Gorgeous Jumpsuit
• Bug Repellent
• Motion Sickness Patches
• Hangover Prevention
• Small Binoculars

If you’re going to Paris, also check out our Paris packing list ➜

What to Wear in France

1) Stylish clothes in dark or neutral colors that can be worn in layers. Europeans tend to wear what Americans think of as “business casual” as their everyday attire. You’ll also want to make sure that whatever you pick out is seasonally appropriate. France tends to be warm in the summer, chilly in the winter, and somewhere in between the rest of the year so plan accordingly.

2) Scarves are always a good option, particularly those that are big enough to double as a lightweight blanket. You’ll want to take along one or two.

3) If you’re going to beach or the pool at any point, don’t forget your swimwear.

4) Having a sweater and a long pair of pants on hand is recommended, even in the summer. This will keep you from being cold if the temperature dips unexpectedly or you end up in an overly air conditioned spot.

5) Travelers who are planning on going to fancy places may want to take along a few nicer outfits, matching accessories/jewelry, and possibly makeup for these occasions.

What NOT to Take to France

1. weighty items.

Overly large suitcases, heavy books, hairdryers,extra clothes and shoes all fall into this category. It’s better to leave extra items at home than drag them along the ride. The less stuff you bring with you, the less you have to tote around.

2. Valuables

If losing the item in question will break your heart or kill your budget, avoid bringing it with you.Even if you plan on going places where dressing up is mandatory, leave your family heirlooms at home in the safe. Bring along tasteful but inexpensive accessories to dress up your outfits instead.

3. Touristy Clothes

The best way to avoid being a target for thieves is to blend in with the locals. You can manage that better by leaving your white sneakers, American flag paraphernalia, fanny packs, camouflage, and wildly colored clothes at home. You might also want to avoid bringing your berets along for the ride as well. They might have been a popular style decades ago, but nobody wears them much anymore.

4. Lots of Beachwear

If you want to fit in with the locals, you’ll need to avoid wear North American style beachwear (such as cut-off jean shorts and flimsy tank tops) in most spots. In Europe, this sort of attire is only acceptable at an actual beach.

5. Uncomfortable Shoes

Make sure your footwear is well broken in before you leave to avoid rubbing blisters on your feet. After all, you’ll spend a lot of time walking around to get from place to place.

6. High Heels

In some places, such as mountain-top towns in Provence, you’ll want avoid this kind of footwear for safety reasons.

FAQs about Traveling to France

1. what’s a good basic daily budget for visiting france.

Keep in mind that Paris is generally more expensive than the rest of the country. Dorm rooms there run an average of $35 a night and prices on the weekends are even higher. A daily budget of $80 or so should nonetheless cover basic backpacking expenses such as a dorm bed, budget meals, metro tickets, and some attractions. Of course, if you plan on staying solely in private rooms or doing a lot of activities over the course of your stay, you’ll want to factor those costs in as well.

2. Where are some cool places to visit in France apart from Paris?

There is little doubt that France is one of the jewels of Europe with its incredible history, love of food and wine and gorgeous landscapes. It’s easy to fall in love with Paris and never go anywhere else in the country but there’s so much to see! For example, there is the French Riviera on the Mediterranean with towns like Nice and Marseille, on the Atlantic side there is Bordeaux and there are the French alps and countless others town such as Lille, Alsace, and Toulouse. Lille is only a couple of hours north of Paris and if you want some inspiration, check out this guide to the top things to do in Lille .

3. Do I need to tip in French restaurants?

Europeans generally leave the change as the standard reward for good service and often leave nothing if they don’t feel like the service merited a tip. While waiters everywhere do tend to be among the more underpaid members of society, the cost of their service is normally factored into the overall cost of dining out in Europe. You may even see service charges already on the menu. In those cases, tips are not generally expected. Of course, if you plan on eating at a fancy place, be sure to leave at least a 5% tip or be prepared to be branded a cheapskate.

4. What’s the best way to get from Paris to Marseille?

Once you factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, the TGV train is certainly the fastest way to get across the country. It’s also the most expensive. Taking a slower train is can be somewhat cheaper but it may require several changes en route. Budget flights are only worth your time if they greatly outstrip the cost of train tickets or you’re headed to somewhere like Corsica that’s not easy to otherwise reach by public transport. Just be sure to factor in cost of getting to/from the airport into your calculations along with any baggage charges that might apply. For travelers with more time on their hands than money, the bus is certainly another option. There are even some overnight services available.

5. Where are the country’s major airports located?

There are three airports in the north of the country near Paris: Charles De Gaulle (CDG), Orly (ORL) and Beauvais (BVA). There are also busy airports at Nice (NCE) near the Italian border, Lyon (LYS) in the middle of the country, Marseille (MRS) on the southern coast, and Toulouse (TLS) in the south near the Spanish border. Most flights from the United States land near Paris at either Charles De Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORL).

6. When is the best time of year to visit?

Like most of Europe, France tends to be at its most expensive and busiest during the summer months. Nice weather, midrange pricing, and uncrowded attractions are all good reasons to visit in either the early spring or the early fall. However, Paris is known to be pretty damp in the springtime. Travelers who plan on spending the majority of their vacation in France’s northern regions might therefore be better off planning to visit in autumn.

7. Do you have any money-saving tips for travelers?

France is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. However, aside from paying for hotel rooms and a very pricey TGV ride from Marseille to Paris, I didn’t spend a lot when I went there several years ago. For me, the trick to staying under budget and getting the most for my money has been discovering hostels. Having an extra $70 per night can quickly add up. Of course, I’d rather be doing fun things than throwing down large amounts of cash on a room that I only plan on sleeping in. Another trick I’ve found to saving money is to eat breakfast at my hostel and cook for myself rather than dining out constantly. It’s also a good idea to walk where possible and avoid taking taxis. Travelers passing through Paris should nonetheless buy carnets rather than purchase individual metro rides because it’s cheaper to do so.

Lyric Fergusson

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What to buy in france — 25+ must-buy souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in france.

France – a country that has passed through thousands of years of history but still retains its vibrant traditional culture, wonderful destinations full of poetic and romantic that make visitors who come here also want to come back again. Not only that, but this place is also known as a shopping paradise, owning famous things to buy from delicious specialties to unique and super quality souvenirs. There are many products that can be purchased in France, from souvenirs to essentials items, from popular items to luxury goods, etc. Each visitor comes from different countries will choose to buy different souvenirs.

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So, what is famous in France for shopping, what to buy in France for souvenirs, what is cheaper to buy in France, what should I buy in France, what to bring home from France, what to buy in France cheap? Let’s check out our France shopping guide with top 25+ best France souvenirs, best gifts from France including things to bring back from France, best products to buy in France, best things to buy from France, best things to buy in France, things must buy in France as well as best shopping sites to buy them.

What to buy in France for souvenirs: Tussah silk fabric

Topping the list of gifts to buy in France, Tussah silk fabric is a traditional French fabric. With a variety of fabric quality along with rich patterns and textures, tussah fabric is created into many different products to meet the needs of visitors, such as clothes, bed sheets, napkins, or curtains, pillowcases…

What is famous in France for shopping: Clothing

Paris – the capital of fashion of the world, so you will certainly not have to wonder what should I buy in France. Hurry up to the big shopping centers and malls, where there are stores of leading fashion brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Hugo, Boss, Zara… to shop for trendy clothing brand items, fashion accessories for yourself as well as your loved ones.

Things must buy in France: French natural soap

Another unique gift you can find in France is soap. The South of France is famous for its cute and lovely soap bars. So, when you come to France, you should buy a box of different soaps as a souvenir item for your loved ones. A bar of soap is a necessity for every family, so this gift is always appreciated.

The French are very proud of their soaps, the most famous of which is probably the Savon de Marseille soap . This is a completely natural soap which made from all-natural ingredients with a seductive scent of rose or lavender, with ingredients from vegetable oils and some fragrant flower essential oils (lavender, rose,…).

Best things to buy from France: Macarons from Ladurée Store

Ladurée store in France is the most famous store in the world for its small, pretty, beautifully decorated Macarons (which are delicate sandwich cookies with a crisp exterior). This is most people’s favorite dish. If you visit in Paris, stop by this chain store and buy macarons to take home as gifts for friends and relatives.

Best France souvenirs: Wines

What is famous in France for shopping and what to buy in France for souvenirs? The answer is definitely French wine. One of the best gifts from France is French wine. A bottle of local wine might not be the best souvenir to carry in checked baggage, but it’s definitely worth it. So, bring home a bottle or two of wine and share with your friends or family.

When deciding to buy wine as a gift, you may have to consider shipping issues, but surely, French wine is one of the products worth buying in France. With a unique, subtle and delicious taste different from other wines, French wine always has a special place in the perception of many wine connoisseurs.

French wine is famous for its excellent quality, originating from many long-standing wine-producing regions such as the Rhône River Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Normandy, etc. Each wine produced in each region will have its own flavor according to that region from the recipe, the way to preserve the wine and the care of the winemakers here.

One of the best wines bearing the most French-style is Calvados – a cider famous throughout Normandy or any bottle of local grape wine that will satisfy the most connoisseurs.

Things to bring back from France: Champagne

Besides wine, Champagne is also one of the best gifts from france. This wine comes from the land of the same name and has gradually become popular in many countries around the world. In particular, Russia is the country that consumes Champagne the most. Therefore, this precious gift will surely bring a lot of joy to your loved ones.

Champagne is famous for its subtle, luxurious yeast taste and comes in three varieties: Brut, Demi-sec, and Sweet Champagne. In which, Brut is sour wine, often used as an aperitif. Demi-sec has a slightly sour taste and is suitable for many ages, can be drunk all day. In addition, sweet Champagne is often drunk with desserts or sipping after a meal.

Best things to buy from France: Perfume

France dubbed the home of perfumes with passionate and seductive scents, perfume is an indispensable item after your journey to France. In particular, most French perfumes have a pleasant smell and the ability to stay for a long time. When looking to buy perfume, you may will be overwhelmed by the various perfume lines of many brands, so please arrange time to experience and choose the most suitable and favorite scent for yourself and your loved ones!

Genuine French perfumes can be found at stores like Sephora, Printemps or Galeries Lafayette. In particular, if you have the opportunity to come to the town of Grasse, try to find the famous Fragonard perfume here. Surely this will be a very meaningful and wonderful gift after your trip to France.

“Eau de Toilette” Perfume

The best way to remember France is to feel the fragrance of the perfumes. If you are a follower of fragrance, it is not too strange to mention the perfume line “Eau de toilette” in France.

Eau de Toilette perfume line comes from many brands such as Lancôme, Dior, Zara…with a concentration of 5-12% keeping the characteristic fragrance. This is a luxury gift with a reasonable price, the scent is quite durable, lasting 4-6 hours or longer. Choose a few scents to change every day, stylish ladies and gentlemen.

Chanel Perfume

When it comes to perfume, people will immediately remember French perfumes and especially Chanel brand, very famous world wide. You will not be difficult to find genuine Chanel stores in France. And this will be a great gift you can give to people of all ages and genders.

The perfumes and service quality at the three above shopping places are similar, but the prices at Sephora are more affordable than those of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps because the tax rate in Sephora is lower. Because in France, the tax on perfume is quite high (about 20-30%), so buying perfume at a duty-free shop at the airport will be cheaper than outside shops but the quality is still guaranteed.

Best France souvenirs: Laguiole knife

Besides best gifts from France for women, there are also many valuable souvenirs for men. In particular, the Laguiole knife is an interesting suggestion that you should pay attention to. The Laguiole knife was invented in 1829 in the village of the same name. This is a folding and hand-carved knife that is popular with many people. On the body of the knife, there is a bee symbol with eye-catching antique motifs.

Best things to buy in France: Beret Hat

When you think of French fashion, you think of a woman or a man wearing a plaid sweater, a scarf, holding a baguette, and a beret on his head. Beret hats are a beautiful souvenir, typical and siganture of France.

Perhaps one of the most striking images of French fashion are the beret hats, which both men and women can wear. Since 1930, with the inspiration of the famous fashion house Coco Chanel, the beret has remained an iconic fashion accessory. It is also a versatile accessory, which people can comfortably and freely create, combining with a variety of outfits. Berets are definitely a great gift suggestion for you!

Things must buy in France: Herbes de Provence

Another unique gift that you can only find in France is a mixture of spices. Herbes de Provence is a blend of French spices including basil, rosemary, musk, marjoram and oregano. This is an herbal mixture consisting of dried leaves, or can be combined with olive oil, has many useful uses for health. You can easily find these mixture of spices in many large supermarkets and local markets.

What to buy in France for souvenirs: Fleur de Sel French Sea Salt

In French, Fleur de Sel is the name of a type of sea salt. This salt in the south of France is quite well-known. This is the favorite spice of the French. Anyone who loves to cook would love to receive a gift like this. You can buy Fleur de Sel flower salt at the markets in Nice and Cannes. The chefs here can salt together with the typical floral scents of France such as lavender, rose… giving this spice a unique and impressive aroma.

The perfect gift for those who love to cook, many visitors to France also seek out this salt. The taste of this sea salt is very subtle, once you taste it, you won’t be able to forget it. To ensure the essence of sea salt, chefs often do not add salt during processing or cooking, but only when the dish is ready.

Best gifts from France: Cheese

One of the tastiest and best France souvenirs you can buy in France is cheese. In cheese shops all over France, they pack cheese in vacuum sealed bags so you can take it home easily. You should buy hard cheese, because fresh cheese must be kept cold.

In the list of 10 interesting gifts to buy in France, cheese is the most delicious and attractive gift that you should not ignore. French cheese has a characteristic rich, greasy taste, aromatic flavor, with a wide variety of types, including cow cheese and goat cheese. However, you should be aware of storage issues when buying cheese to take home.

In France, there are more than 500 different flavored cheeses, mainly made from the milk of cows, sheep and goats. Meticulously made from the selection of synthetic ingredients, with a unique and highly characteristic taste.

Best things to buy from France: Cosmetics

France is also the “paradise” of the world’s top quality cosmetic brands. Famous for a wide range of famous and quality cosmetics. Coming to France without choosing for yourself and your family and friends these cosmetics would be a mistake.

Besides perfume, France is also favored by women with the name “cosmetic paradise”, because of the variety and diversity of beauty care products. French cosmetics in general have high prices compared to many other products in the world, however, consumers are particularly confident thanks to their guaranteed quality, safety, and skin-friendly. One of the famous skin care and cosmetic product lines must be mentioned such as Yves Rocher, La-roche Posay, Avène, Estée Lauder,… If you have the opportunity to visit France, you should buy cosmetics of these brands. This will definitely be a much-awaited gift for your relatives and friends!

Best products to buy in France: Fashion eyewear

Besides hats, clothes, cosmetics, the fashion world of France also attracts visitors by one of the indispensable accessories of women, which is eyeglasses. French eyewear can conquer even the most demanding customers thanks to its excellent quality, classy design, and diverse designs. Cartier eyewear is one of the most famous and oldest brands in France, it is loved not only by French people but also by eyewear lovers all over the world.

To be able to find a pair of Cartier sunglasses, visitors should go to shopping areas such as Rue de Rivoli, Champs Elysees or large shopping malls.

What should I buy in France: Mont Blanc Wallet

If you are a stylish person, love uniqueness and doesn’t like anyone wearing the same thing as you, then Mont Blanc brand wallet will be a great item you should not miss. Mont Blanc wallets will be individually designed and each design is produced only once so that customers can own an exclusive product in terms of style. In addition, it will be decorated with diamonds, 18K gold or some other precious stones.

To be able to buy a Mont Blanc wallet, you should go to the shopping centers, or its chain of stores in France or order through reputable shopping websites and are distributed by Mont Blanc. But one thing is that the price of a wallet is quite expensive, so please consider before buying.

What to buy in France for souvenirs: Bags, wallets

A next suggestion for the question of What to buy in France for souvenirs is handbags and wallets. At the famous shopping malls as above. You can also easily choose for yourself bags and wallets, purses for souvenirs.

With prices ranging from low to high, with many brands to choose from. This can also be seen as an opportunity for you to “fill” your wardrobe. One of the brands of handbags and wallets that anyone wants to own for themselves cannot help but mention: Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Gucci … However, these are considered the most expensive and luxury brands in France.

Best France souvenirs: Hermes belts

Hermes belts are made from real leather with modern tanning technology, the longer it is used, the softer, more supple, durable and shiny it becomes. The belt is made of 2 layers of leather with a removable side so it can be used as two separate belts. Stylish design, simple but luxurious, delicate suitable for all activities to work, school or outing. Like Mont Blanc wallets, Hermes belts are sold at major shopping centers such as Galleries Lafayette or genuine Hermes stores.

What is famous in France for shopping: French baguette

You can’t afford an expensive or difficult to preserve foie gras to take home, another dish you should try or buy as a gift while still imbuing the essence of French cuisine is French baguettes. No one comes to France without enjoying its famous baguette. The French eat so many baguettes that about 320 of them are consumed every second.

A long French baguette with a crispy crust, served with pate with a glass of hot chocolate for breakfast, or served with some cheese and a glass of wine for dinner. Not only baguette, when coming to France you should enjoy more other French breads such as Bâtard bread, Flute bread, Ficelle bread, Brioche bread.

France shopping guide: Coffee and tea

Honestly, no one comes to France without enjoying a cup of coffee at a coffee shop in the heart of magnificent Paris. Coffee and tea here are famous all over the world for their delicious and subtle taste.

You can buy cappuccino or bags of coffee beans to bring back easily. If you choose tea as a gift, you should buy tea at tea shops with the oldest history in France such as Mariage Frères or herbal tea bags of “Christmas in Paris” brand.

Best France souvenirs: Kusmi Tea (Refined & Organic Teas & Herbal Teas)

Kusmi tea will be a luxurious French gift, very suitable as a gift for loved ones. This drink has a light fragrance, when drinking the sweetness will gradually permeate to bring the user comfort and mental relaxation. They are ideal to enjoy in winter and keep you cool in summer. In particular, this tea is used for almost ages, is a good drink for health, stimulates the spirit to be more excited and joyful.

Best things to buy from France: Chocolate

Switzerland is the world’s largest chocolate consumer. France is only ranked 20th, but that does not mean that French Chocolate is not delectable, but on the contrary, it is considered a proud product of the French. French Chocolate is famous for its variety of flavors and diversity in appearance. For those who are fond of sweets, chocolate will definitely be a gift choice that cannot be missed. French chocolate is famous for its premium quality and many flavors to choose from.

You can buy chocolates at Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse with 44 flavors with extremely beautiful shapes. Besides chocolate, some candies such as chestnuts, ganaches are also very interesting suggestions.

What to buy in France for souvenirs: Salted Caramel

Caramel is a favorite dish of many people, especially salted caramel is probably only available in France. Henry Le Roux, a confectioner invented this dish and brought it to compete at the international confectionery fair, where the salted caramel won the fair’s best candy award. Currently, salted caramel is available in all stores in France, besides the traditional type, some shops have combined different flavors to bring richness to diners.

The major chains that sell salted caramel are Maisons Le Roux (Address: 1 Rue de Bourbon le Château, 75006 Paris, France) in Paris and Pâtisserie Bechard (Address: 12 Cr Mirabeau, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France) in Aix-en-Provence.

Best things to buy in France: Souvenirs

You can choose from interesting and unique French souvenirs such as Macaron jewelry boxes/cases sold in souvenir shops in France, a French music CD, scented candles, Montmartre hill tunes boxes with melodious French melodies or simply caricatures, inspirational paintings of French artists painting your portrait scattered everywhere in Montmartre, fridge magnets…

Things must buy in France: Souvenirs from lavender

If you have traveled to France, it is indispensable for gifts from this most famous flower in France. After admiring and taking photos of tired hands at the fields of purple lavender flowers to the horizon in Provence, you can visit the souvenir shops here to buy products produced naturally from this flower such as sachets, dried flowers, soaps, essential oils…

What to buy in France for souvenirs: T-shirts

Dubbed as one of the major fashion capitals of the world, France is a fashion shopping paradise, cooling down any shopaholic, even the most avid follower. Coming to France, the most prominent shopping destination is nowhere else than Paris, the busy shopping areas can be mentioned as many as Rue de Rivoli, Champs Elysees, Boulevard Haussmann, Mont Saint Michel… There are many fashion stores and famous brands such as Yves, Dior, Hugo, Boss, Zara… Visitors often buy products that are not too expensive but also have very good quality such as Lacoste T-shirts.

France shopping guide: Where to shop?

Where to buy in France for souvenirs both appropriate and good quality. Here we will introduce some great shopping places in France as follows:

Monoprix is ​​a major French retail chain, almost like the Walmart. Here, visitors can buy essentials from fresh food, fashion clothes, souvenirs, home decorations as well as home appliances or audio-visual equipment. Every day at this supermarket, there are promotions and exclusive items. Monoprix is a supermarket for everyone, every home in France.

Address: 52 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France Hours: 9AM–9PM

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is a large shopping mall, mainly for fashion, located on Boulevard Haussmann, District 9th, Paris. This large mall sells clothing, bags, fashion footwear and jewelry… from moderate brands to expensive items. Every Friday afternoon at 3pm there is a free mini fashion show. Today, the mall welcomes more than 36 million visitors a year. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is the largest store in the general chain Galeries Lafayette.

Address: 40 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France Hours: 10AM–8PM

La Vallee Village

La Vallee Village is known as a famous fashion shopping street of Paris. The stores of this shopping area selling goods with more than 80 famous fashion brands such as Armani, Burberry, Givenchy, Kenzo, Longchamp, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo… La Valle Village is open from 10am to 7pm every day at a reasonable price. In addition, on this shopping street, there are often promotions and incentives for tourists.

Address: 3 Cr de la Garonne, 77700 Serris, France Hours: 10AM–7PM

Champs-Élysées Avenue

If you are a shopaholic, coming to Paris, you cannot ignore this famous avenue with all the famous fashion stores in the world. And if you don’t plan to buy anything, walking along this street with straight lines of trees is also an interesting experience. The Champs-Élysées is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions with many shops, cafes, etc. The avenue is also the venue for important Parisian events and festivals.

La Samaritaine

This is one of the oldest (133 years) and largest (32,000 square meters) department stores in Paris, located next to the Seine. You can not only admire a beautiful architecture but also comfortably shop for high-class goods such as fashion, jewelry, and furniture at La Samaritaine. The store’s slogan is “On trouve tout à la Samaritaine” which means you will find everything in Samaritaine.

Address: 9 Rue de la Monnaie, 75001 Paris, France Hours: 10AM–8PM

Le Bon Marché

As a large store located in the district 7 of Paris, famous for luxury goods, from furniture to fashion… All items here are displayed in one luxurious space. Le Bon Marché is one of Paris’ most famous stores and is known around the world. If you have the opportunity to come to Paris, do not miss the opportunity to discover this shopping paradise.

Address: 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, France Hours: 10AM–8PM

Westfield Forum des Halles

Coming here, visitors will feel like they are lost in the world of goods with all famous brands in the world such as Kelvin, Esprit, Converse, Adidas, Nike, LaCoste… Visitors can choose to buy items such as: Books, music records, furniture, fashion clothes… This place is open every day of the week, but on Sundays it’s only open from 10am to 7:30pm.

Address: 101 Porte Berger, 75001 Paris, France Hours: 10AM–8:30PM

Some things to keep in mind when shopping in France

When shopping in France, there are also some things that you need to keep in mind to make your trip more perfect:

• It is recommended to shop in France from January to July. Because during this time, stores in France will have many promotions and you can save your pocket.
• You should choose a store to shop so will get a discount card at that store. In addition, if you buy with an invoice of 175 Euro or more, you will be refunded tax.
• In France, currency exchange will be taxed very high, so you should exchange an amount of money used for your trip. If you have to change money, go to ATMs to reduce tax.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Paris you can refer to

• Paris Museum Pass
• Paris Pass with 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Bruges Day Tour from Paris
• Paris Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Paris Open Tour Bus Pass
• Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Ticket
• The Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
• 4G SIM Card (Paris/Airport Pick Up) for Europe from Orange
• Disneyland® Paris Ticket
• [Sale] Seine River Sightseeing Cruise in Paris by Bateaux-Mouches
• Mont Saint Michel Full Day Tour from Paris
• Paris: 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
• Paris: Eiffel Tower Direct Access Tour to Summit by Elevator
• Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
• Paris: 1-Hour Illuminations River Cruise
• Louvre Museum: Tour
• Paris: Moulin Rouge Cabaret Show Ticket with Champagne

Are you looking for more top things to do in Paris: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Paris travel blog — The fullest Paris travel guide blog for a great budget trip to Paris for the first-timers . And let’s check it out more here .

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

33 of the Best French Souvenirs You Absolutely Need to Bring Home!

Last Updated on: 22nd August 2021, 12:59 am

French culture is famous for gourmet food, the world’s best wine, its champaign, romantic love, and beautiful art. If you fall in love with Paris (or even while in Paris), you might find leaving to be too much to bear.  So what can you do to make your farewell more tolerable once you need to part from dreamy France? You can always take a part of the beauty with you in the form of a French souvenir!

Whether intended for your souvenir collection of treasures from all your travels or if you are bringing back a French gift for your friend as a souvenir from France, here are the best French souvenir ideas that will bring the true French spirit back home with you.

The French gift and souvenir ideas range from items that are quintessentially French, items that are essential for understanding and appreciating French culture, and items that will satisfy all your different senses. Here is a list of the best France souvenir ideas that you wouldn’t want to leave France without!

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What to Buy in France: the Best French Souvenirs

In no particular order…

A French Parfum

The world has sensed some of the best fragrances thanks to France’s long-lasting tradition of perfume making. For centuries France has been the main manufacturer of the most famous perfumes throughout history. From Chanel to Christian Dior and Estee Lauder, French perfume formulas have conquered the world.

While these very famous perfumes can be found all around the world, some hidden places in France hold the secrets to the best perfume experiences and fragrances to take home with you – fragrances that you truly can’t get anywhere else. 

In France, you can still find small perfume shops that customize perfumes in the same manner as they did back in the 18th century. These hidden treasures will allow you to make a personalized perfume. Moreover, you can customize a perfume to take it as a souvenir from France for yourself or a loved one. Every time you smell the fragrance you will be transported back to your time in France.

If learning more about French perfume thrills you, then you need to make your way to the town of Grasse. Located northwest of Nice, Grasse enjoys a Mediterranean climate perfect for jasmine, lavender, roses, and mimosas to thrive and provide the most beautiful natural aromas used in perfume making.

Once here, you can buy some of the most authentic French perfumes, as well as learn a little bit about the history of the French perfume industry.

If you can’t make it to Grasse but will be in Paris, then do not miss visiting the Musée du Parfum Fragonard  to learn more about this fascinating history (and of course do some shopping).

A Bottle of Champagne

In the 18th century, French monks invented a special method of fermentation that is today known and used to produce champagne. The only true champagne in the world is the bottle of sparkling wine that comes from the French region Champagne. Everything else you’ve ever had? Second-rate at best!

A Bottle of Wine

Wine tourism in France is very popular in recent years, with many vineyards adapted to welcome visitors interested in wine tasting with an enjoyable view. Bordeaux , Burgundy, Montpellier are only some of the French areas that host the best wine manufacturers in France.

If you are not into wine tourism you can find exclusive bottles of quality and aged wine in the city’s shops. Although these bottles can be expensive they are way cheaper to buy in France than anywhere else in Europe and the world, and of course, one of the luxuries France offers that deserve to be savored. 

If you know you want to bring back wine, you can buy special suitcases designed to keep bottles safe on your trip back home.

A French Beret

The most lovable French cliché that is instantly recognizable, the beret, is something you should take home from your trip to France. Mostly associated with Parisian artists, today beret can be seen worn on the streets of France, and it still is a French fashion statement. 

While you can technically buy a beret anywhere in the world, there is something special about knowing yours is a souvenir from France. Hand knitted wool berets are stylish and classy. From cheap versions at the souvenir shops to high fashion boutiques designed by famous French designers, you can choose from a wide variety.

These make equally great French gifts for her or him, so you should consider picking one up for your friends and loved ones back home. 

As there are many cheap ones manufactured outside of the country, make sure to seek one manufactured in France. Some iconic fashion brands have made berets since the 19th century, so make it exciting!

Iconic Macarons

During your vacation, you need to put savoring true French macarons is on your to-do list, especially when in Paris. You will enjoy these colorful bites of heaven so much that you won’t want to go home without a box or two of macarons. You can even take some home for the whole family!

The place where these sugary mini sandwiches were first made is the Ladurée bakery in Paris. Their stores and the decorative boxes in which the macarons are packed are worth taking the time to seek out. And while the macarons you pick up here won’t last long, you can always keep the box as a souvenir from France if you just happen to eat your cookies up before you leave the country. 

It might not be the souvenir that a friend or loved one will keep for a long time, but the pleasure that comes in the brief seconds while the macaron melts in their mouth will be remembered forever. And your friends probably expect you to bring back macarons, so do not disappoint them!

Keep these on your list for French gifts to bring back for coworkers and officemates as well!

French Cheese

There are more than four hundred different types of cheese in France, so indulge in a wide variety if you want to find your favorite. The possibility is you will find more than one that you would like to take home. Strong flavors are most common in the quality French cheeses and if you want to savor some of the best, ask for help from the “ fromager. ”

French cheese is available around the world, but you will find that the quality and potency of the cheese that is available in France is better than any you’ve tried before. If you have the time, do not miss the opportunity to go on a wine and cheese tasting to learn more about French cheese and decide on the best one to bring home.

An Eiffel Tower Replica

The Eiffel tower is one of the most popular architectural wonders of the world. You can find it transformed into keychains, jewelry, ornamental wallpapers, and more. You might find these a bit kitschy, but you’ll be happy whenever you see it back home. 

It’s probably the most practical souvenir to bring back home for family and friends expecting you to bring them a gift from France. You will find so many gift ideas featuring the Eiffel Tower from notebooks, small replicas, keychains, pendants, pocket watches, cups, lamps, etc. While they are not unique, they certainly are fun!

Lavender Products

France is famous for its sumptuous lavender fields, and you can take some of this home with you in the form of lavender products! My personal favorites are lavender satchels that keep your luggage or drawers smelling fresh. 

I’m also partial to bring back lavender essential oil which I add to my laundry for an extra pick-me-up.

French Jewelry

Whether you prefer antique and vintage jewelry or modern pieces, you can find great necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in France’s boutique shops. I like to mix jewelry that looks older with super modern pieces, but you will be able to find whatever you prefer!

A Chic French Scarf

You will notice that French women are masters at wearing chic scarfs. If this inspires you to want one of your own, then pick one up while you are here! You can go high end and buy a scarf from Hermes, a la Le Divorce, or you can find a less expensive version. Pay attention to how the women here wear them and see if you can pull off the same styles!

A Flea Market Find

Sometimes it’s not about what you buy, but rather the experience you have shopping. If you want to peruse the treasures that have been carefully protected inside quiet French houses, head to one of the country’s fabulous flea markets. Remember that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and your perfect French souvenir might just be waiting for you to bring it back to life.

Versailles Souvenirs

You can expect one of the grandest palaces in the world to have an equally grand souvenir shop, and Versailles’s gift shop does not disappoint! From figurines of the royal family to Louis IV inspired shoes, there’s a little something here for lovers of the (former) French royalty. 

French Skincare Products

While the idea that French women don’t age is a trope that doesn’t quite add up, it is true that France is home to some of the most innovative skincare lines in the world. Look for shops stocked with Vichy, Yves-Rocher, and Caudalie. 

A French Cookbook

I love buying cookbooks when I travel. I may not be able to bring back a year’s supply of French pastries, but I can bring back the instructions on how to make them. Whether I get around to cooking from them or not, having cookbooks from my travels brings me joy whenever I look at them.

Fleur dis Lis Souvenirs

The Fleur-de-Lis is a symbol of France. You can find it on jewelry, home furnishings, even clothing. A small charm or scarf with a fleur-de-lis pattern is the perfect France memento.

Vintage Furniture

While it’s not the easiest souvenir to bring back home, picking out a piece or two of French furniture back to decorate your home. You can find great antique pieces with classic French silhouettes. While you might be able to get imitations back home, there’s nothing like getting the real thing. 

The delightful French butter cakes originated in Lorraine, and if you can manage not to gobble them up instantly, you can bring back a few to enjoy in the days you get back. What a great way to pretend you’re still in France for a few extra mornings!

Disneyland Paris Souvenirs

If you plan on visiting Disneyland Paris, set aside some coin for a French Disney souvenir. From Mickey ears to princess dresses, there’s something for all Disney fans here. And remember that the most authentic French Disney souvenirs are from Beauty and the Beast since the story takes place in France!

France World Cup Football Souvenirs

If you love soccer, errrr football, you will want to pick up a French football souvenir. You can get a replica jersey from their World Cup-winning team, a replica ball, or a poster. If there’s a particular player or French team you prefer instead, find a souvenir to commemorate your appreciation.

Of course, the coolest French soccer souvenir is a ticket stub from a game you got to see in person during your trip!

Camino de Santiago Souvenirs

If you are setting out to do the Camino de Santiago from France, make sure to pick up a seashell or other pilgrimage souvenir at the start. You can find the traditional seashell that marks pilgrims in the shops of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port before setting out on your Camino. 

Poppy Souvenirs

This poppy coin purse is my very own French souvenir that I take with me everywhere. It hasn’t left my purse (or backpack) for three years. You can see it’s worn in, but I love it as much as the day I bought it.

Poppies are a symbol of World War I, and you can find items with the poppy design at important World War I sites and museums in the country.

I bought this one at the Juno Beach Centre during my trip to see the beaches of Normandy.  When I use it, I think about the war and its devastating legacy on the modern world.

D-Day Souvenirs

While many people come to explore World War I sites, others come to learn about D-Day and pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives in the liberation of France from the Nazis during World War II.

In Normandy, the museums are full of great World War II educational souvenirs, and there are lots of shops with replica military uniforms from the troops who were present at D-Day. If you come during the D-Day anniversary in early June you will find even more options and lots of visitors dressed up in period attire. 

Calisson Candies

This classic French candy from Provence is made from fruit and almonds with a layer of delicious royal icing on top. These will last a little longer than the other desserts on this list, so if you have a sweet tooth these are a great idea. 

Catholic Souvenirs

If you come to France to see one of the country’s pilgrimage sites, like the famous Lourdes, then you should spend a bit of time in the shops around the sites. You can find beautiful rosaries, candles, books, and other precious religious French souvenirs.

If you are not a Catholic, be careful about what you buy and how you display it. Remember that rosaries are not necklaces and should not be worn as such, especially by non-Catholics.

Haute Couture

If you love fashion, you will love shopping in France! With famous fashion houses headquartered in Paris, this is the place to come if you want to experience shopping as a cultural experience. Prepare to spend a pretty penny, as real pieces from Chanel, Givenchy, and Balmain are not cheap!

Handmade Soap

I adore buying handmade soaps on my trips. They feel luxurious, brighten up your early showers before work, yet they are inexpensive and take up almost no room in your suitcase. You can buy soaps made from local French-grown botanicals like lavender, lilac, and rosemary.

Antique Dishes and Servingware

If you love delicate serving ware and dishes, spend some time perusing France’s antique shops. You can find great silver pieces (and replicas) that are perfect for using back home (even if they will just be decorative).

A Christmas Ornament from a French Christmas Market

If you plan on visiting French Christmas markets, make sure to bring cash with you to pick up some locally made Christmas ornaments! You’ll love putting them up on your tree back home year after year, always serving as a reminder of your magical French Christmas vacation.

A French Flag Souvenir

Flags make great souvenirs because they take up almost no room, they instantly bring you back when you see them, and they can be truly beautiful objects. Bring back a French flag souvenir to use as home or office decor or even just to pull out on Bastille day!

Ceramic Figures

If you love to decorate your home with figurines purchased on your travels, you will love the wide variety available in France. From Alsatian houses to ceramic French chateaus, there’s something for everyone!

Vintage Postcards

If you are looking for cheap French souvenirs, a vintage postcard is perfect! Whether you get one that’s already filled out or one that is blank, these can be displayed like artwork once you are back home.

A Tradional Kitschy French Souvenir

If you have a typical souvenir that you like to collect, like magnets, spoons, bells, T-shirts, etc., you’ll be happy to know that you can find these all over France! From airports to train stations, there are traditional French souvenirs for every souvenir collection you can think of.

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to France

The   Lonely Planet France   guidebook or the  Rick Steves Paris   guidebook for your trip. It can be kind of a pain to find the major guidebooks once you arrive in France, or you’ll find them overpriced. I always like to pick mine up ahead of time.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use a French sim card while here to help navigate the trains.

Backup Charging Bank  for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie.

A Camera  since France is super photogenic. I use a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my   Samsung8  smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe , which is especially great for Paris and Bordeaux because it has many anti-theft features.

More France Travel Resources

Headed to Paris? Check out the  10 Historic Churches in Paris you should see  and the  best quotes about Paris , plus this podcast episode  Rick Steves Over Brunch: Highlights of Paris  and my favorite  Paris puns.

If you’re interested in exploring northern France, check out  my photo essay from Normandy  and my podcast episode on  The Beaches of Normandy .

If you’re looking for more France Instagram captions, you can also check out  101 Quotes about France,   the best France puns, and  250+ Real & Inspirational Travel Quotes (with Images!) .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for France make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in cities (like Paris…ahem) where tourists can be the victims of pickpockets. 

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

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20 exceptional souvenirs and gifts to buy in france.

• Dan Forsythe
• March 21, 2022

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Finding distinctively local gifts and souvenirs is all part of the fun of travel, and there are numerous unique and cool things to buy in France. We’re going to pick out some of the best.

France may have given us the word souvenir (derived from the French souvien, remember), but we’re going to swerve the kitschy products found in tourist shops everywhere. So, no Eiffel Tower keyrings or Mont-Saint-Michel snowglobes.

This list will focus on mementoes and keepsakes that France does better than any other country. And hopefully, help future visitors find the perfect souvenir to buy in France that is totally and utterly French.  

Regional specialities of France

Regional individuality is still alive and well in France. There are many artisanal goods to buy in France that are regional specialities, like the first entries on our list.

1. Savon (soap) from Marseille

If you visit Marseille, savon de Marseille is the perfect local souvenir.

Soap making has been big business in Marseille since at least 1370. Marseille has since set a high standard for soap making.

A hard soap, savon de Marseille is, by royal edict no less, always made with olive oil. Often sold in attractive cubes, soap from Marseille looks good and has an everyday usefulness that makes it an excellent gift to buy in France.

2. Lavender scented products from Provence

Scented products are big in France, and lavande (lavender) is the nation’s leading fragrance.

Aside from filling Instagram feeds with enviably picturesque scenes, the lavender farmed in Provence has many uses. Essential oils, perfumes, natural remedies, and culinary preparations utilise authentic Provence lavender.

The best place in France to buy lavender products is, naturally, around the enchanting farms of Provence. Although shops across France sell lavender products. If you visit Provence, you can learn more about this beloved and useful flower at the Musée de la Lavande (Lavender Museum) in Cabrières-d’Avignon.

3. Herbes de Provence

It’s not just lavender Provence is famous for, but also its characteristic cuisine. Olives, tomatoes, peppers, and other Mediterranean flavours define Provencal cuisine. But nothing sets the local flavours apart like herbes de Provence . A balanced blend of dried oregano, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, and savory, this is one of the leading flavours of France.

Look out for the Label Rouge variety, an assurance of high quality.

4. Fleur de sel de Guérande

Fleur de sel (flower of salt) is sea salt manually extracted from salt pans in several coastal regions of France. Laboriously removed from the crust of trapped seawater, it is an artisanal trade. Weatherbeaten wooden shacks typically sell the salt direct to passing customers.

Salt farmers are found in some of the most picturesque and tourist-friendly parts of France, like the islands of Noirmoutier and Île de Ré. But the finest is harvested in Guérande, Brittany.

Forming delicate crystals that impart huge flavour, the salt is prized for adding crunch and is used sparingly to finish dishes, unlike sel marin (sea salt). If you can’t visit the smallholders, you can pick up beautifully presented packets in supermarkets.

5. Moutarde de Bourgogne

Moutarde de Dijon might be the French mustard you’ve heard of, but it’s hardly authentic. Most of the mustard seeds are imported from Canada. Far more authentic is Moutarde de Bourgogne , mustard of Burgundy.

Burgundy is home to Dijon, but the two mustards are noticeably different. Moutarde de Bourgogne is made with local mustard seeds and local Burgundy wine.

Geographically protected, the only independent producer still making it is Moutarderie Edmond Fallot . Easier to buy in France, this is the ideal gift to impress foodies who like a bit of fire with their food.

Gourmet French Gifts

In a country made for gourmands, it is easy to bring home the literal flavours of France.

While stuffing your suitcase full of ripe camembert is guaranteed to taint your luggage and reputation, there are some delectable foods you can buy in France that are tailor-made for travel.

6. Caramel au beurre salé (salted caramel)

Salted caramel is a flavour loved by ice cream makers and pastry chefs globally. Yet the moreish treat is a French creation. It started life in Brittany and the pastries of Henri Le Roux.

With the touch of a culinary alchemist, Monsieur Le Roux married a Breton speciality, salted butter, with ordinary caramel and crushed nuts. A food trend was born.

Initially a dessert flavouring, caramel au beurre sale quickly became the base flavour for many confections, including bonbons and tartiner (spread).

Packets of the chewy indulgences are found in shops all over Brittany and in patisseries across France. It is also the feature flavour of myriad desserts, from eclairs to macarons.

7. Biscuits

Biscuits is another sweet treat that France excels at making. It is easy to name an individual biscuit to buy in France — such as LU’s petit-beurre or the exquisite biscuits roses de Reims . But there is so much choice and, with an unwavering focus on quality, just about any biscuit in well-presented packaging makes an ideal gift to buy in France.

Butter is key to many of the best French biscuits. If presentation matters, choose the biscuits of Mere Poulard , the biscuit makers that started life as a restaurant and hotel in Mont-Saint-Michel. They produce many lip-smacking biscuits gorgeously presented in colourful boxes.

8. Macarons

You can find high-quality macarons in fine bakeries across the world. Yet these pretty and elegant delicacies are the epitome of French pastry passion.

Buy a dozen or more of the dainty treats and they will arrive in attractive packaging, which partly explains why they are popular gifts in France.

Some rank Ladurée and Pierre Hermé macarons from Paris as the height of sophistication, but fine patisseries across France make exceptional macarons. The only catch is how to resist eating them before gifting them.

9. Financiers

If the journey home is too long, fresh and fragile macarons may not be practical. An alternative to macarons is another almondy French delicacy, financiers.

These spongy delights with a crispy shell travel well, taste delicious, and look good for easy gifting.

An alternative to financiers is the more everyday madeleines, wildly popular cakes available with natural flavours and fillings like caramel or confiture .

10. Nougat de Montélimar

It is safe to say the French have a sweet tooth. You can trace the history of France’s love of sugary treats back for centuries. The famous nougat of Montélimar first appeared in the early 1700s.

A sticky confection of almonds (that versatile ingredient again), honey, and egg whites, it is a mouthwatering nougat with a big reputation.

AOP protection ensures Nougat de Montélimar is always authentic and easier to buy in France, as the French let little pass through their borders. It is that delicious.

11. Tapenade

Switching from sucré (sweet) to the salé (savoury) we have a very different epicurean delight from the Provencal region of France. 

Condiment, dip, or spread, you decide how to make the best use of this versatile product. A popular accompaniment for aperitifs, the salty umami blend of olives, capers, and anchovies is what sets the taste apart.

Tapenade packs all the flavour of a Provencal holiday into small jars, perfect for recreating the Mediterranean spirit at home. If taking fish-based products home is a problem, look out for variations that do not include anchovies.

12. Tinned sardines

If taking an anchovy product home with you is forbidden, this next entry on our list of the best gifts to buy in France is not for you. Which is unfortunate, because France is home to fantastic canned seafood.

The best place to buy tinned seafood in France is from la conserverie (the cannery) ‘ La Belle-Îloise ’, known for both their quality and exquisitely designed tins. Branches of their photogenic stores are found all over France.

Want to discover other unique French foods. We look at a few more French gourmet delights in our post ‘ 12 Delicious French Foods That You Have Probably Never Heard Of ’

Quirky and original French souvenirs

The ‘Made in France’ label (written in English) is found on many items you can buy in France. It is usually a strong indication that the item has international appeal. Pretty much everything in our next section could only be made in France.

13. Potato chips with a gallic twist

Perhaps a surprise entry on a list of interesting things to buy in France, but hear me out. France has a genuine love for potato chips with crazy flavours. It’s all about the l’apéro , that moment before dinner for a quick drink and light nibbles.

There is a vast choice of potato chips and gâteaux aperitif (appetiser cakes or, more accurately, savoury snacks).

While there are conventional flavours, there are also some downright insane flavours that you could only buy in France.

The most creative potato chips minds work for Bret’s . Their ever-expanding range includes flavours like brebis cerise noir (sheep cheese and black cherry), La Bretonne (simply salted butter flavour, a nod to their Breton roots), and camembert. A cheap and surprisingly tasty gift to recreate an apéro moment back home.

14. La marinière (the famous striped sweater)

Ask a street artist to draw a caricature of a French person, there’s a high probability it will feature a striped sweater, beret, and baguette. A stereotype you’re more likely to see displayed ironically by travelling French spectators at an international rugby match.  

Of course, there is some truth to the stereotype. Baguettes appear everywhere, while striped tops are cherished in French fashion and culture. The beret is probably the only true relic of the past, albeit fondly remembered as a symbol of the French resistance during the occupation of 1940-44.  

The classic blue and white horizontal striped sweater is known as la marinière , ‘the sailor’. That’s because it is a feature of the French naval uniform (also known as a Breton shirt, due to the high number of Bretons from Brittany who joined the navy).  

Fashion designers like Coco Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier have elevated the tricot rayé (striped sweater) to fashion icon status, making it a cool gift to buy in France. Even the French football team briefly embraced the design with their away kit in 2011, which was poorly received and quickly binned.  

15. Guillotine à saucisson

Who wouldn’t want to bring home a guillotine you can only buy in France?

The guillotine — a French invention — is synonymous with the founding event of the Republic of France, the French Revolution.

Guillotine à saucisson is far more agreeable to the bourgeoisie. And legal. It is a slightly gimmicky but fun way to slice saucisson or other cured sausages.

A quirky tool you can buy in France so you can proclaim to your friends that you picked up a guillotine in France. Be sure to grab some saucisson too, as it’s not very practical for slicing carrots.

16. Opinel knife

Far more practical than a guillotine is the Opinel Knife.

While Switzerland has the Swiss Army Knife, France has the more basic yet always well-engineered Opinel knife. A simple folding blade with a wooden handle, once considered a peasant’s knife.

Prices have risen very little since 1890 when Joseph Opinel first produced the pocket-sized tool. Today, they remain a cheap and reliable knife widely used across France.

Opinel knives are renowned for their high craftsmanship and unsurpassed design. Named by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as one of the 100 most beautiful products in the world, this is a souvenir to show off.

The best part? You can pick one up for under €10. 

17. Vintage French advertising plaques

The target of this list of cool things to buy in France is to avoid kitschy souvenirs. Yet we’ll make an exception for something tourists will find on sale in all corners of France: vintage French advertising signs.

Quintessentially gallic with endless variation, there is a vintage sign for everyone. From Perrier water to the Moulin Rouge, they romantically evoke images of a bygone France.

From fridge magnets to wall plaques, they are affordable and distinctively French mementoes.

Best French airport gifts

If you were too busy enjoying your trip to think about what gifts to buy in France — or realised you want to keep the ones you’ve purchased — a frantic visit to the airport gift shop might be the solution.

You’ll never find anything too unique amongst the beret-wearing teddy bears and French football shirts, but there is a handful of quality items that won’t scream ‘last-minute purchase’. Here are a few of the best things you can buy in France at the very last moment.

18. Saucisson sec (dry-cured sausage)

Saucisson sec is dry-cured sausage that can be found in any supermarket and always at the airport. Another apéro favourite, look out for geographically protected varieties like Saucisson sec d’Auvergne or Saucisson de l’Ardèche for the highest quality you can buy in France.

Pastis is a taste of Southern France enjoyed all over the country. The aniseed flavour might not be to everyone’s taste, but the stylish bottles are worth the price alone.

Pastis is usually cheaper to buy in France and easier to find. However, nothing is more convenient than grabbing a bottle at the airport.

Ricard is the best-known brand – the name is interchangeable with pastis in the French vocabulary since Paul Ricard created the drink. Other brands like 51 and Henri Bardouin are just as good, if not better. Otherwise, there’s a huge range of drinks that France is famous for, including calvados and cognac.

20. Eau de toilette / Eau de parfum

Distinguished by odour intensity (and price), perfume is the classic last-minute airport buy. Although you might get some credit if you buy in France, the perfume capital of the world.

The big names in perfume (Chanel, Dior etc.) are popular gifts wherever you buy them. For something more authentic to buy in France, look out for the lighter fragrances of eau de toilette .  

There we have it. A selection of interesting gifts and souvenirs to buy in France that are ideal for bringing the gallic experience home with you.

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39 French Gift Ideas for the Francophile in Your Life

French Gifts for Cooks

• Mastering the Art of French Cooking – Of all the Francophiles in the world, Julia Child was probably one of the most famous. A California girl who fell in love with France early in her life, Julia Child became the American master of French cuisine. In fact, her cookbook is still touted as THE guide to cooking French food, more than 40 years after she first wrote it. From boeuf bourguignon to crème brûlée , Julia’s cookbook teaches you how to do it all with easy-to-follow directions.
• Herbes de Provence – This blend of spices that appears in dishes in the South of France seems to make everything taste better. Thyme, basil, savory, fennel and lavender flowers combine to create a unique flavor that you can use to rub on meats, season pasta sauce or sprinkle on baked cheese.
• Mussel Pot – One of my personal favorite dishes in France is moules marinière; steamed open in a white wine broth, mussels are a simple delicious meal that couldn’t be more French if it sang La Marseillaise . Serve them up in this authentic pot and you’ll almost feel like you’re on the Brittany Coast!
• Crepe Pan – I love mine with just a little butter and sugar, though occasionally a little raspberry jam or freshly cut strawberries and whipped cream could go inside and I wouldn’t say no. With this non-stick crepe pan, you can start your own Sunday morning crepe tradition, or maybe invite your friends over for a French themed brunch!
• Fondue Set – Who doesn’t like the idea of bread dunked in hot, melty cheese? Well, except for those of us who like the idea of fruit and cookies dunked into hot, melty chocolate. Plus, fondue makes for an easy, fun dinner and you can dunk pretty much whatever you want in there. It’s also a great excuse to get together people for dinner. With this stylish set you can melt up your favorite cheese or chocolate and dunk away!
• Cheese Board – The best part of being in France is that many meals are followed with the display of a cheese board full of a great selection of cheeses. But if you’re like me, you unwrap the cheeses, put them out to enjoy, and then spend all your time trying to remember which one is which. But with this board, you can write the names write in front of the cheeses, so you’ll always know which is your favorite – and which one smells like stinky feet. Not that it couldn’t be the same cheese.
• Stemless Wine Glasses – What goes best with cheese? Wine of course. While you probably already have a cabinet full of wine glasses, you might not have any stemless ones. For accident prone people like myself, these are a lot harder to tip over (we all know red wine is impossible to get out of anything) and they look great at the same time. A win-win!
• Champagne Flutes – With the holiday season just around the corner, lots of Champagne is sure to be toasted in celebration. And, while you may think your wine glasses will suffice just fine for the bubbly, any true Francophile knows that serving Champagne in a regular wine glass is almost sacrilegious.
• Oyster Knife – The only thing I like more than mussels is oysters. Oysters have been a long-standing favorite of French Kings (in fact, Louis XIV had his brought to Versailles from the Brittany coast) and they are still widely enjoyed today. With this handy little tool, you can buy your oysters on the half shell and enjoy them just the way the Sun King used to – raw, with a squeeze of lemon.
• Bodum Chambourd 12-cup French Press – Anycoffee lover who has had coffee brewed in a French press will never go back to regular drip again. Making potently delicious and aromatic cups of coffee, everyone who likes their morning (or afternoon and evening) tasse should invest in a good French Press.
• Crème Brûlée Set — Creamy custard topped with a crispy layer of caramelized sugar? Sounds like heaven to me. With this crème brûlée set, you’ll have the perfectly sized ceramic dishes and the mini blow torch to make perfect crème brûlées (and totally impress your guests at your next dinner party).
• Espresso Cup Set – Want to feel like you are sitting out in a Parisian sidewalk café, sipping your espresso out of a tiny, white cup and watching fabulously dressed people walk by? If so, these cups can at least get you part way.
• Provence Tablecloth – Bright sunny colors and big bold prints are the standard of Provence, and adding a tablecloth to this one will instantly brighten the room. Plus, as you eat off the traditional Provençal print you may almost feel like you are surrounded by olive groves and fields of lavender.
• Madeleine Cookie Pan – This cookie pan can allow you to bring a little bit of France into your kitchen and you can cook up your own, great madeleines. Get creative, too, with dyes, added fruits or even chocolate chips!

French Movies & Movies Set in France on DVD

• French Kiss – If you like the French countryside and/or the idea of falling in love with the French man, this is the perfect movie for you. A sweet romantic comedy that takes place in various parts of France, any Francophile can enjoy this movie for the French scenery alone.
• Chocolat – There isn’t a whole lot not to enjoy about Johnny Depp and chocolate. I mean, honestly. This is a heart-warming film about a mother and daughter that open a chocolate shop; it explores small French village life and French morality. Definitely worth many, many viewings, but don’t watch it hungry.
• La Vie en Rose – Iconic French singer Edith Piaf is depicted by Academy Award winning actress Marion Cotillard in this film about the singer’s life. Cotillard became the first actress to win an Oscar for a French-speaking role and the film won lots of critical appraise.
• Rick Steves: Best of Travels in Europe-France – So, he may be a little on the nerdy side, but Rick Steves knows how to travel through France. This well researched travel movie will give you plenty of great ideas for your next trip to France.

Books About France

• The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas, by Gertrude Stein – I mostly like this book because it talks extensively about pre-WWII Paris and the large expat community living there at the time. The 1920s were a booming time of growth and transition for the City of Light, and I loved reading about a Paris that is in so many ways different from the one we know today.
• My Life in France – Julia Child’s autobiography, which was published posthumously, details her life in France during the post WWII era; this book is a perfect portrait of the ultimate Francophile and the country she loved. You can practically hear her unique voice chortling to you from the page.
• Americans in Paris – A city with so much history, Paris also has a rich history of famous ex-pats who flocked to the City of Light. Reading the stories from Hemmingway and others about Paris through the ages from an American perspective is great.
• French Women Don’t Get Fat – You may laugh at the title, but it’s true. There are copious numbers of beautiful, trim French ladies walking the streets (and still enjoying their croissants, sauces and cheese!). Want to know their secret? Read the book. You may not agree, but it’s fascinating reading all the same.
• The New France: A Complete Guide to Contemporary French Wine – A meal is just not a meal in France without wine to go along with it. With the various regions producing different types of wine and a complicated classification system, sometimes having a guide around to help you make sense of it all could be really helpful.
• Hungry Traveler France – The best part of any trip to France is of course the food. This series of books breaks down all the regional foods of France, helping you to understand not only what you may be seeing on the menu, but also which things are best in what parts of the country.

French Language Gifts

• Rosetta Stone Level 1 – 5 French – Want to brush up on some French before your trip? Or are you just trying to refresh that rusty high school French for good measure. Whatever your reason for wanting to work on your French skills, this software program is proven to work wonders at teaching not only grammar and vocabulary, but also helping with proper pronunciation.
• Larousse French/English Dictionary – This is a great companion to have for any Francophile. Not only will it help on your next trip, you can brush up on words you may have forgotten and look up pesky vocabulary you have never learned.
• 501 French Verbs – Anyone trying to learn French should for sure invest in this handy grammar book. Listing out all of the major French verbs and clearly delineating how they are conjugated is immensely helpful for mastering the difficult French language.

Fun French Gifts

• Magnetic French Poetry – What better way to work on your French then play with magnetic poetry on your fridge. Create phrases, work on your grammar and leave up funny French phrases. The perfect gift for anyone who loves France (and the French language!).
• Provence 2012 Calendar – The olive groves, the sun drenched valleys, the brightly yellow fields of sunflowers – Provence is a picture perfect kind of place. With great light, bold colors and beautiful scenery, Provence is a photographers dream, and also the kind of place you may want to look at day in and day out hanging on your wall (and counting down to your next trip to France?).
• 101 Beautiful Small Towns in France – Part coffee table book, part travel inspiration, this book showcases beautiful photos and descriptions of my favorite part of France – the small villages. Scattered throughout the country and having their own unique character and beautiful old stone buildings (and well dressed older French men playing boules in the town square), the small towns of France are what really give this beautiful country its character.
• Paris Metro Map – If you are going to be spending much time in France navigating the Metro, investing in a little laminated map like this one is probably a good idea. You can keep in your pocket or purse and it won’t take long to easily decipher the best routes to anywhere in the city you want to go.

French Bath & Beauty Gifts

• Savon de Marseille (Marseille Soap) – The soap of Marseille is famous worldwide. Using beautifully scented natural ingredients from the region (sage, lavender etc.), this beautifully smelling soaps will get you clean and have you reminiscing of France all at the same time.
• Lavender – I love buying loose French lavender. When I get home I make little sachets of the beautifully smelling and relaxing herb and give them to friends as gifts. I also like sticking these little sachets in my underwear drawer. It just makes everything smell so lovely.

French Gifts for Kids

• Le Petit Prince – The favorite childhood book in France, this charming story with equally charming illustrations should be a part of every Francophile’s book collection.
• French Flash Cards – With these colorful, picture flashcards on a ring, you may feel like they are only for kids, but I find these things to be a great learning tool. Not only will they help you associate the word with a picture, instead of with the English word (the best way to learn), you can carry them around and practice your vocabulary anywhere from on the bus into work to your couch while watching tv.
• Bonjour Les Amis: French Made Easy for Children – Want to get your kids ahead of the learning curve and start teaching them French at an early age? With this book you can start your kids down the road to fluency by teaching them the basics in French.

French Gifts for Men

• Boules Set – It doesn’t get any more French than the well dressed older men in courtyards and town squares playing boules on any given day. The French game in which players try to throw large metal balls closest to a smaller ball on gravel fields is an integral part of French life. Buy your own set and the next time you go to France, you may even be able to challenge some of the old men and impress them with your skills.
• France Soccer Jersey – Do you love your Bleus? Worship Zisou and remember precisely when the French won the World Cup in 1998? Even if you aren’t the ultimate French soccer fan, you can look styling in this great French soccer jersey.
• Magnificent 7: Tour de France DVD – In my town, the streets suddenly seem a lot more packed with cyclists in spandex when the Tour de France comes on the airwaves every summer. Bands of Lance Armstrong wannabes tune in and snap in during the famous French race. This DVD shows the ins and outs of one of Lance’s record-breaking 7 Tour de France wins.

47 Lovely Souvenirs From France To Bring Back Home

If you are wondering about the best souvenirs from France for either yourself or a loved one, then this post is for you. I put together this list of more than 45 things that absolutely have you covered and will answer your most pressing questions: What to buy in France?

Traveling to France is a truly memorable experience, and there’s no denying the charm of shopping while you’re away! However, with so many offers being waved in our faces, it can often be hard to differentiate between true souvenirs that will act as lasting reminders of an incredible trip and the random tourist twaddle.

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What are the best Souvenirs from France?

Here’s for you and without further ado the list of the best things to buy in France that make wonderful Souvenirs from France. I added as well many items that make best Souvenirs from Paris.

#1 A Lampe Berger

If your want to add a bit of French lifestyle to your home, treat yourself to a Lampe Berger . This French diffuser makes an excellent souvenir from France. It’s not only a very pretty and exquisite object that will look great in your living room. Moreover, a Lampe Berger is a functional device that will improve the air quality in your home.

A Lampe Berger is a catalytic lamp that is not overlaying unpleasant odors but eradicates smells on a molecular level . Perfect, to remove smells from cooking, and pets, or to generally freshen up your indoor air.

You can choose between many different fragrances, like french lavender fields, oranges or just go simple with neutral scents. You sure can order a Lampe Berger as well from home, but they cost less in France.

Whether you’re shopping along the famed Champs-Élysées in Paris or strolling along the iconic  Promenade des Anglais in Nice , a scarf is a perfect accessory for any ensemble.  And a scarf is also the ideal souvenir from your trip to France!

Scarves are one of the quintessential elements of a French wardrobe – for both men and women.  In the summer, choose a lightweight fabric to add a pop of color to your outfit.  In the winter, choose a heavier material to add a layer of warmth against the chill.

Scarves come in an incredible variety of colors, patterns, and materials. As well as prices!

For budget shopping, head to the street and souvenir vendors around the popular sights. For good quality scarves at a moderate price, you find a large choice at the Galerie Lafayette , which you find in many French cities. And of course, if you want a luxury scarf for a lifelong memory, you’ll surely find your happiness at Dior, Chanel, or Hermès.

So you may have a hard time choosing just one to take home with you.  Scarves make excellent souvenirs since they are both beautiful and functional.  Every time you wear it, you’ll remember the great times you had on your trip to France.

Even if you only travel with carry-on luggage, it is easy to make room for a scarf.  They’re generally light, can be packed into a cranny of your bag, and come out ready to wear.   C’est parfait!

#3 Marseille Soap

If you are  staying in Marseille the best souvenir you can bring back with you is obviously the Savon de Marseille ! Popular all over the world, this cube of soap has made the city famous since the 12th century. The real recipe is based on very strict manufacturing rules in which olive oil is heated for 10 days before being poured into molds and then cut. 

Marseille soap is a high-quality product. 100% natural and is appreciated for its many virtues. It is particularly recommended for sensitive or oily skin, bathing, or even for washing clothes and making homemade cleaning products. This soap is so iconic to France that every French household has at least one bar at home. 

You will find many small stores in Provence that sell Marseille and Provençal soaps so you should buy a few of your favorite scents, but be careful not to be fooled by the counterfeit.

If you are not in Provence and desperately want to buy some, go to one of the Fer à Cheval or Maison du Savon de Marseille stores, there are some almost everywhere in France.   

# 4 A traditional French Beret

A great souvenir from France is a traditional french beret. These soft, round, and flat-crowned hats are usually made from wool or felt and are an icon of French fashion items.

While you might think that nowadays it’s more of a tourist thing to wear a beret, I can assure you it’s not at all the case. As soon as it gets colder outside, you see many French women wearing a beret as completely normal day-to-day attire.

Well, of course, you find them as typical items to buy at souvenir vendors, but also in French stores like Monoprix or the Galerie Lafayette. Look at the latter two stores if you are keen on getting a quality beret.

#5 Sardines or meckerel from La Belle-iloise

A nice souvenir from France that you can keep long and that tastes delicious are Sardines from La Belle-iloise .

This French company from Brittany exists for almost 100 years and is specialized in “putting fish in cans”. And they are doing it well.

You can choose between different fish like sardines, tuna, mackerel, and even seaweed. I tried many of them and they are all delicious. We are usually eating them for Apéro, but sometimes, my husband and I are just getting a baguette and eating a can each for lunch.

My favorites are mackerel “Aux Graines de Paradis”. They are sold in gourmet supermarkets and stores, but mostly in their own shops, which you find all over France.

#6 A Vintage Book from the Bouquinistes

A vintage book purchased from the bouquinistes of Paris makes for a memorable souvenir from France. The word bouquinistes is French for “booksellers” and refers to a series of the open-air book stands along the Seine River in Paris .

The bouquinistes have existed in Paris since the 16th century. However, their popularity grew immensely during the French Revolution. Printing of books came to a halt then and printers focused solely on creating revolutionary newspapers and political materials. The bouquinistes were one of the only places where Parisians could purchase books during the revolution.

If you are an avid book lover, you might also like these articles:

• 16 best books that play in Paris
• The 8 most gorgeous bookstores in Paris

The books sold here were acquired from aristocratic libraries that had been pillaged. Due to their important history and cultural significance, the bouquinistes were declared a UNESCO world heritage site in the 1990s.

Today, there are over 200 bouquinistes that line the Seine River. The bouquinistes sell secondhand books, and other unique items, such as vintage posters and postcards.

A secondhand book or other item bought from the bouquinistes is unlike other souvenirs purchased in souvenir shops. A souvenir purchased here has important cultural and historical significance, making it a very unique keepsake to bring back from Paris, France.

Suggested by Amber from Get Lost in Wandelust

Best Souvenirs from Paris and Gifts from France

#7 a box of macarons.

While cupcakes are popular in the United States, France has dainty macarons. These delectable treats, which melt in your mouth, come in different flavors and pastel colors. While the sweets have migrated to other countries, family and friends can savor ones perfected in France for hundreds of years.

French bakeries make these bite-sized sandwich cookies from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. After baking, pastry chefs fill the meringue biscuits with yummy centers such as jellies, buttercream, and ganache.

One of the most popular Macaron stores is Laduree. They sell traditional macarons such as lemon, chocolate, and pistachio. However, over the years, some new favorites were created. With choices like Blackcurrant Violet, Rose Lychee, Salted Caramel, and Marie-Antoinette Tea, do you buy two dozen or a box of 42?

Laduree has several storefronts in Paris, but you can’t beat the location of the one on the Champs-Élysées. It’s steps away from the Arc de Triomphe .

While traditional souvenirs collect dust, French macarons are meant for eating. One bite, and you’re instantly transported back to a place of romance with the smell of lavender fields.

Contributed by Karen from  Forever Karen

#8 French Tea from Mariage Frères

If you love a good cuppa, then the tea from the French Gourmet brand Mariage Frères is a great souvenir from France. The Paris-based company was founded already in 1854 and is one of the most prestigious teas in France.

They operate 30 stores and sales points in France and even five tea rooms in Paris. They are lovely spots for afternoon tea and breakfast. If you wonder which tea to get, my favorite is Marco Polo.

#9 Salted Butter Caramel

Visiting France is a great opportunity to experience its culture, especially the unique food options . One must-have item to bring home as a souvenir when visiting France is a jar of Maison Georges Larnicol Salted Butter Caramel .

This delicious caramel comes in a jar with a small spoon attached and it’s absolutely worth the less than six euros you pay for it! It’s perfect for spreading on waffles, pancakes, or ice cream, enhancing your recipes, or simply eating straight from the jar.

The creamy salted butter caramel will be a hit with all of your friends and family when you bring it back home as a gift from Paris . It’s also a nice addition to your dinner party. Plus, it’s a great souvenir to remind you of the wonderful time you had in France! Get a jar of Maison Georges Larnicol Salted Butter Caramel at one of the 4 locations in Paris. Or at one of the 32 locations throughout France for a delicious and unique experience!

thanks for the idea, Melodie Rush at  TravelmustDos.com

#10 A mini Raclette grill

Raclette is an aromatic, semi-soft cheese that has been made in the French-Swiss Alps region since medieval times. The most unique part of enjoying this French favorite is the way it is served.  

“Raclette” comes from a French word meaning “to scrape.”  An electric heating device slowly melts away at a wedge or half wheel of Raclette and the consumer scrapes the melted layer off the block, drizzling it onto their plated meal.

When you order Raclette in France , the decadent cheese is typically served with a dish of cured meat, potatoes, and pickles.  It’s the ultimate wintertime comfort food and pairs wonderfully with Riesling, Pinot Noir, or a beer. 

The dining experience is one that is so unique and exquisite, you’ll want to replicate it at home!  Fortunately, you can find small (suitcase-friendly) Raclette machines with miniature pans to melt Raclette at home.  

Buy yourself a small Raclette machine as a souvenir from France and treat your friends to a delectable French meal.

Submitted by Catherine, a  Family Travel Writer

#11 A yellow raincoat from Petit Bateau

Le ciré jaune is a great souvenir from France, especially if you’ve visited the Bretagne region in the west of France. The yellow raincoat is originally a functional piece of clothing for fishermen and sailors. Of course, it keeps you warm, dry, and most of all: visible on the grey shores.

Back in the ’60s, when sailing schools became insanely popular along the Brittanic coastline, the style was adopted by amateur sailors as well. And then of course brought back to the cities after their sailing vacation was over.

Wonderful Souvenirs from France you won’t regret buying

#12 beautiful art prints.

Whether you’re on a solo trip in Paris , a family adventure through  France , or even backpacking Europe, art prints are fantastic souvenirs. They will help you remember your trip without taking up too much space in your luggage.

France is known for being a powerhouse in the art world for centuries. From their stunning architecture to world-renowned sculptures, and beautiful paintings . Of course, when visiting France, you will see these pieces first hand not only in museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay but even just wandering through city streets across the country.

What better way to remember this part of your trip than with an actual art print? It’s a fantastic keepsake to display in your home and a great way to support local artists or museums.

You can shop art prints from gift shops if you’re looking for a copy of a famous piece. Another easy way to find your perfect art print is from private vendors. In Paris, you can find them easily along the Seine and in popular tourist spots like Montmartre .

If you like art, you might be interested in these articles :

• 20 famous artwork in the Louvre you should not miss
• The 16 best Art Galeries and Museums in Paris
• 18 Free Museums in Paris for your bucket list

Art prints can range in cost depending on the size, originality, and medium but you can find affordable options if desired.

Finally, art prints are easy to transport because they can lie flat in a suitcase or in a laptop compartment of a backpack.

#13 Perfumes & Fragrances

If you are a fan of luxury fragrances, France is the place to stock up on the  best French perfumes . They also make lovely gifts for the women in your life! 

Grasse is a town in the south of France that is the epicenter of perfume-making in France. Many of the luxury French perfume makers source their perfumes from this small town in Provence.

Even if you don’t visit Grasse, you can still buy French fragrances in Paris and take back a little piece of French culture with you. Which perfume is best to buy? Here are some ideas. 

Chanel No. 5 is a classic French perfume that has been made in France since 1921. It was the first perfume created by fashion designer Gabrielle “ Coco ” Chanel. Marilyn Monroe was a fan and famously told reporters she wore nothing but this perfume to bed!

If you’re looking for a more affordable French perfume, go with the Lancôme La Vie Est Belle , another tantalizing fragrance beloved by millions around the world. The bottle even has a little ribbon around its neck, just like French women wear them!

#14 Mustarde from Dijon

In the east of France lies the city of Dijon – one of the gourmet capitals of France. And it is from here where dijon mustard comes from! Dijon mustard is a very popular souvenir to bring home from France, especially for those interested in gastronomy!

Many people are keen to bring home a jar of mustard or even a small gift set selection of different dijon mustards for friends as they know the mustard sold in Dijon tastes so good! Dijon mustard has a unique tangy, strong and sharp flavor with an ever-so-subtle spiciness to it – so use it sparingly at first until you get used to it! 

The two best mustard shops in Dijon are La Moutarderie Fallot (16 Rue de la Chouette) and Moutarde Maille (32 Rue de la Liberté). The Moutarde Maille shop lies on Dijon’s main pedestrianized street and dates back to 1747. It is a fascinating shop with a great selection of mustard available, from mango to blackcurrant, fig, and coriander or white truffle – just pick the one that appeals to you the most!

suggested by Catrina from   24hourslayover.com

The most personal souvenir from Paris:

#15 photos from a professional photoshooting.

Book your Photo Shooting in Paris here

One of the best Paris souvenirs that you won’t regret paying for is a professional photo shoot. While it’s easy to snap a few selfies in the City of Light, nothing beats walking around with a local Paris photographer who can take you to all the secret spots with gorgeous views and minimal crowds.

There are tons of different routes you can take. So, you can get photos with iconic places like the Eiffel Tower or Sacre-Coeur or you can meander down little side streets or wander through gorgeous gardens. Your experience is completely personalized.

Whether you are doing a  Paris family photo shoot , an engagement shoot, a girls’ trip, or embarking on a solo journey, you will treasure these photos for years and years. Not only are they handy to put up on social media, but you use them for your holiday cards, create a photo book of your adventures in France, or print them and hang them in your home.

# 16 French Pharmacy must-haves

Read this post about the most wanted French skin care products to know more

For all the makeup and skincare lovers out there, take a side trip to a French pharmacy. You’ll be in heaven. Here you find the best products from Avène, Embryolisse, La Roche-Posay, Vichy… at a way better rate than at home. That’s your occasion to stock up on the best French skincare products.

#17 Cider from Normandy

When it comes to finding the perfect memento of your time in France, Normandy cider is hard to beat. 

Normandy cider is made from a blend of different apples, and it has a distinctly crisp and tart flavor. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm summer day, and it’s also a great souvenir to take home with you from France. And If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone, this is it.

When buying Normandy cider, be sure to look for brands that use traditional methods of production. These ciders are usually made in small batches using locally-grown apples, and they tend to be less sweet than mass-produced ciders.

For the best flavor, try to find a Normandy cider that has been aged for at least six months. Ciders that have been aged for longer will have a richer flavor and more complex aromas. 

Not only will you have a great reminder of your trip to France but because it is produced using traditional methods, it is truly a taste of French history in a bottle. Cider is best enjoyed with a Crêpes or Galette by the way!

Tip: If you want to bring cider, think about getting protection bags to prevent shards.

#18 A Marinère T-Shirt

The Marinière belongs to the French Atlantic coast of Brittany and Normandy like cider, crêpes, and the previously mentioned yellow raincoat.

In 1858 the Marinère became the official garment of the French Navy, but its history is even older. The striped shirt was since the 18th century part of the sailor’s uniform, but only in early 1900, it became the iconic fashion item that it is today.

No one else than Coco Chanel created the women’s version of the traditional menswear. A risky game, but it worked. And if you visit Brittany or any other coastal region in the west of France today, the Marinère is the number 1 thing to buy in France.

#19 Delicious French Chocolates

Chocolate makes a great gift , whether you’re bringing it back as a souvenir or offering it as a thank-you gesture to someone who is hosting you. While in Paris, make sure to visit one of the city’s famous chocolatiers, where you’ll find artisan chocolates in a variety of flavors. Pierre Hermé would make a wonderful stop for souvenirs.

Pierre Hermé started learning to craft pastries at the age of 14 and, in 2016, he won an award for World’s Best Pastry Chef. Vanity Fair even ranked Hermé as the fourth most influential French person in 2016. The pastries and chocolates you’ll find in this chocolatier’s shops are thoughtful, with deep flavors and excellent craftsmanship.

Pastries will not usually travel well, but truffles and chocolates should have a shelf life of at least a couple of weeks. Ask the staff at the shop if you have any questions about a particular item. If you’re worried about temperature shock, wrap the chocolates in down or other insulating fabrics and pack them deep in your bag to keep them from melting in warm temperatures. 

Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Lovely France Souvenirs that make you remember your trip

#20 a french copy of “le petit prince”.

One of the most-loved French  children’s books ,  Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is the perfect souvenir to bring home from France.  Le Petit Prince  is one of the most widely-read and translated books in the world- perhaps because it appeals to individuals in all age groups. 

This book teaches adults and children alike that there is value in imagination and childhood and that growing up can be a difficult journey, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Although you can find the book in many stores in Paris, there is actually an entire Le Petit Prince store in the city! You can find the store in the St. Germain-des-Pres area of the city inside the 6th arrondissement. You could also pick up a copy at the world-famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, in the Latin Quarter.

While it could be difficult to translate the French copy should you need to, you will always be reminded of your trip to France and the fond memories that lie within the story of The Little Prince. 

#21 Lavender from Provence

If you’re going to visit the South of France, some of the best souvenirs you could bring home with you are lavender products from Provence. This picturesque region is famous for its fragrant lavender fields, which bloom between mid-June and mid-July and fill the entire countryside with a sweet floral scent. 

If you’re visiting the region in this period, make sure to include a stop at these stunning purple fields in your  Provence itinerary !

Provençal lavender is cultivated for its essential oil and dried buds which are used in a variety of products. From soap, perfume, bath salt, and skin care products to tea, honey, candles, and cotton pouches for scenting clothes or linen. There’s a wide range of lavender products available.

Lavender buds can even be used in cooking to flavor baked goods, ice cream, and savory dishes.

Lavender is known to have a calming and soothing effect. It is said to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, help with mood swings and improve the quality of your sleep. Thanks to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it also offers great benefits when used on the skin.

#22 A Watch from a French Brand

Read more about the most celebrated French Watch Brands here

If you are looking for a long-lasting souvenir to remember your trip to France, then a French watch might be what you need. The French have an equally long history in watchmaking than the Swiss. Actually, many popular swiss brands have their origins in Place Dauphine in the center of Paris.

But whether you are interested in prestigious watches or rather modern luxury pieces, you sure find them in France. Historic brands are Breguet, Cartier, or L.Leroy. If you are interested in modern designs, check out BALTIC, Bell & Ross, or BRM. You find a full list of the best French watch brands here.

#23 Gewürtzstraminer Wine from Alsace

The historical region of Alsace in the western corner of France is known for some of the best wines in Europe. The specialty of the area is AOC Alsace Grand Crus white wines and those are served in traditional Alsatian wine glasses with a green stem.

The wine is poured from a pottery jug a la fashion of the region. A set like this, with an aromatic Gewürztraminer or a medium-bodied Pinot Gris, makes for an excellent souvenir.

The glasses and jugs are available in quaint little stores, or they can be purchased on a visit to a vineyard along the  Alsace wine route . Specific places where you can choose a lovely set include Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim and Kaysersberg-Vignoble.

Don’t forget to get a few typical wines of the terroir with your glasses and jug. I highly recommend a lesser-known prestigious wine from the region, which is hard to get anywhere else, the Klevener de Heiligenstein from the Obernai area to complete your wine collection from Alsace.

Tip: If you want to bring back wine, think about getting protection bags to prevent shards.

Enjoy souvenirs of France at your next Apéro at home

#24 Crème de Cassis

If you were lucky enough to try a Kir for apéritif , then you should bring back some Crème de Cassis. The back currant liquor is usually added to white wine, to create the wonderfully sweet aperitif Kir, which is mainly home in the French Burgundy region. You find the basic (but good enough) version from L’Héritier-Guyot in every supermarket.

Tip: If you want to bring back Crème de Cassis, think about getting protection bags to prevent shards.

#25 Calissons

If you are looking for a tasty and unique gift to take home to your friends and family then don’t miss out on buying some calissons. They are originating from the South of France but are available to buy all over France. 

Calissons are a delicious treat that comes from Aix en Provence in France . They are made from almond paste and candied fruit, sometimes melon or orange. They are covered in a thin layer of royal icing which is spread onto a thin sheet of rice paper. Once the Calissons are cooled, they are cut into small diamond-shaped pieces and dusted with powdered sugar. Calissons are typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Calissons are a popular souvenir to buy in France because they are delicious and unique to France and a local sweet delicacy in Aix en Provence. The Calisson d’Aix is the original and most popular type of Calisson. Another well-known one is Calissons du Roy Rene which come packaged in beautiful tin boxes, making them a popular souvenir for tourists.

#26 Chocolate Mix from Angelina

If you bring back one souvenir from France, it should be a hot chocolate mix from Angelina Paris. Located across from the Tuileries Garden, Angelina makes a great stop anytime you’re visiting the City of Lights.

This historic café serves divine pastries like their signature Mont Blanc, delicious lunches like their  Croque Madame , and the absolute best hot chocolate. Thick, rich, creamy, and dreamy. You will definitely want to have some when you return home because it’s a fabulous souvenir from Paris.

Luckily they have a small shop at the front of the café where you can purchase their famous hot chocolate mix. Surely they have hot cocoa in grocery stores wherever you live, and it will be cheaper—but the one from Angelina is on a completely different level.

The best part is that you can have a seat in the luxurious dining room and try it before you buy it. Don’t be surprised, you will probably get then some for yourself, and every chocolate lover on your gift list.

#27 Gingerbread from Alsace

Buying the perfect souvenir can be challenging but unique souvenirs in France are very easy to come by. From beautiful wines to gourmet food, you will be spoiled for choice, and one perfect choice when you  visit the Alsace  is the Forwenger Gingerbread. 

The quaint original store is located in Gerwiller. Here the Fortwenger brand was established over 200 years ago and these days you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the small museum and learning about the story of the Fortwenger Gingerbread. This is also where the gingerbread is made.

If you are unable to visit the original store you can also find smaller stores in Colmar, Strasbourg , Roppenheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Paris on the Champs Elysees. You can also have a look in supermarkets like E le Leclerc to see if they are stoking the gingerbread and what flavors they have!

Find ideas on what to buy from France

#28 praline rose from lyon.

If you’re traveling through France, and can’t bring back a bottle of wine from the famous Lyon wine region , an alternative souvenir to pick up is a bag of praline roses. These are essentially small caramelized almonds covered in a hard sugar coat. And what makes these pralines roses special is their eye-catching neon pink sugar coat.

It’s believed that the idea of giving the pralines a bright pink color came from a pastry chef based in Lyon. The chef was inspired by rose gardens and wanted to craft something reminiscent of these gardens. As a result, the candies became known as praline roses and have been a specialty of Lyon for many years.

What’s more, the sweet and delicious candies are fairly small, so you won’t have to worry about them taking up too much space in your suitcase. Thus, if you’re looking for a unique and tasty souvenir from France, consider picking up some praline roses next time you’re in Lyon.

My Tip: Try them baked in a Brioche. My favorites are from Pralus .

#29 French Saucisson

A nice souvenir from France is to host a French Apéro once you’re back and serve French specialties. If I had to name one item that can’t be missing when taking the Apéro at my house, it’s certainly saucisson .

The dry-cured sausage, mostly made from porc, is perfect to go with a beer or a glass of wine. Together with olives, nuts, and maybe a few chips you are all set for a traditional French Apéro.

#30 Something from a Flea Market

There are countless Flea Markets and Antique Markets in France and a decorative item or a collectible is one of the most unique things you can buy in France. It makes just such a nice souvenir from your vacation.

If you visit Paris and wonder where to find the best fleamarkets, you have 2 prominent options. The big fleamarket halls in the north of Paris, the Puces de Saint Ouen, or the smaller flea market in the south, the Puces de Vanves. Personally, I prefer the one in the South. It is less crowded and less intimidating and there are many nice things in the area that make your trip there worthwhile. (r ead my post about it to know more )

#31 French Wine

One of the best souvenirs from France is a bottle of wine. Whether it’s a souvenir for yourself as a memory or a  gift for someone who loves France , you can never go wrong with French wine. 

First of all, it’s wine so that’s one reason you should buy it (if you love wine, of course). But secondly, France is one of the top wine countries in the world, it’s like bringing a part of the French culture home. 

Tip: If you want to bring back wine, think about getting wine protection bags to prevent shards.

Of course, you can buy a bottle of imported French wine at home. But it’s not the same as a bottle you bought directly from the vineyard after a full day of wine tasting (or from any other French seller).  

You might also like these articles:

• Quick Weekend Guide to Bordeaux, St.Émilion & Arcachon
• How to visit Bordeaux from Paris in just 1 day!

Another great thing about wine as a souvenir is that when you decide to open your bottle of wine, you will be transported back to France once again. It’s like having another mini vacation to France when you’re home. And once you’ve finished the bottle, you could even use it as a candle holder, so you’ll have a physical memory of your trip to France every time you light a candle. 

#32 A French Knife from Laguiole

Read my Laguiole Guide if you are keen on exploring the Aubrac Region

If you buy a knife that is made in Laguiole , you know that you are opt-in for quality, that lasts a life long. Even longer. Laguiole knives are handed down through generations and are a perfect souvenir from France. Either as exclusive cutlery or for outdoor lovers, who need a pocket knife handy at all times.

If you browse online stores, you see many Laguiole knives that have a significant bee emblem but come at a surprisingly low price. Truth be told, they are counterfeit. You can already see it on the teeth on the knife. Surprise: Laguiole knives don’t have teeth!

#33 Sea Salt from Guérande

In France, salt is highly prized and in particular, the salt of Guérande  Brittany  is the perfect souvenir gift to bring home. The lagoons in Guérande have been harvested for their salt since the 3rd century.

Guérande fleur de sel is recognizable by its grey crystals and its delicate almost violet scent. Fleur de sel is not meant to be cooked with but used as a garnish and is renowned for the flavor it brings to salted caramels and gourmet dishes.

You can find Guérande fleur de sel all over Brittany but the best place to buy some to take home is the Salt Marshes on the coast of Brittany in Guérande. Here you can visit the marshes, watch the workers harvesting salt and visit the shop where you can learn about the uses of fleur de sel and its history.

The perfect souvenir of France is a bag of Guérande fleur de sel and of course some of the famous salted caramel to take home.

#34 Gateau Breton

Gateau Breton is a traditional cake from north-western France and one of the most famous baked goods in Brittany . This might not be the first thing you think of when taking home souvenirs from your trip to France but Gateau Breton is a fantastic option for those who love anything sweet. You can buy packaged cakes that will last as long as a week so you can take the cake home with you and share it with your loved ones.

Gateau Breton is a buttery cake served with caramel that dates all the way back to 1863 when it won first place in a renowned pastry competition in Paris. The cake is similar to shortbread with its dense and sweet dough. You can’t find authentic Gateau Breton outside of Brittany so it makes for the perfect thoughtful souvenir for someone who loves sweet treats. Just make sure to eat it quickly so it’s still fresh and delicious.

#35 Fois Gras

Fois Gras is one of the most popular delicacies in France. It’s a paté made of duck or goose liver. Often served for Christmas Dinners or other festive occasions, but you find it as well in restaurants.

It is clearly not for everyone, but most French are getting tears in their eyes at the prospect of getting to eat Fois Gras. You can eat it with a fig or onion chutney, simply with a dash of salt but surely with a slice of bread. It can be farmhouse bread or brioche, but it’s best with slightly sweetened bread with dried fruits or nuts.

Even though I might be a spoilsport here, I do think everyone who’s enjoying foie gras should know that the liver gets so fat because the ducks and gooses are forced-fed. (My French husband has to listen to this sermon every time he eats foie gras, I just don’t want to do otherwise)

#36 Chutneys and Confitures

Chutneys and Confitures are wonderful souvenirs from France. You find tons of lovely chutneys in Frances, the most common are onion and figs. While they are mostly eaten with foie gras, fig chutneys are a great match with cheese as well, especially with hard cheeses like Comte. If you pair black cherry confiture with Brebis cheese from the Basque Country, you are even one of their specialties.

#37 Christmas Ornaments

One of the best souvenirs you can buy in France, or anywhere for that matter, is an ornament for your Christmas tree. It’s fun to buy something to associate with the memory of your travels; however, sometimes interesting souvenirs from another country can look out of place in your home, and over time you just aren’t sure what to do with them anymore. 

An ornament is a perfect option because it’s not something you have to display, or dust, throughout the year. They are pretty easy to find anywhere you travel and typically cost less than €20.00 each to purchase. 

The best part about buying ornaments as souvenirs is that you get to reminisce over each experience once a year while you decorate your tree. Discussing the memories from your trip to France, while you decorate your tree, will be a lovely Christmas tradition and something you look forward to passing down to your children. 

If you travel to the same location multiple times, then use a fine-tip sharpie marker to discretely write the date on the ornament so you can remember which year it was purchased.

#38 Terrines and Paté

Another so French souvenirs are Terrines and Paté. Terrines are slow-cooked in a pot and are usually made from different kinds of meats and/or insides, but sometimes even from fish. You eat it cold on bread and it’s often served at Apéros with a slice of baguette and cornichons. But you can even eat a terrine as a quick lunch.

Paté is slow-cooked meat as well but in its consistent way finer and smoother. Almost like a mousse. It can be made from different meats or livers, and you eat it with bread and cornichons.

The good thing about this Souvenir idea from France is, that you can keep them for years and don’t have to worry that they go bad.

Find the best Parisian Souvenirs and Gifts from France

#39 a book from shakespeare & company.

One of the loveliest and best Souvenirs from Paris is a book that you bought at Shakespeare & Company. It’s a beautiful and quaint Anglo-American bookstore right across the Seine from Notre Dame, with an outstanding book selection.

You find here new editions, but also vintage books, and often, they even host events like author readings.

On-demand, they add their stamp on the first page of your new book, so it’s no longer a simple book, but a souvenir from Paris.

#40 An Eiffel Tower Replica

Eiffel Tower is the most famous visited landmark in Paris. The “Iron lady,” as they call it, was the symbol of Paris and all of France.

If you are looking for a nice souvenir in France, an Eiffel Tower replica is an excellent choice. The replica is often made of metal and durable materials that will last for years. So you can put it on display at home or take it out with you on your next trip wherever you go. This souvenir is also a nice way to remember your memorable trip to Paris . 

It is a perfect souvenir for anyone who loves traveling, and this is an ideal present for a loved one, a friend, or a family who’s never been to Paris or France.

The Eiffel tower replica souvenir may be a little cheaper, but depending on its design as a keychain, paperweight, or small monument design, you can use it as an ornament in your home. 

Contributed by Imee Magbag from  Journey To France 

# 42 Piment d’ Espelette

Piment d’Espelette is a chili pepper that comes either in flakes or as a paste and is a specialty coming from the northern territory of the Basque Country. It has only a grade of 4000 so it’s a rather mild paste. It’s a perfect condiment for chicken, but also for white fish or simply with bread.

In some cheese stores, you find cheese with Piment d’Espelette added, which gives it a nice tangy touch.

#43 A bottle of Pastis

Pastis is one of the most consumed alcoholic drinks in France, and still, you hardly find it in stores anywhere outside France.

This anise-flavored spirit is a typical aperitif from the south of France, especially around Marseille. If you order a Pastis in France, you get a glass with the spirit served together with a jug of water, sometimes ice, to prepare your own mix. It makes a great refreshment on hot days, which are so typical for the Provence region in France.

Tip: If you want to bring back a bottle of Pastis, think about getting protection bags to prevent shards.

#44 A Designer Handbag

If you are traveling to Paris and happen to have a soft spot for Luxury, then you definitely need to consider getting a luxury handbag from Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, or any other of the big Luxury Stores. It is not only a memorable thing to buy in France, but it is also even beneficial financially!

Believe it or not, many bags are way cheaper in France than elsewhere, and depending on where you’re from, you might even be eligible for Tax refunds.

#45 Vinegar from Orléans

What Dijon is for mustard is Orléans for Vinegar. This wine-based vinegar has a very long tradition. It reaches back to the Middle Ages, but today only the vinegar from Martin Pouret is still produced after the same method as back in the day.

So if you take a day trip from Paris by train to Orléans, a bottle of this traditional vinegar makes a great souvenir.

#46 Anis de Flavigny Pastilles

A box of Anis de Flavigny is a great souvenir of France, especially if you visited the Burgundy region. Because that’s where they are from.

These anise-flavored candies are each contain a real anis seed that slowly but surely covered with layers of sugar syrup. It’s a receipt that is followed since 1591, but the history of the Anis de Flavigny goes back to the 8th century.

But the candy itself is only one reason, why they make excellent French souvenirs. The other is the beautiful metal box they are coming in. The motives are gorgeous and the boxes make great gifts from France for friends and family back home.

#47 Crème de Marrons – Chestnut Spread

The French are crazy about Chestnut spread, called Crème de Marrons. The most popular brand is Clement Faugier and judged by the box, their receipt did not change much since 1882.

You can eat this sweet paste as you like: on bread, in yogurt, as spread on cakes, and in desserts. Or straight from the jar with a spoon.

Voilà, these are the best things you can buy in France, that make also excellent gifts from France. Whether you need some inspiration for nice souvenirs of France, or just want to treat yourself to something special. I am sure you know now what you need to be watching out for.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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PS: Check out these posts, they will help you plan your trip to Paris

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• 14 Hotels with stunning Eiffel Tower views- for (almost) every budget!
• Your Perfect 2 Days in Paris! Itinerary & Insider Tips
• 5 ways to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Paris – THE complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons

FAQ Souvenirs from France

Popular souvenirs from France are Lavender Products from Provence, Marseilles Soap, or Scarves that you find everywhere and on every budget. Many also stock up on wine and Champagner or bring back culinary treats like terrines, macarons, cheese, or mustard.

Lovely souvenirs from Paris are macarons from Laduré, perfume, tea from Mariage Frères, Art Prints, or books with a stamp from Shakespeare & Company. You also can find more unique gifts on fleamarkets and vintage stores, or at the Bouquinstes along the Seine. For more classical Paris gifts, look for tote bags or an Eiffel Tower replica.

Things you only can buy in France are skin care products at a cheaper price, the popular Pastis spirit, Chestnut Paste and Designer Handbags at a good price.

Did you find this post about Souvenirs from France helpful? Share it, so others can find it, too.

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26 Great Gifts for the Friend Who's Always Talking About France

The allure of the French way of life is part of what keeps millions of travelers coming to the country each year to experience everything from art and food to fashion and artisan-made goods. Can’t make it to France for a visit of your own? No problem, little French touches can come to you. Below, we’ve compiled 26 French-themed gifts that any Francophile will appreciate. From handcrafted accessories and sleek tote bags to beloved beauty products, we've got you covered with the very best French-inspired gifts.

Need some more inspo? Check out  Traveler 's  Amazon Storefront  for even more of our favorite travel gifts.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life by Ajiri Aki

Who better to glean French life lessons from than the antiques and design entrepreneur Ajiri Aki, who has lived in Paris for nearly 15 years. The Madame de la Maison founder ’s first solo book is an ode to the good life à la française, full of practical ways to infuse beauty and special moments into your everyday life, wherever you live.

Typology Iconic Facial Routine Gift Set

Cult favorite French pharmacy brands like La Roche Posay, Avène, Bioderma, and Nuxe have a following for a reason (and are readily available now on their own US brand websites and various retailers, including Sephora), but there's another brand that should be on your radar: Typology, a pared back, B-corp vegan line out of Paris that has taken over many medicine cabinets. Formulated with labs in Bergerac, Aix en Provence, and Compiègne, the brand is known for its radical transparency on formulations and its use of only a handful of essential, natural active ingredients. The nine-ingredient face moisturizer, tinted serums, and tinted lip oils are among the bestsellers, but you can decide for yourself with this starter set.

Charlotte Chesnais Round Trip ring

Since the launch of her brand eight years ago, Charlotte Chesnais’ jewelry has become instantly recognizable for its unexpected forms and sculptural designs. Beloved by in-the-know Parisians and leading ladies like Zendaya and Nicole Kidman, Chesnais’ wristlets, entwined rings, earrings, and pendant necklaces come in silver, vermeil, and gold.

Ormaie Tableau Parisien

It was only a matter of time before Ormaie, the all-natural unisex perfume brand, extended its line to plant-based soaps, refillable candles in stunning porcelain vessels, and now travel-size 20ml refillable fragrance bottles with glass ampoules. The ethos remains the same: plastic-free, beautiful design, and high-quality scents developed by the best noses in Grasse that look, smell, and feel divine.

Williams Sonoma Tour de France gift crate

California-based Williams Sonoma had European culinary experts curate a crate commemorating some of France’s notable delicacies. It includes smoked salmon, triple-cream Brie, pork paté, French blinis, and caviar—immediately transporting your giftee to France through their taste buds.

L/Uniform The Mini Press Bag

L/Uniform, a French label co-founded by Jeanne Signoles and her husband, Alex Signoles, one of the children of Jean-Michel Signoles, who took over the Goyard trunk and leather goods company in 1998, has made its mark on local fashion with its line of functional, chic bags. Satchels, messenger bags, tote bags , shopping trolleys, and travel bags are made from beautifully crafted canvas (linen and cotton or just cotton, depending on the color), produced by hand in Carcassonne, and have the benefit of being completely washable, as well as water- and stain-resistant.

Veja Wata II Low Ripstop Kaki Pierre

There’s a reason you’ve seen Veja sneakers on nearly every Parisian: not only are they well-made and sharply designed shoes, they are ethically produced from Brazilian and Peruvian organic and regenerative cotton and Amazonian wild rubber from small cooperatives. The Wata II model, among the newest in the brand’s permanent collection, is made from Brazilian rubber and recycled polyester with a tear-resistant mesh that will keep the shoe looking great wear after wear.

Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunks by Olivier Margot

One of the most recognizable French brands in the world? Louis Vuitton. In Louis Vuitton: Trophy Trunks, readers are able to peruse the custom-made trunks that house the most notable trophy titles in the world, from the French Open to the FIFA World Cup. We’re also able to see glimpses into the historic moments that made these pieces legends in their own right.

Officine Universelle Buly Savon Superfin Parfumé

The new collection from Officine Universelle Buly, the old-world beauty and grooming brand founded by Victoire de Taillac and Ramdane Touhami, is a stroll through the most bucolic and abundant French gardens of yesteryear during a harvest. Inspired by 18th and 19th century botanists, this set of water-based fragrances, natural body oils and lotions, and hand soaps nod to the aromatic wonders of herb and vegetable gardens nurtured across France with combinations like redcurrant and Peruvian tomato, Andean verbena and Ulu basil, Caribbean sweet potato and afghan carrot, or Indian cucumber with Syrian mint.

Mariage Freres International Milky Blue Absolu Silky Blue Tea

Known as France’s oldest importer of tea, Mariage Frères was founded in Paris by the Mariage brothers Henri and Edouard in 1854. Your France-loving friend will enjoy the sweet aroma of the loose tea leaves as they steep and mimic the atmosphere of the famed Frères tea room in their own home.

A Year in the French Style: Interiors & Entertaining by Antoinette Poisson

The easiest route to French decorative and lifestyle inspiration is through the books of Vincent Farrelly and Jean-Baptiste Martin, the co-founders and art directors of the Parisian brand Antoinette Poisson. The duo, whose domino prints have been featured in collaborations with Gucci, Diptyque, and the Château de Versailles, has just released this new sumptuously photographed book that looks at entertaining throughout the seasons and decorating their historic townhouse on the French Atlantic coast.

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 tote bag

Delsey Paris was founded in 1946 after the merger between camera case manufacturers Delahaye and Seynhaeve. A pioneer of French luggage and travel accessories, the company has continued to produce pieces that embody its unmatched style ever since. Made of recycled bottles, the Chatelet Air tote is the company’s way of showing that they are able to produce elegant, sustainable pieces.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian The Fragrance Wardrobe Discovery Collection for Her

Help your giftee find their signature scent with the Maison Francis Kurkdijan fragrance sets. With sets designed for both men and women , they will be able to experience perfume and cologne shopping in one sitting as they look upon the eight scents provided. With ranges from flowery and sweet to musky and sultry, the ultimate day and night scents can be found inside this box.

Laguiole En Aubrac Waiters Corkscrew wine opener

The first Laguiole knife was crafted by a villager in 1829—since then, Laguiole has been one of the most trusted French cutlery brands. With durable Sandvik stainless steel, it is the easiest way to open up one’s favorite French wine.

Elise Tsikis Hyacinthe earrings

Founded in 2014, Elise Tsikis drew inspiration from her Greek and French roots. With detailed pieces like these gold earrings that pay homage to traditional Greek and French styles and intricacies, it is a beautiful fusion of two popular European cultures.

Cire Trudon Madeleine candle

Parisian candlemaker Cire Trudon was founded on Rue Saint-Honoré in 1643, and has been developing its signature fragrances ever since—it even provided the scents for the royal court of Louis XIV (you can, in fact, buy a wax bust of the former king to burn at your leisure) before outliving Marie Antoinette and going on to provide candles for our favorite celebrity homes. Each candle is still handmade in the brand's Normandy factory, too. You can't get more authentically French than that.

Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water

To achieve that elusive “French girl beauty” look you need to have the right products —most of which can be found in pretty much any pharmacy across France (and, ahem , on Amazon). Avène is one of the brands behind those products, and its bestselling Thermal Spring Water face mist has become a must-pack for anyone battling dry or irritated skin after a long-haul flight, or is simply in need of a pick-me-up on a hot day. Plus, it comes in a handy travel size , too.

Saint James Authentic Breton stripe shirt

The Breton shirt is so timelessly, stylishly French that we once wrote an entire story dedicated to the history of it —and everyone from Brigitte Bardot to Jean Paul Gaultier has worn the traditional striped sailor top since Coco Chanel set the trend in 1913. There's no shortage of options to buy, but no one designs the shirt quite as well as French atelier Saint James, which has been making them for 130 years. You can choose from a range of color options, but we love the classic navy and white combo.

Sagaform wine carafe with oak stopper

One of the best souvenirs to bring back from France is, of course, wine. Preferably the same one you just spent a week drinking in the vineyards of Burgundy . But once you get home, you also need something chic to serve it in, which makes this minimalist carafe from Sagaform an ideal gift for any oenophile who wants to show off everything they know about tannins. In between trips, it's a stylish way to upgrade the wine you just bought from the corner store.

La Maison du Chocolat Coffret chocolate box

What would you be doing on a trip to France ? Eating. What’s one French confection readily available stateside? Chocolate, thankfully. Under the guidance of Nicolas Cloiseau, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), La Maison du Chocolat has mastered everything from luscious ganaches and pralines to unexpected savory flavors, all of which are available online and make excellent French gifts. For a wide range that appeals to all palates, start with the 60-piece signature set.

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Dutch Oven

A piece of Le Creuset cookware is a statement piece for anyone’s kitchen—but even more so if they’re that person who visited France once and came back thinking they were the next Julia Child . This classic cast-iron Dutch oven comes in an array of colors with fun names like Truffle, Marseille, and Palm, and is perfect for cooking, say, a rich cassoulet at your next dinner party. Not that you have to stick to French cooking, though. In need of some recipe inspiration? Look no further than this list of our favorite cookbooks .

Airbnb gift card

Contributing to a friend's Airbnb fund is a no-brainer: it helps make their trip planning easier, and you give them an excuse to gawk at the many beautiful apartments found across Paris and imagine they're a character in Amelie . If they need a little guidance over where exactly to stay on their next visit, we've rounded up our favorite Airbnbs across the city, including a wallet-friendly spot near the Sacré-Coeur and a character-filled two-bedroom in the Marais. No matter who you've bought the gift card for, there's something for everyone. 

Tricot recycled cashmere v-neck sweater

Well-cut basics made from durable materials are fixtures of the French wardrobe. That includes knitwear, the object of affection for Tom Lehman and Rémi Lacquintaine, the creators of sustainable brand Tricot. The duo’s three-ply sweaters are made from 50 percent recycled cashmere and 50 percent virgin cashmere (for the curious shopper, the recycling process is laid out in full on the brand’s website) and come in a variety of styles and colors.

Del'ep leather phone case

After working for Chanel alongside Karl Lagerfeld and with Nicolas Ghesquière during his Balenciaga days, Sigrid de l’Epine began contributing her own made-in-France designs to the fashion world: finely crafted, vegetable tanned leather cases to hold your phone, glasses , or keys around your neck. Both elegant and practical, it’s no wonder some of the world’s most well-dressed women, from actress Kelly Rutherford to model-actress Elisa Sednaoui, have added these cases to their wardrobes.

Marin Montagut glassware

Even if you can’t get to Paris to peruse the hand-painted homewares and scarves at Martin Montagut’s Left Bank cabinet of curiosities, you can bring his spirit to you. The bohemian artist and illustrator’s deep affection for the French capital comes to life in this hand blown glass. Each piece is unique and can be used as a water glass, a pencil holder, or a small vase.

Maison/Made Lemon Balm Biodynamic Hydrosol

If you can’t frolic through the rolling hills of Burgundy you can at least put some of its earthy abundance to work on your skin. This lemon balm from Maison/Made, a small batch skincare atelier with Demeter Biodynamic certification , is an all-purpose hydrosol (the result of steam distillation of the company’s medicinal plants grown on a centuries-old family farm in Burgundy) that targets cellular renewal and repair. It’s the perfect calming before-bed ritual.

Holiday Packing List

Packing List For France 2024

Are you travelling to France and want to know what to take? Here is a breakdown of everything I found useful on my own trips to France, with advice about what you can leave behind

Each year, over 80 million people visit France, making it the most popular travel destination in the world. From the rugged pink coast of Brittany, and the elegance of Paris, down through the dazzling Provence of Van Gogh, and the sultry soul of Marseilles, everybody loves a different France. The common attraction is the French way of living. This comprehensive guide will help you pack for a Gallic adventure of your own.

Preparing For Your Trip To France

Some of the key things you need for France won’t be in your suitcase at all. Organise these essentials a few months before you intend to go.

• Flight Ticket – Book any flights well in advance. Prices tend to rise closer to departure date, so it’s best to book roughly three months ahead, using a flight comparison site like Skyscanner . You may be asked to show a return ticket in transit, so have a print out of all tickets to hand.
• The Trainline should be your first call for both trains and coaches in France. You can do everything via their phone app too.
• Interrail Passes are essential for EU nationals intending to cover a number of different areas. The Eurail France Pass is the equivalent for non-EU visitors .
• French coach travel has seen a major overhaul since 2011, making it a viable alternative to the train system. The Eurolines Pass is the cheapest for long distances, or if you intend to visit other countries. Specific coach routes are available from the German coach operator Flixbus .
• Accommodation – As with flights, the price and availability will be much better if you book in advance. Use Booking.com to help find the best prices .
• Passport – Make sure your passport has plenty of blank pages and at least six months until expiry. A passport cover will protect it from damage, which can cause serious problems for you at the airport. A good cover is also a convenient stash for tickets and other transit documents.
• Do I Need A Visa For France? – France is in the Schengen Area of free movement for EU citizens. Americans, Australians, and Canadians do NOT need a visa for less than 90 days. Go to the Schengen visa information page for full details and other nationalities.
• Face mask – COVID is still very active in many countries and you may be required to wear an SFP2 facemask on the plane and in some indoor spaces. It’s also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser when you travel.

Travel Insurance For France

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

What Do You Need To Pack For France?

The best advice is always to pack less. When in doubt, leave it out. France is a great country for shopping, with prices roughly equivalent to the UK, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting whatever you need. The price displayed is always what you’ll pay, with all taxes included.

Although shopping norms are changing in France, and more places are now open on Sundays, don’t be surprised if shops close at lunchtime, and don’t expect anywhere to stay open 24 hours. The main cities all have famous shopping districts, but you’ll find excellent markets and local stores across the country, and most areas will be served by at least one hypermarché, such as Carrefour.

• You Won’t Need Toiletries – You’ll find an extensive range of reasonable priced toiletries in any of the 300 branches of Monoprix, so there’s no need to bring personal hygiene items like condoms, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel, razors, or loo roll. This also makes flight restrictions on liquids much easier much easier to navigate.
• You Won’t Need Non-Prescription Medication – Tablets, liquids, and potions for any unexpected illness are all available from a pharmacie. See below for section on health.

What Clothes To Pack For France

As with most European countries, the weather and climate in France will depend on where you are and when you travel. All regions range from hot to stifling in mid-summer. The north will generally be close to freezing in the winter, whilst the south contends with the near-mythical figure of the Mistral wind . Rain can be expected in any region, at any time. Do some homework on your specific destination, pack according to your best guess, but also budget to shop for additional items and be prepared to improvise once you arrive. Clothes are a big part of French shopping, so it’s very easy to replace anything you’ve forgotten.

A common strategy is to pack layers for every eventuality. If you’re travelling for more than a week, bring clothes for at least four days. You can do laundry twice a week and always have a backup outfit.

• Shorts with zipper pockets help protect valuables and help you stay cool at the hottest times of the year.
• Tick-borne Lyme disease is an increasing problem in rural areas. Pack light-weight trousers , if you’re going to be in the countryside during the summer.
• During the coldest months of the year, go for simple, durable and comfortable clothing. A couple of pairs of jeans will be the most versatile solution.
• Pack a few light t-shirts as a base, then add a couple of long-sleeved tops for when things turn chilly. Under Armor t-shirts remain dry and light. Be sure to protect your arms against the sun or if you’re in the country during the summer.
• A waterproof coat or warm jacket is essential from mid-autumn to late spring. Wear it on the plane to cut down on packing. I also carry a ‘ cag in a bag ’ for sudden showers.
• Base layer tops and thermal tights are a lifesaver during the coldest months. Duofold’s crew neck base layer tops for men or Duofold thermal shirts for women won’t add too much bulk to an outfit.
• Underwear – Under Armor underwear is a great way to keep cool and easily worth the investment, especially if you’re physically very active. Use a lubricant like KY Jelly on tender areas to avoid the chafing brought on by lots of walking.
• During summer, consider some Keen CNX hiking shoes . They feel better than sandals and your feet will thank you.
• Avoid blistered feet by making sure trainers or sneakers offer plenty of ventilation. This will also help avoid smelly feet after a long day pounding the pavement.
• Make sure your socks give your toes plenty of protection .
• Summer Accessories – Get some decent shades to screen out harmful rays. Check Amazon for quality sunglasses to avoid paying silly money – you’ll be gutted if you leave your favourite Ray-Bans on the Metro. Some kind of headwear is also useful for keeping the sun off and staying cool.
• Swimwear – France has gorgeous beaches on three sides of the country, so make sure you pack good quality bikinis or trunks if you’re headed to the coast.
• Winter Accessories – Pack a warm scarf for winter months, at least one pair of gloves, and a hat to keep your noggin cosy.

Health And Grooming Items To Pack For France

• Quick Dry Towel – A word of advice: even if towels come with your accommodation, it’s a good idea to bring your own. This can be particularly true in some of France’s cheaper hotels. I recommend Sunland towels – they are very lightweight and non-bulky, to minimise your travel load.
• Refillable Water Bottle – French summers can be brutally hot. As I write, the country is in the grip of a heatwave. It’s vital to stay hydrated when travelling, at any time of year. Fill up a water bottle so you always have refreshment to hand. The Nalgene OTF has a clever lid technology for easy filling and is durable enough for travel.
• Sunscreen and Insect Repellent – Use sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun. Neutrogena SPF 45 Drytouch Sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and absorbs into your skin instantly. Stock up on insect repellent if you’re going to be out in the country or on the coast.
• Tissues – It’s useful to carry some tissues for various little emergencies. A small bottle of hand sanitiser is valuable too.
• Moisturiser – As with hand sanitiser, using face moisturiser whilst travelling can do wonders for your spirits at the end of a demanding day. Fancy makes like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream feel genuinely better to me.
• Antihistamine tablets – I recommend antihistamines for pollen allergies and sensitive noses. I also find that taking an antihistamine before a long flight helps with symptoms brought on by recycled canned air. These are cheap and available without prescription .
• Ear Plugs – Ear plugs are essential for any kind of long journey. They can save your sanity when sharing a dorm with someone who snores. Moldex ear plugs are excellent and very cheap.

Electronic Devices To Pack For France

• France uses the round plug known as ‘Type E’. It has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s earthing pin . It’s worth noting that most neighbouring countries have a different type of socket.
• Type E has the same 230V / 50 Hz power as the UK, so if you’re coming from the US, you might need an adaptor with a build-in voltage converter for things like hairdryers.
• The simplest solution is to get a universal power adaptor . Make sure it has surge protection if you’re powering expensive items like laptops.
• If your current handset is locked to a provider, consider buying a cheap, temporary phone especially for the trip .
• Don’t forget your phone charger! If you do, look for a branch of French institution Fnac – click ‘Magasins’ in the menu and search for the city you’ll be in.
• A strong protective case will save your phone from the inevitable demands of travel. The Otterbox range of Defender cases will withstand most kinds of damage.
• The batteries on your devices are going to drain faster abroad and you can’t predict when you’ll have a power source, so keep a fully-charged power bank with you. My new favourite is RAVPower’s clever FileHub Plus . It’s an external battery, a wifi signal booster, and over-the-air media/file server with plenty of ports.
• Make sure you have cloud backup for your photos and data, and copy valuable material to an SD or similar, then keep it somewhere safe. Also back everything up to a laptop if you have one with you .
• Noise-cancelling headphones – As an alternative to earplugs, get a pair of comfortable noise-cancelling headphones for long flights and bus journeys.
• GoPro is still a popular alternative. These tiny, waterproof cameras are great for first-person POV and during adventure activities.
• Make sure you have plenty of memory cards . These are notoriously unreliable, so change them regularly and backup images as soon as possible.
• France has a history of literature to rival anywhere else, so there’s always something new to stock up on. I’m currently reading Jean-Claude Izzo’s Marseilles trilogy of gritty French noir. Izzo conjures a city of tension, heat, music, food and drink so vivid that I feel like I’m right there. For a bit of Parisian romance, I’d also recommend Hemingway’s memoir A Moveable Feast .

Other Things To Pack For France

• French Phrasebook – English is widely spoken in French cities, but in other situations, an excellent phrasebook like the ’Lonely Planet French Phrasebook’ will help you out of a jam. Be sure to get familiar with how to pronounce the language before you go and learn at least the basic greetings and other useful phrases.
• Journal – I have a detailed journal from travels across France in 1993, stuffed with photos and details of places of a country that has changed in many ways. Any notebook will do – Rhodia and Clairefontaine are both French classics – but I love using Leuchtturm1917 . They’re pricey but worth the investment.

Other Documents To Prepare For A Visit To France

• Student Card – If you’re a student, under 30, or a teacher make sure you have an International Student Identity Card . This gives discounts in many galleries and museums, as well as other travel savings.
• Driving Licence – You can use a foreign driving licence in France, as long as you are over 18 with insurance, registration, and passport. However, it is easy to fall foul of certain rules and regulations, particularly when bringing a vehicle into the country. Be sure to study the RAC website for full details .
• Document Scans – Take photos of your passport, credit and debit cards, insurance, and any other important documents, then save them as JPEGs to an online account like Gmail, iCloud, or Dropbox, as well as a list of any emergency contacts, such as banks and medical numbers. If you lose anything, you’ll always have a backup on your phone and via an internet connection.

Luggage For A Visit To France

• If you’d prefer to take a suitcase, go for high-quality luggage that’s large enough for all your gear with some extra space for anything you buy while abroad.
• You’ll need a daypack for everyday items such as a water bottle and battery pack.
• Travel Wallet – A sturdy travel wallet will keep your cash, cards, and valuable documents tucked away. The Lewis N. Clark RFID Security Wallet is a good size for your passport and other essentials, but will still fit comfortably under your clothing.
• Travel Cubes – By grouping your luggage into three or four different coloured travel cubes , you can easily find what you’re looking for, rather than having to empty everything onto the bed. You can do the same with Ziploc bags or even carriers, but nice, sturdy cubes will help keep your luggage tidy and save lots of time.
• Since airports have a 100 mL limit on carry-on liquids, transfer them into smaller containers and a transparent bag, or pack larger bottles in with your hold luggage.
• Luggage Locks – This inexpensive purchase will keep your bags protected from opportunistic meddling. Make sure any locks are TSA-approved when travelling from the USA.

Preparing Your Cellphone For France

Since 2017, EU citizens can, by law, use their existing phone and data plan in France at no extra cost. Call your provider to verify that your handset is ready to roam and to find out if your contract has any limitations.

For non-EU travellers, the SIM card landscape is relatively straightforward. There are four major phone carriers in France: Orange, SFR, Bouygues, and Free Mobile, as well as an online only vendor LeFrenchMobile.

At first glance, Free Mobile is the most attractive, offering unlimited calls and data for just under €20 per month (plus a €5 set-up fee). The downside is that SIMs are only available at Free’s only Paris store. Also, this is a monthly subscription, so you’ll need to cancel the contract when you leave.

At the other end of the spectrum, France’s biggest and oldest provider Orange offers the €40 prepaid Holiday SIM with 120 minutes of calls, 1000 international texts and 10GB of EU-wide data. The website is clear and in English and top-ups are super easy. The downside is that this SIM is aimed at tourists, so the credit only lasts for 14 days.

The convenience of LeFrenchMobile is that they’ll ship the SIM to you and get you set up online before you depart. But, at roughly €20 for 10 minutes of calls and 2GB of data, it’s not great value for money. Similarly, neither SFR and Bouygues are cheap enough to be compelling when compared to Free or Orange.

You’ll need an unlocked handset in order to use the new SIM, so will have to buy a cheap device if your phone is still in contract.

In addition to hotels and cafés, France has a good network of free public wifi, particularly in Paris. Another fallback is to take advantage of the free wifi at Apple stores or branches of Starbucks in the cities and larger towns.

Health Considerations For A Visit To France

• Non-EU travellers, with travel insurance, should check with their provider to understand what they require of you before leaving for France. Keep their number within easy access, contact them as soon as possible for advice, and keep any receipts to claim against.
• Dial 112 for the English-speaking emergency service.
• There has been a rise in measles across Europe since May 2018, so make sure you were inoculated as part of your routine vaccinations.
• If you are planning to hike or camp in the forest, you should consider protection against tick-borne diseases, which carry a higher risk during the summer in rural areas. Cover exposed skin and use insect repellent.
• Check the FitForTravel website for the latest travel advice.
• Prescription Medicines – Bring a full supply of any prescription medicines, sealed, if possible, in the original packaging with the prescription label attached. Otherwise, carry written documentation to present at customs.
• Non-Prescription Medicines – France has one of the best healthcare industries in the world. The trusty French pharmacie is excellent for a range of services, including non-prescription drugs, and is easily identified by the green neon cross hanging outside. The pharmacists are highly trained and often speak English, so should be your first port of call if you’re feeling unwell. Pharmacies generally keep regular shop hours but you should be able to find a ‘service de garde’ for out-of-hours crises.
• Allergy Card – If you have allergies or certain food preferences, carry a statement in French to show to food vendors and restaurants. Select Wisely sells cards for most major food and drug allergies in a huge variety of languages.

Money For Visiting France

France is a member of the European Union and, if you’ve spent time in any other EU country, you’ll encounter few financial surprises here. Where some European cities are moving to contactless payment, however, France is still relatively cash-based. The best strategy is to use a mix of debit and credit cards, and hard currency.

Ideally you will bring both a debit and credit card from the Visa or MasterCard family, as other cards are less common in France. A debit card will be cheaper to use at an ATM, especially if you’re able to acquire a no-fee card. Similarly, France uses the chip-and-PIN system, so your trip will go smoother if you have cards to match, rather than a signature or magnetic strip card. You will need a 4-digit PIN. Talk to your bank and see what they can do. Also, just because your plastic worked overseas in the past, don’t assume it will for this trip. I was caught out when my bank changed the rules for travel for my type of account. Finally, ask if your bank is partnered with a French equivalent. Barclays and Bank of America have an agreement with BNP Paribas, for example, for cheaper withdrawals.

If your bank can’t help, a crop of new services and top-up cards are aimed at dissolving financial borders for travellers. Starling and Revolut , in the UK, for example, offer zero fees for travel use and Western Union’s TravelWise card is worth keeping an eye on.

As one of the world’s major currencies, you should be able to get a good rate of exchange on the Euro before you leave home. Buy about €100 in advance and keep it on you. Avoid changing money once you’ve arrived, especially at airports and other tourist areas. Travellers cheques are also best avoided. Instead, make use of ATMs, which offer an exchange at the market rate. These are easily found in banks and post offices, but less common outside of towns and cities. They are easy to use and will usually give you the option to change the operating language to English. Always choose the EUR rate, if offered, rather than to withdraw in your own currency.

Pickpockets are common in France, so strike the balance between withdrawing lump sums for emergencies or places that will only accept cash but not carrying too much at any one time. And securely stash what you have in a money belt or hidden wallet .

If you have problems with a card, try a few different banks, then call the number on the back of the card to get it unfrozen. It’s a good idea to keep a separate record of this and other card details, in case it gets lost or stolen. It’s also wise to carry a back-up card from a different account and make sure you have access to online banking.

Most shops, restaurants, and bars clearly advertise their prices, and you should expect to pay what you see, including any taxes and service charges. However, the price in bars and cafés will vary depending on where you sit. It’s more expensive to sit down than drink at the bar. Although included in the price, it’s customary to tip 5-10% if you’ve had good service.

It is normal to be charged a small ‘tourist tax’ on your accommodation. This is often bundled into the initial cost, although you may be asked to settle as you check out. Either way, look out for what is required when you make your booking.

If you’re travelling from outside the EU and are making big purchases, you may be eligible for a tax refund. Ask about duty free at the point of purchase.

The Best Time To Visit France

Common wisdom says that France is at its best during the spring or autumn: from April to June and September to November. The snag is that this is also the costliest and most popular time to visit.

Outside of the capital, it probably is best to stick to the milder seasons . The winters are either cold and grey or wet and windy, mid-summer stifling and overcrowded. But Paris has plenty to offer at any time of year and some fantastic bargains can be found off season. Temperatures range from a low of 3ºC in December and January to a high of 25ºC in July and August. It’s also a wet city, even during the summer.

Planning What To Do And Where To Go In France

• France Guidebook – A good guide remains a trusted way to understand a country before you travel and even before you book. I usually go for ’Lonely Planet France’ or the equivalent for specific cities and regions. By reading through and marking everything that interests you, it can really help you decide where and when to go. I always mark up my guidebook with notes as I travel, too: part journal, part recommendation to friends.
• French Maps – Hotels and tourist information centres will offer free maps. The coverage is always selective, so collect a few and cross reference. You can also use Google Maps for the area you’re in. Download these when you’ve access to free wifi for offline use , so you don’t waste data when you’re out and about.

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60+ French Phrases for Travel You Need to Know 📚FREE Printable Cheat-Sheet

Order your petit-déjeuner (breakfast) or buy your billets (tickets) to the Louvre all in French! Here are the most useful French phrases for travel you need to know.

Learning some French will offer you further insight into the French culture, mentality, and way of life. The ability to speak even un peu français (a little bit of French) and avoid making these French faux pas will enhance your travel experience and open the doors to unique connections with the locals.

France is the world’s top tourist destination, attracting more than 79,5 million visitors a year! That’s why French is the next language in my travel phrase guide series. Not only that, but speaking French also comes in handy when travelling to Africa, Switzerland, Canada , Monaco, French Polynesia, the Seychelles amongst other places.

Why else should you learn French? Well, it makes learning other languages, especially Romance languages like Spanish , Italian , Portuguese and Romanian much easier. 

Don't let the learning stop here. Download your free PDF guide with  60+ French travel phrases . Includes English and French translations with pronunciation guide.  Apprenons ensemble! (Let's learn together!)

Travelling to France? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn France for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”.  In addition to my free French travel phrase guide , I’ve made it even easier for you to master the French language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Join my popular French course here.

Let’s take a quick look at the French language so you’re a bit more clued up on its origin, use, and vocabulary. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed bringing it together. If you have any requests for other languages, let me know in the comments section!

Where is French spoken?

French is the third most spoken language in Europe, after German and English and has official-language status in 29 countries, including: Belgium , Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada , Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France , Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland , Togo and Vanuatu. French is even one of six official languages of the United Nations.

It seems like nearly everyone wants to learn French, it’s the only language, alongside English, that is taught in every country in the world!

And the best way to learn it? Well, France operates the biggest international network of cultural institutes, which run French-language courses close to a million learners. My two favourite ways to learn French is by attending language classes – so I’m not only held accountable but also for the social aspect –  and going on language holiday too!

A Brief History of the French Language

The French and English languages have a pretty mixed-up history. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norman French was adopted as the language of power on the British Isles.

For the next 400 years, French was the language of the nobility and of most official documents. King Henry V put a stop to that when he went to war with France, but because the two languages existed in parallel for so long, the English language is peppered with words of French origin, many of which can be traced back to French roots. This means that you actually already know a lot of French, even if you don’t think you do.

Now for the tricky stuff!

French Pronunciation Tips

There is a total of 26 letters in the French alphabet. Standard French contains 13 oral vowels and up to 4 nasal vowels, but there are 5 additional accented letters that can be applied to change the sound of a letter.

Here are some helpful pronunciation tips:

Using Liaisons

One of the fundamental rules of pronouncing French (and many other Latin-based languages) is that everything has to flow. That’s one of the reasons why French sounds so beautiful.

If you’re speaking French correctly, everything should sound like a continuous melody.

That’s where liaisons come in.

Liaisons are a phonetic link between two words that may sound awkward if left unconnected.

Let’s take a look at some examples where they are used  when speaking:

• After pronouns e.g. vous avez sounds like vooz-ah-vey not  voo ah-vey
• Numbers and nouns e.g. deux amis sounds like derz-ah-mee not der ah-me
• One syllable prepositions e.g chez eux sounds like shez-uur not sheh uur

And liaisons that are forbidden when speaking:

• When using full names e.g.
• After et (and)

Liaisons may seem complicated at first, but they will become easier the more you listen to spoken French. After a while, you’ll automatically be able to notice where a liaison is needed (and where it isn’t) and how to make it sound natural when speaking.

What Not to Pronounce in French

Much like English, the French language isn’t written phonetically. The same sound can be represented by several different combinations of letters, and there are many cases of silent French letters. Two of the most well known are the silent “e” and the silent “h.”

The Silent “e”

The letter “e” is often silent in French, especially at the end of a word. Here are some examples:

Rue (road/street) is pronounced  roo not roo-ee and inacceptable (unacceptable) is pronounced an-ah-sep-tah-bil not an-ah-sep-tah-ble

Of course, there are exceptions when it comes to masculine and feminine adjectives and nouns.

In the case of feminine adjectives and nouns, this typically means that the final consonant of the masculine form will now be pronounced. So, the masculine ouvert , meaning open in the masculine form and pronounced oo-ver , will become ouverte  in the feminine form and pronounced oo-vert . The ‘ e ’ makes the final letter sounded.

The Final Consonant

As you’ve probably already noticed, there are a tonne of French letters that simply aren’t pronounced at the end of words. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it!

In French, silent letters, or lettres muettes , have rules and exceptions just like many other linguistic concepts.

In general, the final consonants of a word are usually silent in French except in some cases of the letters c, f, l or r .

Just remember this simple rule, the consonants in the word ‘ careful ’ are always pronounced.

For example,

Avec (with) is pronounced  ah-ve k

Cinq (five) is pronounced saan k

Hiver (winter) is pronounced ee-ve r

The general rule regarding French word endings is that when in doubt, you probably don’t pronounce it. But, French is full of exceptions!

The Infamous “r”

For many English speakers, the French “r” can be a source of frustration. To pronounce it, you’ll need to use your throat and imagine you’re trying to gargle. The French “r” is pronounced in the same place as the English “k”, but with your throat closed.

The Silent “h”

As you’ve probably noticed from every French speaker’s failed attempt to say the word “hamburger” in English, the “h” in French is a silent letter no matter where it’s located in a word.

The only exception to this is when the preceding letter is “c,” in which case the “ch” combination makes a “sh” sound or “k” sound.

Here are a few examples of the silent “h”:

Le haricot vert (French bean) is pronounced leh ah-ree-coh ver

Huit (eight) is pronounced weet

Hiver (winter) is pronounced ee-ver

Admittedly there are a few finicky grammar rules to learn, but generally speaking, English grammar corresponds relatively closely to French grammar.

Consider words in English that end with – ible  and -able , these are the same in French, only the pronunciation changes. So, the French word ‘possible’ sounds like poss-ee-bleh and ‘comfortable’ becomes kom-for-tah-bleh .

Then we have English words ending in -ent and -ant which also come from French and have the same spelling and the same meaning. So, the word, différent sounds like diff-er-ohnt  and important  sounds like ahm-poor-tahnt . The ‘t’ at the end is just slightly sounded.

Had enough? Ok, one more! Words in English ending in -ary l ike contrary become -aire in French. So, ‘contrary’ becomes contraire  and sounds like kon-trair . There are so many rules like this, so you can see just how easy learning French can be.

Here are top 10 French phrases for travel you SHOULD Know

Top french phrases for travellers.

Want the infographic to take with you? Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Greetings Essentials Questions Eating Out Getting Around Numbers Days Emergencies

**There are a few places that use unique words for the numbers 70 ( septante ) and 90 ( nonante ), such as Belgium and Switzerland. With the numbers 80 to 89, combine the number 4, the number 20, and the ones.

For example, in French 80 is four 20s, 81 is four 20s plus 1, and so forth. (Unlike most French-speaking countries, Switzerland actually has a word for the number 80. It’s huitante .)

Want more? Learn French with me, with Intrepid French!

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Loved it, loved it, loved it. I’ve been trying to learn languages using various language learning apps for years now and although I know random words I feel no more confident in actually speaking the language than I was when I started.” – Basil Pereira

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Have a laugh with these funny French expressions

Like it? Pin or download this French travel phrase guide

Like it? Pin it for later!

Learning French? Check out these French language guides

• Top 10 French Phrases You Should NEVER Say [& What to Use Instead]
• How to Sound More French: Top 10 French Phrases the French Love Saying
• How a ‘potato’ improved my French pronunciation
• 25 Funny French Idioms Translated Literally
• 22 Most Common French Grammar Mistakes [& How to Avoid Them]

Want to know more about learning languages? Start here!

• 6 Language Learning Tips: How to Learn a Language from Home
• What Type of Language Learner Are You? Your 4-Step Personalised Learning Plan
• 15 Top Language Learning Resources You Should Use
• 44 Best Movies on Disney Plus for Learning Languages
• 13 Ways to Seamlessly Integrate Language Learning into Your Daily Life
• 10 Pro Tips: How to Learn a Language with a Full-Time Job
• 7 Reasons Why You Should Go on a Language Holiday
• Essential Travel Phrases: How to be Travel Fluent in 10 Simple Steps
• 23 Cool Gift for Language Learners They Will Actually Use and Love
• How to Learn Your First Foreign Language in 8 Simple Steps: A Beginner’s Guide
• 11 Life-Changing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Language
• 42 beautiful Inspirational Quotes for Language Learners
• Language learning tips: 11 Polyglots Reveal The Secrets of Their Success
• Top 10 Best Ways to Learn a Language Better and Faster
• How Many Languages are there in the World?

Don’t miss my France Travel Guides

• How to Spend 4 Days in Paris: Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris: A Fairytale Stay at Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche [Hotel Review]
• Where to Stay in Paris: A Decadent Stay at Hôtel Thérèse [Hotel Review]

Over to you!

Which of these French phrases are the most useful? What other languages would you like a travel phrase guide for? Have you been to a French-speaking country? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Blond or Blonde: Why Does Grammatical Gender in English Still Exist?

How to sound more french: top 10 french phrases you should use.

This is great. I took years of French when in school, 40-years ago and now want to re-learn and be able to get by when traveling. Merci

Hi! (Sorry for the Failures, I don’t speak english very well because I am french) My Name is Salomé and I am from France. I felt random on your Website and I watched you tables and the picture called ” French travel Cheat sheet “. What you’re doing is awesome because you help people open us to the World. I am proud of what you do. I want to help because I am a native speaker of French not of all the French (Canada, Belgium..) but from France. Salomé

Hey Michele, love the article, love the guide. I think there are some mistakes on the French spelling and pronuciation for the word Right.

Right =droite drrrwa (with the funny r for the French). Apart from that, what a precious website!! Well done!

Hi Monique, thank you for correcting this typo, I’ve just fixed it now :)

Hey Michele

This is so cool. Thanks for sharing it. I was I Paris about a month ago and these would have come in very handy. Keep up the good work.

Merci Au revour

Thanks Basil, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I hope you’ll find it useful for future travels in Francophone countries :)

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If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

14 Best French Souvenirs That You Must Buy

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: July 20, 2020  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

France has a fascinating and rich culture , history, and tradition that there’s so much to see and explore during a visit.

As you navigate Paris or visit other towns and cities, you’ll soon find out that there’s a lot here that you simply want to bring home with you.

You’ll always have Paris and the rest of France with these cool French souvenirs that you can easily fit into your luggage.

Things you'll find in this article

14 Best French Souvenirs That You Must Buy

1. eiffel tower replica souvenir, 4. french perfume, 5. savon de marseille, 6. lavender products, 7. tropéziennes, 8. secret potions, 9. champagne, 10. canned sardines, 11. french cheese, 12. chocolate, 13. macarons, 14. french wine.

Sure, an Eiffel Tower replica is a cliché souvenir, but what can be more iconic than the ‘Iron Lady’?

No other item can easily remind someone of Paris or France than this historic landmark , and so you must bring it home with you.

A replica, that is, such as this beautiful decor   for your home or office, or something you can always bring with you like these cute keychains .

You can even be like Gustave Eiffel and build your own with this fun Lego set.

It’s probably cliché but berets are among the best souvenirs from France that should be on your shopping list.

These hats add a certain artsy flair to any attire, and you’ll feel like you’re still walking the streets of Paris wherever you are in the world.

Sure, you can buy a beret in other countries but nothing beats knowing that the one that you have was actually purchased from a Parisian shop or market .

Go get the hand-knitted ones, or those made from interesting material like wool or felt.

Get something in this cool color or one that goes well with any outfit .

Whether it’s a square one or a rectangular one with tassels made of pure silk or warm wool   French scarves are sure to add style to your favorite outfits.

France has always been known as the producer of some of the world’s most famous perfume brands . The country has a centuries-old tradition of perfume-making and has created iconic fragrances.

If you’re in France and looking for some unique French souvenirs, go and seek out perfume shops and pick a fragrance that suits your fancy, or your loved ones.

Whether it’s a strong sensual scent like Guerlain’s Eau de Toilette Bloom of Rose or fresh and feminine like Lancome’s La vie est belle Eau de Parfum , you’ll find a scent that fits you best.

A unique French souvenir to bring home are these lovely, fragrant cube soaps made in the southern port city of Marseille .

They have been around for six hundred years, known for using all-natural ingredients such as olive oil.

They are mostly handmade and are great for dry skin. Savon de Marseille make excellent gifts for anyone who likes anything pretty and fragrant.

France is where you’ll find these stunning lavender fields that yield a variety of products from essential oils to tea.

Most of these lavender fields are in Provence , and definitely a must-visit. While there, go get some lavender products that will always remind you of the trip.

Some of these lavender products that are great French souvenirs are Lavender satchels that you can put in your bag, luggage, closet, and drawer.

You may have seen them in shoe stores and most likely have referred to them as sandals.

They are actually called tropéziennes, the strappy summer footwear of choice for French ladies traipsing in the French Riviera , where it originated.

These are actually versatile footwear that you can wear from daytime strolls to evening parties, worn with jeans, shorts, or a cute summer dress.

They are pretty French souvenirs that will always remind you of walking along the beaches in the south of France. Go get these tropéziennes here in a variety of colors .

France has this unique little industry called parapharmacies, which caters to products that are proven and tested for their medical and wellness properties.

These parapharmacies either have their own stores or are has stalls or shelves in pharmacies.

What sets these parapharmacies apart are the advice and suggestions given to customers that are designed for their specific needs such as trouble sleeping, anxiety, or skin conditions.

These products are called ‘secret potions’ and a number of these have become reliable brands even in the fashion and beauty industry.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir from France, how about some of these secret potions?

Some of the best stuff to buy are the superb moisturizer Embryolisse , and the blemish and scar eraser Cicalfate .

Champagne is one of those truly French products that one must bring home as a souvenir.

Invented in the 18th century by French monks, authentic champagne can only come from the French region Champagne.

Don’t settle for less and be sure to buy a bottle, or five.

Get those that bear the names of some of the region’s best champagne houses such as Dom Perignon Vintage Champagne which comes in beautiful 750 ml bottles.

French sardines are probably among the ones with the prettiest containers. They are packaged in beautifully designed tins, and the sardines themselves aren’t bad either.

They are gourmet delights that can be eaten on their own or spread on a baguette or used in pasta sauce or topping.

Fished from the Atlantic, sardines make wonderful French souvenirs to bring home.

Go and stock up on these Godinec French Sardines With Lemon or the French Sardines Fillets in Extra Virgin Olive Oil variant .

They say that in France, you can taste one unique type of cheese for each day of the year.

That means there’s at least 365 of them, and these cheeses definitely make excellent French souvenirs.

Go get a sampler that you can enjoy or share with a friend or two, like this Gift box or something you can serve in a party like this  Cheese Sampler Board .

France is one of five European countries known for its chocolate (the other four are Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and Spain).

Chocolates are always a welcome treat, and they are one of the best souvenirs from France that you can bring home.

These delightful treats come in different forms, and if you’re buying French chocolates, then go and buy a few for each type.

Splurge and indulge in a box from trusted brands like  La Maison du Chocolat . If you enjoy baking, give your goodies an added French flair with  Valrhona chocolate for baking.

If you have tried and fell in love with Cafe Angelina’s hot chocolate, then get the mix so you can still enjoy a cup of the delicious treat at home.

Macarons are one of those uniquely French treats that are a definite must-try when you’re in Paris.

They come in different flavors and fillings, that you won’t simply get enough of them once you’ve tried one.

They are among the best French souvenirs to bring home, and most come in pretty boxes or tins.

Buy a box for you to indulge on like these Leilalove Macarons – Mademoiselle de Paris or a bigger batch that you can share with friends or family such as this Authentic French Macaron by La Boulangerie des Gourmets .

Nope, you cannot leave France without sampling its wines and it would be a shame not to bring home at least a couple of bottles.

French wines are considered among the best in the world, and they come in different flavors and varieties.

Wines are made practically in every region of France and they make the best souvenirs.

Go get a few bottles to drink along with your favorite dishes, such as the inexpensive but flavorful Beaujolais or something for a special occasion like this St. Emilion wine. Go buy a Vintage to indulge in, or better yet, a selection of red, white, and rose to share with friends.

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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The Best French Souvenirs (According to a Parisian)

• April 19, 2022

When you visit a new country, what do you like to buy? Are you someone who buys souvenirs for your friends and family? Do you like to taste local pastries, or sample the local beer? Whenever I travel, I love to buy, eat, drink, and experience the same things that the locals do. Are you the same?

If so, you’ll love today’s episode, because I’m going to explain what things tourists buy when they visit France that French people NEVER buy — like macarons from Ladurée, bérets or artwork at the bouquinistes.

And I’m going to give you a TON of ideas of other things you can buy, as gifts from France to your friends! I’ll also tell you what French people actually buy, so that you can have a more authentic experience when you visit. And I’ll break down the correct pronunciation of some of them, so that you can ask for them with total confidence. Are you ready? C’est parti !

Summary 1) French souvenirs: Bérets, Tour Eiffel and Bouquinistes 2) French souvenirs: Luxury goods 3) French souvenirs: Supermarkets 4) French souvenirs: Special shops 5) French souvenirs: Regional specialties 6) French souvenirs: Pronunciation

Want all the vocabulary of the lesson ?

1) french souvenirs: bérets, tour eiffel and bouquinistes.

When you’re in France, the first thing you can buy are “ Des souvenirs. ”

→ Un souvenir = a souvenir, something to bring back from a trip, a memento → Un souvenir = a memory (in your mind)

Such as, for instance, a miniature tour Eiffel . As a snowglobe (= une boule à neige ), a keyring, a bracelet… Of course they’re often cheaply made and overpriced, and French people won’t really buy these for themselves.

And yet, it’s a small souvenir that will fit in any luggage, and it’s a direct reminder of your trip to Paris. So if you want to buy it for yourself or a friend back home, go for it! Succès garanti ! (= Guaranteed success!)

Another popular souvenir is un béret . It’s fun to buy one! The most famous one is le béret basque from Basque Country, in South-Western France. That’s where you have the most chance of finding un béret artisanal , in wool.

→ To be clear, French people don’t wear bérets in real everyday life.

Now, in Paris, it can feel more authentic to shop around for something else entirely, for instance among the stalls of les bouquinistes des quais de Seine . (= second-hand booksellers along the Seine river banks. )

There are more than 200 of them, with open-air green boxes along 3 kilometers of the Seine river banks – and they’re a UNESCO World Heritage site!

You can buy used or antique books, books of beautiful photos of Paris, posters and some artworks, as well as journals, stamps and more.

→ Un bouquin = informal for un livre (= a book) → Bouquiner = informal French for lire un livre (= to read a book)

Yet, to be honest, they’re not that popular among French people. They’re mostly for tourists, and it’s a bit artificial. Most of their income comes from the souvenirs they’re selling. The government actually had to make laws to make sure that bouquinistes keep selling books!

So, on the one hand it’s a bit of a tourist trap, and on the other hand, it’s fun to shop around these green boxes!

Or else, try une librairie (= a bookshop) . For instance, in Paris, my own favorite bookshop is la Librairie Delamain , just behind the Louvre museum. It’s a 300-year-old shop!

Or you can even try out un magasin d’art (= an art shop), such as the cute Slow Galerie in Paris.

In the song Quatrième de Couverture , French singer Vincent Delerm sings a love song between two strangers meeting at the box of a “bouquiniste,” among “ Les quatrièmes de couverture ” (= the book’s back covers.)

2) French souvenirs: Luxury goods

Shopping is France is also well-known for:

• la haute couture (= high fashion)
• le haut-de-gamme (= high-end products)
• le luxe (= luxury goods)

It’s a massive French industry, like dresses from Dior, Chanel, Yves-Saint-Laurent, or the famous silk of un carré Hermès .

If you have the budget, go for it! But ce n’est pas donné. (= it’s expensive.)

Other French brands are less internationally famous, but they still offer very high quality – and they’re a little bit less expensive too. It’s French fashion that more French people actually buy.

• Gérard Darel
• Comptoir des Cotonniers
• Éric Bompard

They’re often entirely made in France too! It can make for a perfect gift for someone else – or to yourself!

And kids can dress well too, with brands such as Petit Bateau , Jacadi or Bonpoint .

You can also buy un parfum (= a perfume) , for cheaper than clothes. Or better yet, un macaron !

I’d recommend you buy them from Pierre Hermé instead of the more famous Ladurée .

Or you can even buy your macarons… in a French supermarket! For instance, the macarons in Monoprix are really good for their price.

In France, we don’t play “Simon says,” but “ Jacques a dit ” – which gave the brand name “ Jacadi. ”

3) French souvenirs: Supermarkets

Actually, buying souvenirs from supermarkets is underrated.

They’re an easy way to find spices, sauces, and French products that can travel. It’s less authentic and artisanal, but it might better fit in your luggage. Like des boîtes de conserves (= cans, canned goods ), of like le gratin dauphinois or le petit salé aux lentilles .

Some brands have products that tend to be somewhat more authentic than you may expect, like the brand Reflets de France from the Carrefour supermarkets. Products like la fleur de sel de Guérande for instance, a famous kind of salt from the Brittany region.

On the other hand, even fully industrial products can feel French, like:

• French-made candies from La Pie qui Chante ,
• Carambar sweets with their famous bad jokes,
• cookies like Le Petit Écolier
• or the famous Le Petit Beurre .

They will make for great gifts for your French friends at home!

Same thing for les tablettes de chocolat , including Swiss and Belgian chocolate that you can find in French supermarkets.

I can also recommend chocolate from La Mère de Famille brand, or from the brand of the famous chef Alain Ducasse . You won’t find these in supermarkets, but they’re available in some shops and online in France.

Now, of course you’ll want to try French wine! Well, you’ll find a wide selection of le vin (= wine) in supermarkets. If you stay away from the really cheapest, they’ll all be reasonably good! Especially if, like me, you’re not particularly a wine expert.

You can also ask for advice from an employee, of course.

In French, we don’t say “a six-pack” for good-looking abs muscles, but “ les tablettes de chocolats ” (= abs like a chocolate bar ). And just like drinking six-packs won’t bring you six-packs, eating chocolate bars won’t give you “ tablette des chocolats ” !

4) French souvenirs: Special shops

Or even better, go see un caviste , a specialized wine shop, where you’ll be able to taste and choose your favorite wine.

Because all French specialties are better when they come from a specialized shop, of course.

For me, it’s especially clear for le pain (=bread,) which you have to buy in la boulangerie (= the bakery.) It will be much tastier than what you’ll find in any supermarket, and more croustillant , crunchy , as it should be.

I also really like my local cheese seller here in Grenoble: La fromagerie “Les Alpages” .

A problem with French cheese is that the best French cheese is made with du lait cru (= raw milk) and it can be difficult to bring that into the US for instance. That’s why you can choose to buy pasteurized-milk cheese to bring back home!

Oh, and when you buy French food in local shops, you can ask them to put it sous vide (= in a vacuum pack.) It will help keep it fresh, last longer, and not smell in your bag. You can do that at le boucher-charcutier (= the butcher’s,) too, or le traiteur (= a caterer). Only travel with une choucroute d’Alsace (= an Alsatian sauerkraut) in a vacuum bag!

Or you can buy fine food in une épicerie fine (= a delicatessen.) Such as Comtesse du Barry , for le foie gras for instance.

I also want to mention the cannery of La Belle-Îloise , where you’ll find canned fish from the sea, that’s delicious and in a good-looking packaging.

And for chocolate and biscuits from Southern France, La Cure Gourmande makes great gift bags.

After around one day, a French baguette or any bread will be rassis (= stale bread.)

5) French souvenirs: Regional specialties

More generally, you should probably try out the regional specialty from the French area you’re in. They’re what French people themselves buy as souvenirs when we travel through France!

• Cider from Normandie, and cookies from La Maison du Biscuit
• Les palets bretons (= flat round cookies) from Brittany, and their caramel au beurre salé (= salted-butter caramel)
• French-looking Pastilles Vichy from around Vichy
• Les calissons d’Aix from Provence
• Les rousquilles de Perpignan from the South-West
• Les cannelés de Bordeaux from Bordeaux
• La moutarde de Dijon from Burgundy…

You’ll find them in local shops, or on the local markets. That’s also where you’ll find l’artisanat (= craftmanship.) Like bundles of la lavande (= lavender) in les marchés provençaux (= local markets in Provence,) to make your clothes and drawers smell good. You’ll find clothes and du linge (= linen,) as well! That can make for nice gifts that are easy to carry.

I also like to bring back from Provence des savons (solides) (= solid soap,) like the famous le savon de Marseille , or softer scented soap – with lavender, milk or even le lait d’ânesse (= donkey’s milk.) And that smells great in my luggage!

If you don’t have time to go to Provence, you can still find their beauty products with the chain L’Occitane . Actually, for les produits cosmétiques (= beauty products) , in general you can find some in any une parapharmacie , with many quality brands. I like Uriage for fragile skins, but mostly because they have a shop nearby. Other brands use French thermal water, like Vichy or La Roche Posay .

And finally, one last idea. One nice gift to bring back from your next trip to France: les bougies parfumées (= scented candles.) Mostly because I like the chic bougies “Dyptique” in Paris. Dyptique also sells perfumes if you want!

And now you’re all set!

6) French souvenirs: Pronunciation

Watch the video again to check your pronunciation, and how to break down each word.

Le béret basque → “ é ” sound + “ -et ” at the end sounds like “ é / è ” (depending on the French accent) + “ basque ” sounds like “ bask .”

Le parfum → “- um ” at the end sounds like “ un ” (nasal sound.) Rare, and not always the case: for instance, “ rhum ” has a pronunciation that sounds like the English one (but with a French R.)

Un macaron → Ma / K a / Ron with “ on ” nasal sound. The middle “a” is not silent, it’s not “ Macron ” !

Le petit salé aux lentilles It’s a dish with salted pork, carrots and lentils with sauce. Literally means “Little salted with lentils.” → Sal é (salted) ≠ Sale (dirty) → Lent illes with a “ ll ” (double L) / “ ye ” / [j] sound. In English, it’s the first sound in “ you ” or “ yay! ” for example.

Croust ill ant (= crunchy) → Funny-sounding word. With the “ ye ” [j] sound again!

Les marchés provençaux (= markets from Provence) → Singular : “le marché provençal.” → “ -aux ” at the end = “oh” sound → “ ç ” = “ ss ” sound. → The sign under “c” is la cédille . It makes “c” sound like [“ss”] even before an “a” or a “u.”

Le boucher-charcutier → La boucherie = selling meat that wasn’t prepared. → La charcuterie = selling prepared meat , like cold cuts or sausages, especially from pork. → Le boucher-charcutier = a man preparing and selling both. → Here I want to point out that professions often end in -er that sounds like “ é ”, with a silent “r”. And that even if you have a long word, you can break down its pronunciation and it will be OK!

And now: You’re ready to go exploring France further with me!

• Understanding Spoken French: La Provence & Filler Words
• Understanding Fast Spoken French: La Bourgogne & Unpronounced letters
• French Pronunciation: Understanding “Ç” / Le c cédille

Click on the link to get to your next lesson, with video and full written transcripts. For free of course!

À tout de suite. I’ll see you in the next video!

→ If you enjoyed this lesson (and/or learned something new) – why not share this lesson with a francophile friend ? You can talk about it afterwards! You’ll learn much more if you have social support from your friends 🙂

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Join the conversation!

Encore une leçon très intéressante. La prononciation du mot “lentilles” me fait me demander s’il existe une règle quand “ll” se prononce comme dans “la ville” ou non – “la fille”. Je suppose que non, car comme tu le dis souvent, les prononciations françaises ne sont pas logiques.

Bonjour Miles,

Oui, en effet, la lettre « i » change la prononciation des deux L ! Quand vous voyez « …ill… » au milieu d’un mot, la prononciation change pour devenir la semi-consonne [j] qui est prononcée comme un « y », comme dans « yoyo ». Donc, par exemple, le mot « bille » est prononcé comme si c’était écrit « biye ».

Bonne journée,

Merci pour ce guide! Une autre idée de cadeau – les pots de moutarde de la boutique Maille (près de la Madeleine). On peut choisir la moutarde et ils remplissent le pot pour vous. Après, on peut le faire remplir de nouveau, ou, comme moi, utiliser comme vase.

Le Petit Beurre & Le Petit Colier are both available in Los Angeles in many supermarkets… a taste of France, for sure…

Ce fut une randonnée savoureuse, parfumée et délicieusement décorée à travers la France. En fait, c’est la vidéo la mieux illustrée que j’ai vue jusqu’à présent. Je ne vais pas en France, mais j’ai une impression beaucoup plus riche de ce pays. Merci, Géraldine.

Quel plaisir, Dieudonné.

Belle lecon Geraldine, merci bien! Maintenant j’ai de la faim et de la soif, hmmm. Et le nom c’est mignon, hehe!

For some reason the word Jacadi was left out!!!??? J’ai dit: le nom Jacadi c’est mignon!

Merci Geraldine! Loved this. When in France I buy very specific souvenirs. Du calvados en Normandie pour mes amis au Canada. Quand à Nice c’est toujours des herbes de provence et des draps. Je ne sais pas ce que les Alpes offrent mais je vais me renseigner.

Hi Geraldine. Thanks a lot for the free lessons. The links for “Download the lesson as pdf” are not working. I have tried two different Window browsers with the same results.

Ruben – Are you still having difficulty accessing the PDF downloads? We’ve made a few changes that should hopefully help with this. Let us know, thanks!

Colin CUF Team

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15 Authentic French Souvenirs You Should Buy in Paris

Last Modified: August 3, 2023 //  by  Anda //   16 Comments

Ah, Paris ! What’s not to like about it? From its bohemian atmosphere and historic monuments to its distinctively French products, the City of Lights has plenty of temptations. So if you have enough room in your luggage and wonder what to buy in Paris, here are some non-touristy souvenirs worth bringing home with you.

WHAT SOUVENIRS TO BUY IN PARIS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

1. a french beret.

Truth be told, you won’t see many Parisians wearing berets with their everyday cloths these days. Nonetheless, one of the first things I wanted to buy from Paris was a beret.

These headpieces were quite popular in France back in the 1920s and 30s, but in the last decades they’ve become an eccentric accessory. If you see someone wearing a beret today it’s either because they are trying to make a statement, or just want to look old-school glamorous.

You can find French berets just about anywhere in Paris. I bought a couple of them in a souvenir store on the Rue de Rivoli, but I have also seen them at the outdoor French markets in Paris. They run anywhere from 5€ to 10€.

2. Macaroons

You may be wondering if it’s worth bringing macaroons as a souvenir from Paris. Or if they’ll even survive the journey home. After all, they sell macaroons in pastry shops all over the world, don’t they?

Well, let me tell you: if you haven’t tasted the ones they make in Paris, you may not know what real macaroons taste like! So why are they so special?

First of all, they are are not mass-produced. Second, bakers in France don’t use too many artificial colors and flavorings when making macaroons. Also, macaroons in Paris always seem fresh. Unlike the ones you’ll buy in the U.S., which may be shipped frozen from overseas. 

You can find macaroons in many bakeries in Paris. However, if you are looking for an outstanding experience, you should go to a pastry shop dedicated to macarons, like Ladurée , or Pierre Hermé .

3. Canned Foie Gras

Every time we go to Paris I buy as much canned foie gras as I can carry home. It’s a rare delicacy I like sharing with my friends and family at Christmas time. It’s also a great gift that most people appreciate receiving.

You can find Foie Gras in many specialty stores around Paris, and even in some open markets. We also found it at Fauchon and some other boutique stores, but it was quite expensive. Fauchon does have nice packaging though.

We like shopping for foie gras at Carrefour because their price is better than anywhere else. Carrefour also carries a wide variety of goose and duck products that we like buying.

4. A Custom Made Perfume

France has a long-lasting tradition of perfume making and has been for centuries the main manufacturer of the most prestigious perfumes in history, like Chanel or Christian Dior.

But while these very famous perfumes are easy to find in any big city around the world, there are some exquisite fragrances that you can only buy in France.

In Paris you can find small perfume shops that will customize fragrances as they did back in the 18th century. So if you have some money to spend, they can create a perfume just for you. The cost can vary greatly, but you can still get a your own fragrance for as low as €95. 

5. Lavender Soap

I love lavender, so I can’t think of a better souvenir from Paris than lavender soap. There’s a highly Provençal air to this powerfully fragranced soap. If you close your eyes you’ll feel like you are in a lavender field!

I found some wonderful lavender soap at Roger & Gallet , a Parisian store specialized in luxurious bath soaps and lotions. I’ve never seen this kind of soap in the U.S., so I went crazy when we stumbled upon this shop. The scents here are fresh and unique and the prices are also extremely reasonable, considering it is a good quality French brand.

6. A Portrait From the Local Artists

Perhaps the nicest souvenir to take home from Paris is your own portrait/caricature, sketched by one of the local artists. Ours is still hanging on the wall reminding us of that day, every time we look at it.   

The best place to have your portrait drawn is Paris is in Place du Tertre , ‘the artists’ village of Montmartre.’ This small square located just a few steps away from Sacré-Coeur Basilica abounds with artists looking for anyone who may want a portrait. 

It’s really fun seeing your own caricature, we were laughing our pants off! But before you do it, carefully pick the artist. There are a lot of them there. And bargain, bargain, bargain! We paid around 40€-50€ which doesn’t seem so much, but that was many years ago.

7. Rose Sea Soak – Calming Bath Salts

A shower is a shower! It’s quick and it leaves your skin clean, but there’s nothing memorable about it. A soak in the tub on the other hand is a luxurious and decadent experience that may linger in your memory for a long time.

Last time we went to Paris I discovered these mysterious Rose Sea Salts at a local pharmacy. Their smell was out-of-this-world beautiful – a delicate scent of rose and ylang – and they left my skin smooth like velvet! Ever since I started using them, I’ve developed a bath obsession.

Most drugstore bubble baths are nothing more than scented detergents, but these salts actually contain ingredients that have been proven to have a real effect on your body. So if you are in Paris and want to pamper yourself , you should buy some Rose Sea Soak bath salts.  

8. Authentic French Cheese

If you live in the U.S. and like to buy brie, or chèvre, or camembert at the local Trader Joe’s or Costco, you’ll be surprised to learn you are not actually eating authentic French cheese.

While they might have similar ingredients, these American-made cheeses taste quite different from the ones made in France. That’s because most French cheeses are made with raw milk, a practice that is banned here in the United States.

If you want to buy some authentic French cheeses in Paris, look for the ones that have the letters AOC, AOP, or IGP on the packaging. These letters mean the cheese producers are following the established standards of quality imposed by the French government. So the cheeses are not industrially produced.

There are fromageries (cheese shops) all over Paris, so you don’t need to look for one specifically. You can also visit the markets, where the small producers bring a wide variety of French cheeses.

9. Pharmacy Items

Roll-on deodorants, blister cushion bandages and drugstore items may not fit the description of French souvenirs , but I stock on them every time we go to Paris.

Some of the best lotions and cosmetics I’ve ever used have come from these unassuming drugstores in Paris. Sadly, we can’t find this wide variety of items in our drugstores in the U.S.

10. Dried Red Rose Buds

One of the best things to buy in Paris are the dried red rose buds. They have many uses, from culinary and medicinal, to decorative and relaxants. They are a lovely additive to potpourris, soaps, bath salts, and other floral or herbal products and therefore make great French souvenirs.

I use them for tea blends, because they are very rich in Vitamin C, but they also make beautiful home decor.

You can order dry rose buds online, but thy won’t be as aromatic as the ones you buy directly from the vendors in Paris. The ones I bought last year still maintain their fragrance and wonderful blush tint.

11. French Chocolate Souvenirs

Good chocolate is easy to find just about anywhere in the world these days. Nonetheless, if you are in Paris you shouldn’t miss the famous chocolatiers like Maxim, Fauchon, or Maison du Chocolat .

Their signature confections packed in elegant boxes make great gifts to bring home from Paris, for your family and friends.

12. Lavender Sachets

I love everything lavender, so just say the word and I’m sold! Ok, I might be a little biased, but these beautiful silk bags filled with pure dried French lavender buds are just perfect!

You can use them to freshen drawers, closets, wardrobes, and gym bags. They also make a great and unique gift that will last a long time.

You’ll find lavender sachets on every hanger in my wardrobe, in my linen closet, and in my lingerie drawers. Lavender does not only smell delightful, but it’s also a great moth repellant, so it’s wonderful for protecting wool clothing and accessories.

13. An Odd French Souvenir from Les Bouquinistes 

Les Bouquinistes are a group of antique booksellers located along the banks of the Seine river, between Pont Marie and the Quai du Louvre on the right bank, and from le Quai de la Tournelle to Quai Voltaire on the left. 

The booksellers and their green painted boxes are a very picturesque scene! There’s hundreds of them lined by the quai, displaying treasures from time immemorial. You can find here tons of antique books, old maps of Paris, art reproductions, vintage records, out-of-print magazines and newspapers, and all sorts of odd souvenirs.

We especially loved the turn-of-the-century advertisements for milk, cheese, or cigarettes, and the cabaret posters from the same era.

Gifts from museums or boutiques can be expensive, so if you are looking for unusual French souvenirs to buy in Paris, I suggest checking out the riverside   Bouquinistes . Most things you’ll buy here will run you less than €10.

14. Provençal Ceramics

I have a particular weakness for ceramics and my cupboards are crammed with pieces that I’ve bought all around the world. But my favorite are the ones I bought in France, which has an old tradition in pottery.

Perhaps the best place to buy Provençal ceramics is Nice, or one of towns on the French Riviera. But don’t worry, many of the souvenir shops in Paris sell it as well.

We stumbled on a pottery shop in the  Quartier Latin , called La Tuile à Loup , where they were selling beautiful handmade pieces from various regions of France.

15. A Funky Ceramic Figurine

I absolutely LOVE the funky ceramic figurines they sell in some art stores in Paris! They are handmade from clay and burned in an oven.

The prices are kind of high, but these are real pieces of art created by local French artists.

The one I liked was kind of big for my hand bag, so I didn’t buy it in the end and I felt sorry later. One of those travel mistakes that I will never repeat!

Tips for Buying French Souvenirs in Paris

• When in Paris, buy French. You’ll be surprised to see a significant price difference between French brands sold within the country and those sold in the United States. That’s because of the taxes imposed on imported French goods.

• Shop at department stores rather than fancy boutiques . Paris department stores like Le Bon Marche , or Galaries Lafayette are amazing places to go shopping. They have gorgeous merchandise at a much lower price than the fancy boutiques.

• Check out the small, unassuming stores. They may not look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll often discover real treasures.

• Look for famous cosmetic brands at the local pharmacies . Unlike your average drugstores at home, Parisian pharmacies are packed with a huge variety of upscale beauty products, including Creed and Hermès. And the prices are considerably lower than what you’ll pay in the U.S. 

• Claim your taxes when you leave France. Remember to ask for a tax-back form for every purchase you make in Paris. Depending on how much you buy, you may get back a considerable amount, when you submit them at the airport on your way home.

• Bring cash with you. Excepts for the open markets, almost all the stores in Paris will take credit cards. However, if you want to leave some room for bargaining, you should have cash.

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Planning a visit to France? You may also like these:

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• Èze, a Village with a View and so Much More
• Nice in Winter – Best Things to Do in Nice When It’s Cold Outside
• Château de la Napoule – the Destiny of an Enchanted Castle

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Medha Verma

February 19, 2021 at 12:53 am

These are some really cool souvenirs! I did buy some of them when I was in France (not a beret, didn’t see anyone wearing it and felt so cliche haha), of which the perfumes were my fav! I also got some lavender sachets, French cheeses and chocolates and canned Foie Gras. Had no idea about the dried rose buds though!

February 18, 2021 at 12:50 pm

Haha I love this list! Have been living in France for nearly 2 years now and I’ve been guilty of buying most of the things here. I own like 3 French Berets and yes, bought and worn them in Paris too lol. And of course, macaroons are always a good idea 😉

February 18, 2021 at 3:41 pm

How nice that you lived in France! I miss traveling to Paris these days…

Debra Schroeder

February 18, 2021 at 8:24 am

I’m not a big souvenir purchaser, not really much of a shopper. But loved a few of your untraditional choices. The beret would be practical. Macaroons, cheese, and chocolate without a doubt but they’d never make it home because I would eat them all before I left.

February 18, 2021 at 3:42 pm

Some of these souvenirs are very practical things that I’m sure you can use for yourself.

Ummi Nadrah

February 18, 2021 at 7:25 am

Love this list! Unfortunately I went to Paris as a broke backpacker, so I didn’t really buy anything apart from food (macarons, cheese, foie gras, escargot), and I finished them all, right then and there. Haha. If I go again, I’d love to get some of those lavender soaps and dried rose buds. They’re so pretty.

February 18, 2021 at 3:44 pm

I know what you mean, Ummi. When you are young and only travel with a backpack on your shoulders, you can’t give much thought to souvenirs.

Linda (LD Holland)

February 18, 2021 at 6:21 am

We are not big souvenir buyers. But we will buy local food and drink. Although if we bought macaroons or chocolates they may not make it home! I have several framed portraits from Paris on my walls right now. Memories of great trips! We love to wander into the local shops and markets – even if we don’t always buy.

Nikola Webster

February 17, 2021 at 3:30 pm

Hi there, So… I own A French Beret (or two) they were ridiculously popular in the ’80s lol. But, you had me at Lavender… I never tire on lavender products – ever. And for sachets, I’ve purchased them all over the world. My mother had a thing for lavender so it’s very comforting to me. I have a few sachets from all over. And, the next time I am in France I’ll be investigating the soap. Oh, and custom perfume – count me in – sold! Nikki

February 17, 2021 at 4:25 pm

Glad you like lavender too. I find it so calming and refreshing!

Chloe Beaver

February 17, 2021 at 8:45 am

Okay, maybe I’m just a travel foodie but the maccaroons and the cheese! My favorite things ever when I was in France. It’s a shame it’s just not the same here in the US. My favorite souvenir from Paris was a little Eiffel Tower figurine that a street vendor was selling. It sits on my windowsill so I can look at it every day and remember the beautiful city.

February 17, 2021 at 1:25 pm

I have one of those Eiffel Tower figurines from my very first trip in Paris, over 30 years ago. They are just so timeless!

Danik the Explorer

February 17, 2021 at 8:03 am

Looking great with the beret Anda :), good list for those who are going to Paris who want to buy the souvenirs. Have to admit, I stopped doing this about 18 years ago in Paris as I moved, lived in the city and worked (and also Lille). I remember having Canned Foie Gras many years ago and loved having that. I used to take it home for mes parents. However French cheese….hmmmm…its ok but I prefer Dutch. (However, French cheese is better than British in my opinion apart from Cheddar). 😀 First thing when Covid blows over, I am hoping on the train from London to Paris and visit my chums.

February 17, 2021 at 1:27 pm

I had no idea you live in France, Danik. I think you should write more about it. You definitely have seen some aspects of Paris we, as tourists, don’t know much about. Thanks for dropping by.

February 17, 2021 at 4:58 am

I was just talking about going to Paris with a group of girlfriends. I have wanted to take a perfume making workshop for at least 10 years, it would be just a unique travel memory. I love the idea of bringing back lavender soap or Sachets for my mom and French chocolate for friends. I would never have thought of foie gras as a souvenir to bring back.

February 17, 2021 at 1:28 pm

Foie gras is a great souvenir from Paris, but with these baggage restrictions it’s becoming more and more difficult to bring it back home.

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Souvenirs from France: 45 Unique French Souvenirs

Ah, France! One of the most diverse and magical countries in Europe. One day you can be roaming romantic wineries and vineyards and the next you can be shopping for your favorite souvenirs from France in Paris!

When we travel, we love to collect authentic, locally made souvenirs to commemorate our travels. This is especially true in France where luxury gifts and products are plentiful!

In this post, you’ll learn about 45 different souvenirs from France all worthy of making the trip back home with you and where you can find them.

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Below, I have listed some of the most popular souvenirs from France including food items and clothing, to luxury gifts and even some unique finds that you can buy in Paris.

I’ll be honest, I love food and unique crafts , so you’ll notice a lot of those on this list! Enjoy!

Food Souvenirs from France

In our opinion, these are some of the best food souvenirs from France you can buy. I suggest waiting until you plan to depart France to pick them up, however, since you’ll be less tempted to eat them along your travels, and you won’t have to carry delicate items with you as far!

Also, always be sure to check that a food item is allowed on the plane and in your home country. Check your airline’s TSA requirements for making any food purchases that you plan to bring home.

Usually, as long as the item is sealed and doesn’t contain any raw produce it should adhere to the requirements, but it’s always best to check first.

1. Croissants – easily one of the most popular souvenirs from France

What’s a more classic souvenir from France than a croissant? People travel far and wide just to get a taste of these flaky, buttery pastries, so why not share in your travel wealth and bring a few home for your friends and family?

You can find them everywhere in France from the capital of Paris to Normany, Nice, and Marseille. No matter where you plan on traveling in France, any good patisserie will have these golden babies sitting in their windows!

Look for some that have been sealed in plastic for an easy, TSA-approved souvenir to bring home with you!

✔️ Pro Tip : they freeze very well for up to a few months if you wish to bring a bunch home and eat them until you can return to France!

2. Chocolate

Europe is known as one of the chocolate capitals of the world, and French chocolatiers are some of the absolute best (they’re right up there with Belgium!)

Make your way through the country’s seemingly endless chocolateries and pick up some pralines, truffles, and delicious chocolate bars to enjoy on your plane ride home.

Seriously, grab a couple of spare packs since you likely won’t make it home without busting into them… I know I didn’t! They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family and are light and small to pack in your suitcase.

3. Hot Chocolate

If you happen to be spending any time in Paris, I highly recommend stopping into Angelina Paris on Rue de Rivoli. They consistently bring in rave reviews about their decadent hot chocolate and offer some of their gourmet mixes available to take home!

You can also just enjoy several mugs of hot chocolate while making your way through Paris in the cold winter months. Other fantastic cafes that boast incredible hot chocolate include Jacques Genin and Hoct & Loca .

A few packets of some real French hot cocoa mix is sure to remind you of your pleasant experiences in Paris when you enjoy a cup while curling up in your own blankets at home.

4. Wine – a must when it comes to souvenirs from France

Similar to croissants, you honestly can’t leave France without a bottle of French wine as a souvenir. Some people even go as far as bringing an extra suitcase just to account for how much affordable, delicious French wine they’ll be bringing home!

Everywhere you go in France, you’ll find endless varieties of wine from popular wine regions including Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux , the Loire Valley, and Provence.

When I was in Chamonix and Annecy, I found some of the best wine I’ve ever had for under 5 euros and decided to bring home a couple of bottles for my family!

It makes for a great house-warming gift or conversation starter and nobody even has to know that it wasn’t expensive!

5. Cheese – one of the most delicious souvenirs from France

It’s no secret that the French have a way of making delectable cheeses that are unparalleled across most places in the world.

You can find everything from cheeses produced from different animal milk, soft and hard cheeses, and even 15+ pound cheese wheels! On your next visit, be sure to bring home some lovely cheese as a souvenir from France.

This way, you can enjoy your very own croque monsieur at home or even just a good ol’ fancy grilled cheese.

Most delis and artisan food markets package their cheeses very tightly in plastic wrap, so many blocks of cheese can be brought home with you.

6. French Tea

Not only is France known for its incredible hot chocolate and wine, but French tea nearly rivals that of the United Kingdom. You can find delicious variations of black, green, and even decaffeinated teas throughout the country.

You can have a cup of world-famous tea at Mariage Frères in Paris or you can bring home some delicious boxes from artisan markets.

You can also opt to buy boxes of the more popular brands such as Éléphant , Lipton , and Twinings which are the most frequently drank across France.

7. Dijon Mustard – one of the best souvenirs from France to bring home

Located in the East of France, Dijon is the capital of the wine region of Burgundy. Not only is the region famous for its award-winning wines, but also for its incredible mustard !

All throughout France, you’ll find cafes and restaurants using locally-sourced mustards from Dijon, including – you guessed it – their most popular version of Dijon!

This mustard has made its way around the world with its unique tanginess, subtle spiciness, and slight sweetness. You can find it in jars and bottles, but if you’re nervous about the glass breaking on your return trip, simply order some online after you return home.

Some of the best and most recognizable French mustards can be bought at Moutarde de Meaux online!

8. Macarons

If you’ve ever tried to make macarons in your own kitchen, you probably know that they are no simple feat. The measurements, folding techniques, and temperatures all have to be exact in order to produce those iconic “feet” and that crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior.

In France, however, you can find them by the boatload in every market or patisserie you enter! Coming in a vast variety of flavors and vibrant colors, macarons make for an exciting and delicious souvenir from France to bring home.

Be sure to snack on a few during your trip, or you’ll be forced to break into your souvenir before you return home!

9. Madeleines

These light and delicious sponge cakes have a distinctive shell shape on one side and are flat on the other. They come in a variety of flavors, and are most commonly eaten at tea time in France.

They are great for dunking and most frequently are served with a light vanilla or lemon flavor. If you aren’t sure about bringing a pack of these delicate treats home, opt to buy some of the ingredients in France and make yourself a truly French treat to share with your friends when you return!

10. Salt – one of the most popular souvenirs from France

Fleur de sel, Sel de Salies-de-Béarn, Sel de Guérande… France is well known for its vast quantities of different types of gourmet salts.

I personally prefer the fleur de sel for its slightly briny ocean flavor and delicate, flake-like texture. However, you can find salts of all varieties from different regions of France to ones that have been blended with other flavors.

You can create your own little jars like the ones shown above in some local markets, or you can buy a bottle in any deli or upscale supermarket.

11. French Jam

With so many local vineyards to choose from, France is well-known for its fruit growing. Everything from apricots to grapes and berries, you can find endless possibilities for delicious jams to bring home.

The French typically serve jam with breakfast accompanied by croissants or toast and coffee. You can find handmade jams from local markets or you can buy mass-produced jams from the local supermarkets.

Don’t worry, as long as it says “ Made in France ” on the label, it will be incredible!

12. French Butter

Also known as Beurre de Baratte , or churned butter, French butter is nothing short of a miracle. I am not someone who typically eats butter with anything, but when in France, the butter is too heavenly to pass up.

You can find it in 1-pound blocks and it can easily be wrapped up tight and brought home as a wonderful souvenir from France. I do suggest putting it on an ice-pack for the journey, however.

French butter often has a higher fat content than traditional butter, making it extra rich and creamy. French butter is also usually cultured and has local salt ground into it, creating a wonderfully textured, delicious taste.

Other Popular Souvenirs from France

If food souvenirs aren’t really your thing, check out all of these other amazing souvenirs from France that are sure to gain your admiration.

13. A Bottle of French Perfume

For those special evenings when you want to feel elegant, sophisticated, sexy, and romantic like you did when you were strolling the streets of Paris, a bottle of French perfume (or cologne) can do just that!

Stop by Chanel or one of the other French-branded fashion stores for a bottle of this potent luxurious gift.

However, this souvenir is definitely on more of the expensive side, so if you’re looking to stay on a budget, I would recommend picking out one of the other souvenirs from France.

14. Fine Jewelry

If you’ve ever walked the streets of Paris, Lyon, or Chamonix, you’ll notice that the locals know a thing or two about how to jazz up their outfits with some fine jewelry.

Everything from diamond-studded engagement rings to pearl earrings and emerald bracelets can be found in France’s numerous jewelry stores.

However, if you’re looking to pick out an extra special piece of jewelry, we suggest heading to Mellerio Dits Meller in Paris. It happens to be the oldest jewelry store in Paris that also boasts an elegant ambiance.

15. A Handknit Scarf

On my first trip to France, I found some beautiful handknit scarves at a local market and ended up buying three of them for myself, my mother-in-law, and my friend!

You can find them in a variety of colors and lengths and they are a great way to change up any outfit. They’re also authentic (as long as they say “ Made in France “), affordable (I got mine for about 15 euros each), and pack lightly and easily into your luggage.

A scarf is also a great way to commemorate your trip to France every time you wear it and it can spice up your outfits in practically any time of year.

16. A Hand-painted Piece of Artwork – one of my favorite souvenirs from France that I brought home

No matter where you go in France, you’ll never be far from a local artist showing off their skills on random streets in any popular town. This is especially true in Paris, Honfleur, and Annecy , but if you stick around a place long enough you’re sure to bump into a street artist or two.

This is actually how I stumbled upon one of my favorite paintings of Paris, and to this day it is indefinitely one of my favorite souvenirs from France.

Don’t worry, it wasn’t as big as the one shown above… you can find them as small as a postcard, but I preferred the one that was about the size of a standard piece of paper.

17. Tea Towels

If tea time is your guilty pleasure, then be sure to pick up some of these beautifully handcrafted tea towels on your trip to France.

You can find them in a variety of colors and they are typically made of linen or a blend of linen and cotton. You can find ones that have been embroidered like the ones shown above or even opt for simple decorative pieces for your mantle or coffee table.

We love the ones that have Provence’s iconic lavender fields embroidered on them, but if you plan on using them to dry your dishes you may want to look for less decorative ones.

Unique Souvenirs from France

If you’re seeking some less-popular souvenirs from France, we have just the stuff!

The souvenirs are far more authentic than some of the previously listed items, so take a peek below and get some ideas on products you should bring home from France.

18. Lavender – one of the most unique souvenirs from France to bring home!

If you’re spending any time at all in the lavender fields of France, and even if you aren’t, a small bag of this sweet-smelling flower is one of the most unique souvenirs from France you can bring home.

Mainly found in the region of Provence , this isn’t something you are just going to stumble by in Paris or Lyon. So, if you happen to be heading to this special region of France, be sure to pick up a bag or two to remember your visit!

They can be found in most local stores and especially at outdoor markets and make for wonderful additions to your bathrooms, kitchen, and even living space!

19. Cutting Board and Cutlery

If you’re already picking up cheese, jam, and butter like I told you to, then an authentic cutting board and French cutlery set is the perfect souvenir from France to round out your new kitchen set!

You can find unique designs like the one above or more simple ones. Whichever suits your style! We prefer the ones with the built-in hole in the handle so we can easily hang them up on our walls.

They make for lovely decorations, beautiful serving platters, and even special gifts from France that you can give to your friends and family!

20. Authentic French Beret – one of the best classic souvenirs from France

Even if you’ve never been to France, chances are you’ve seen a movie or picture, or you’ve read a book describing what a French beret is.

These classic French hats are worn by both males and females in France, although it is much less common now especially in the major tourist cities like Paris and Lyon.

Historically, they were first used by the French military in the Royal Tank Regiment. But, after the first World War, French artists began painting them on people in everyday life.

This struck the beginning of a new fashion era , where many French citizens would wear berets as part of their normal everyday outfits. Today, they still stand as a symbol of French military and patriotism, but they are more accustomed for tourists and a small population of locals.

21. A Marinière – a local and unique souvenir from France

Ever seen pictures or movies of the fishermen on France’s coastline hauling in their day’s catch? My guess is they were probably wearing one of these striped shirts. Known as marinières, these shirts actually originated in the French Navy and it was a part of their uniform.

Easily recognized for the horizontal navy blue and white stripes, this shirt, or ricot rayé, is still very much a part of the French culture and you can see local citizens wearing them to this day.

✔️ Pro Tip : If you plan on bringing a marinière home with you, be sure to shop at Saint James in Normandy . Having been the official supplier of marinières to the French Navy , they are the most authentic manufacturer of these French sailor shirts in the country.

22. Antiques

France is known across Europe as one of the best destinations for nostalgia shops. You can find all types of pre-war antiques like clocks, books, dishware, and picture frames.

France is also well-remembered by its beautiful antique cars, although you’re going to have a hard time finding one for sale and getting it home.

Antiques make for great souvenirs from France especially if you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or the like!

23. French Alsace Doll

Also known as a French folk doll, Alsace dolls originate from the Alsace region of France . Historically, France has been known for creating beautifully designed costumes that replicate that of the locals in their dolls, which is exactly what the Alsace dolls do.

This old-time doll dates back to the 19 th and 20 th centuries and was often a notable collector’s item for many years. Unlike the one shown above, Alsace dolls are often made of a combination of porcelain and other materials.

Different dolls are dressed in different costumes to commemorate a piece of history in France, such as the chaotic and unnerving period between 1871 and World War I.

An Alsace doll is typically only something a local would own today, but every now and again you’ll come across these rare pieces of history. If you can’t find them along your travels, you can find them quite easily online. Just be sure to check for authenticity before buying.

24. Villedieu-les-Poêles Bell

The former commune in Normandy known as Villedieu-les-Poêles, now known as Villedieu-les-Poêles-Rouffigny , is home to some of France’s very last coppersmiths.

Following the horrific fire in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019, the coppersmiths in Villedieu-les-Poêles-Rouffigny took on the task of creating 8 new bells for the Cathedral.

You can also find incredibly kitchen utensils, cauldrons, and even brassware in the coppersmith shops in this small town in the northwest of France.

But, a classic bell like the one shown above is, in our opinion, one of the most unique souvenirs from France that you can buy today!

25. An Vintage Ski Chamonix Poster – one of the most unique souvenirs from France!

On our first trip to the Alps, we stopped in the small, but very popular, ski resort town of Chamonix located in the southeast of France. We were taken back by the large number of vintage ski maps that had been tucked away in some of the less-popular stores of the town!

I couldn’t find a good picture and the one I own is unable to be found at this very moment, so check out the ones on this link instead: Vintage Ski Chamonix Posters

Many of them say something like “Chamonix Mont Blanc” or “Ski Chamonix” and they are a fun and whimsical souvenir that is perfect for those keen on winter sports.

People have been ascending the treacherous Mont Blanc for centuries (since 1786), so if you tackle its deadly nature, then you deserve one of these vintage posters that only the locals used to own.

Especially if you hit the slopes in one of the most famous ski resort towns in the world ( Chamonix ), you should pick up something unique to remember it by!

What are Some Good Souvenirs from Paris?

Heading to France, but only stopping in Paris? Perhaps you only have one day or maybe even 4 days in Paris ? No matter how much time you spend in the French capital, it’s important to still pick up an amazing souvenir!

The products I have listed below are awesome ideas to commemorate your trip to Paris. The more touristy souvenirs from Paris are listed at the top of the section and the more luxurious souvenirs are listed at the bottom. Enjoy!

26. Eiffel Tower Key Chain

You can find these key chains all around Paris and in the airports. You’ll also notice people selling them at the Eiffel Tower, but I don’t recommend buying one from them as they occasionally will try to scam you with an absurd price.

They make for a fun addition to your keyset and unique gifts for kids with backpacks or purses. You could also tie a string through the top piece and make your own ornament from Paris!

27. Something Small from the Bouquinistes

All along the Seine ( known for its incredible boat tours ), you’ll find stalls, or bouquinistes , selling an array of antiques, books, albums, artwork, and the likes.

Pick up something small here for just a few euros to give back to the local artisans and shopkeepers. It’s a great way of finding more unique souvenirs from Paris and looking at items you wouldn’t normally buy.

When you’re in Paris, style and fashion are essential. You can find high-end products at affordable rates in practically any general store, but you can also find top-of-the-line products in most designer shops around the city.

Whether you’re looking for a simple but elegant lipstick to spice up your evening look or want a new eye shadow palette, Paris has everything you could possibly dream of!

29. Coffee Mug

The more you travel, the more mugs you can collect! We love buying new mugs everywhere we go since we can recall our fond memories every time we have a cup of coffee or tea.

We know that a coffee mug likely is not on the top of your list of souvenirs from Paris to bring home, but we still highly recommend buying one.

You can find simple ones like the one above or more decorative, hand-painted pieces that are sure to be the highlight of your mornings.

If you are still stuck on finding a truly authentic souvenir, ask your waiter or waitress from the first cafe you visit in Paris if you can buy a mug from them… it’ll be the most authentic way of remembering your first day ever in Paris!

30. Wine Glasses – one of the best souvenirs from France for your home!

Even if you aren’t typically a wine drinker, there’s a good chance that you probably have some old wine glasses back home in your cabinets that need replacing.

Or if you are a wine drinker, then what better way to commemorate your Parisian travels than with a new set of Parisian drinkware?

This also will go perfectly with all of those bottles of French wine you’re planning to bring home, so you can plan a home warming party with your friends and family to sample all of those delicious French treats!

They come in sets of 2, 4, and 6 usually, but you can sometimes find single glasses, as well.

31. Pictures of Iconic Landmarks

There really is no better souvenir to bring home from your trip to France than amazing pictures of the country’s most beautiful and iconic landmarks. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.

Do yourself a favor and bring along a high-quality camera, a selfie-stick (though you will be immediately called out for looking too much like a tourist by your friends), and possibly even a tripod! They make awesome travel-size ones now, so you won’t need to carry around a huge bulky item.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to capture some amazing moments from your trip so you have the option of getting them printed and framed for your home when your return!

32. Map of France

I know we’re probably in the minority when it comes to this, but we always buy a local map when we visit a new place and mark where we go on it. We save all of the maps we use from around the world, and one day we’ll be able to look back on everything we did and where!

It makes for a great gift to pass down through your family and is a great way of showing your loved ones and friends your exact travel routes.

It may seem silly to some, but if you have a soft spot for reminiscing on previous travels, then be sure to pick up a map for yourself as a souvenir from Paris (or anywhere in France!)

33. A Fashion Magazine

Vogue France, Paris Passion, Gala, Ici Paris, L’Officiel, and several other famous magazines originated in Paris. They show off some of the world’s newest and most eclectic trends of the century, so if you’re even just a little bit into fashion, be sure to check out the stalls selling them throughout Paris.

You can also find them in most general stores and supermarkets, but you’ll find the most up-to-date ones inside the fashion stores on Les Champs-Élysées .

✔️ Pro Tip : Keep in mind, however, that while this is a budget-friendly souvenir from Paris that you’re going to be dying to get your hands on, it will likely be written in French without translation. If that doesn’t bother you or you speak French, this makes for one of the best fashion-related souvenirs you can bring home!

34. Music Album or Record

If you have ever seen the movie, Midnight in Paris , with Owen Wilson, you’ll see several scenes where he stops by the stalls on the side of the road to take a peek at the albums and records.

If you happen to have a record player in the family, then a new record could become one of your favorite souvenirs from Paris! You can find old albums sung entirely in French as well as more modern artists and classic songs.

✔️ Pro Tip : If you haven’t seen the movie, be sure to watch it before your next visit to Paris… it’s one of my favorites to get me excited to see the City of Lights!

35. Post Card – one of the best cheap souvenirs from France

My grandparents always love it when I send postcards from abroad . For those who are unable to travel, postcards are a small glimpse into current life in a new place!

Whether you pick up a couple for yourself or decide to throw one in the mail while you’re out and about in Paris, postcards make for wonderful souvenirs from France that will surely help commemorate your trip.

If you happen to be traveling without your partner, send them a love letter from France! It’s cute, romantic, and cheesy all at the same time, so I’m sure they’ll love it!

36. Parisian Stamp

For some people, collecting stamps is a way of traveling around the world – even if they can’t get there themselves! Stamp collections are becoming increasingly popular (especially since much of the travel industry has been put on hold in the last couple of years).

If this happens to be you or you’re thinking of starting a stamp collection, be sure to pick up one of these unique souvenirs from France on your next visit. What better way to start your collection than with a unique Parisian stamp that many collectors dream of coming across?!

37. French Apron

If you enjoy being in the kitchen as much as I do, a French apron should surely be on your list of souvenirs to bring home from France.

Most aprons have that “Made in France” tag (as long as you find them in a local market or upscale deli or kitchen store) and come beautifully embellished with different designs.

You’ll most likely find most designs to be variations of floral patterns, although you can find them in all sorts of colors and styles. Prices range depending on their quality and make, but for the most part, you can find them for around 25-30 euros.

38. Stuffed Animals

Whether you have a child, niece, nephew, cousin, or best friend’s child to come home to, most kids love getting new stuffed animals.

In France, you can often find charming little teddy bears holding the French flag or small dolls with cute berets! These also make for easy-to-find, affordable, long-lasting (unlike the croissants and chocolate), and easy-to-pack souvenirs from France.

39. Games and Toys

In addition to a stuffed animal, why not find a unique French game or toy to bring home for someone young in your life? Pick up a pétanque set (very similar to the Western version of bocce) or some French paints if you’re an artist.

These don’t have to be just gifts for someone young, but also for you and your inner child! Tennis and fencing are also very popular sports in France, so even if you don’t pick up a souvenir from these games, you could always try your hand at them with a friend or pro.

Luxury Gifts from Paris

Looking for top-of-the-line souvenirs from Paris? If so, take a peek at the luxury gifts below that are sure to win you over!

These souvenirs are on the more expensive side, for the most part, so keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip to Paris!

40. Clothing from Les Champs-Elysées – one of the most luxurious souvenirs from France

If you have a dream of going shopping in Paris, then you need to spend some time on Europe’s most popular shopping street: Les Champs-Elysées !

This is where Paris’ latest fashion trends hit the streets for the first time following Paris’ annual fashion week. If you are looking for top-of-the-line products and seemingly endless luxury shops and boutiques, then look no further.

A souvenir from this street will cost you a pretty penny, there is no denying that. Most shops have their average prices listed on the front door, so if you can’t afford them, they expect you to move on.

It’s a tough world out there on Les Champs-Elysées, but a new outfit from here makes for one of the most luxurious souvenirs from France you can buy!

41. Soap from Savon de Marseille

If you love handcrafted soaps and all-natural beauty products, then a visit to Savon de Marseille on Rue Bréa in Paris is in your future.

They craft beautiful and vibrant bars of soap that make for perfect gifts for yourself and your loved ones. They are made of entirely natural products and make use of essential oils and local ingredients.

✔️ Pro Tip : While I do recommend this store and its products, I don’t recommend all of them. Some of their products use palm oil as an ingredient, which is a major contributor to the deforestation of rainforests in Malaysia and Indonesia. A big part of traveling is learning how to travel sustainably, so I don’t recommend purchasing any products with this ingredient.

42. Louis Vuitton Handbag – luxury souvenirs from France

On our first visit to Paris, we happened to be walking by the Louis Vuitton storefront (more like a building front… it’s huge) and a buyer came in wanting to purchase a bag, so they closed the store!

If you’re a serious buyer looking to make a big purchase, then be prepared for them to kick everyone out and shut the doors. They only make deals with serious clientele, so maintaining a professional demeanor is essential if you want to look around.

Their flagship store on Les Champs-Élysées is open at 10:00AM or 11:00AM everyday, but lines start up to an hour before opening time. It’s not uncommon for them to sell out of popular items, so if you want one be sure to arrive early to get in line.

43. A Book from Shakespeare and Company – one of the most authentic souvenirs from France

Even if you’re only stopping into Paris for a quick day trip, be sure to stop by the Shakespeare and Company bookshop on Rue de la Bûcherie !

This iconic bookshop dates back to the 1950s and gives a unique, classical vibe that truly makes you feel like you’re in old-time Paris.

You can find everything from current trends to old and used books with a real bit of character. This is a special stop for most on their trip to Paris anyway, so you might as well pick up a unique souvenir from Paris on your visit!

44. A Picasso Souvenir from the Picasso Museum

If you’re an art enthusiast heading to Paris in search of a luxurious souvenir to bring home, then you need to make your way over to the Picasso Museum.

Their extensive collection of Picasso’s works is breathtaking to see, and you have the option of picking up a unique souvenir from the gift shop at the end of your visit!

Obviously (and unfortunately), you can only purchase copies of Picasso’s work, so don’t think you’re going to walk out with one of his original pieces.

But, you can find unique souvenirs such as throw pillows and linens with his designs printed on them, or copies of his artwork in the gift shop!

45. Cafe de Flore Table Souvenirs

Cafe de Flore happens to be one of the oldest cafes in Paris which served the likes of Ernest Hemingway , Arthur Koestler , Simone de Beauvoir , Truman Capote , and numerous other famous writers!

This cafe is a glimpse into Parisian history and has become one of the most popular places to dine in Paris.

If you are able to score a table at this iconic cafe, be sure to head upstairs afterward to their storefront where they sell high-end table settings like the ones they use in their restaurant.

FAQ: Souvenirs from France

Now that you have a good idea of what souvenirs you can pick up in France, let’s go over some shopping tips and the best products to bring home with you!

Tips for Shopping in Paris

If you’re planning on seeking out your French souvenir in Paris, there are a few things you should know first!

🥐 First, the products found on Les Champs-Elysées are some of the most expensive and luxurious that you’ll find in the country. Since not everyone has this type of cash to spend, it’s important that you don’t get discouraged when you see the prices here.

Instead, look in the small boutiques of Le Marais and Montmartre for discounted designer clothing . Besides, if you bought it in Paris, that’s designer enough for the both of us!

🥐 Also, if you have the option of visiting Paris in either the summer or winter months, you can score big sales throughout the city . Known as Les Soldes (the sales), these big sales take place in January and February and June and July.

You can find sales as high as 80% off big-name brands like Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, and others! If you’re a true fashionista looking to represent Paris’ latest fashion trends at your next event, then keep Paris in the winter or summer in your travel planner!

🥐 Bring your passport with you when shopping . If you plan to spend over 100 euros in the same store, you can ask the owner or manager to provide you with and fill out a ‘détaxe’ refund form. This allows you to receive a refund on the VAT (value added tax) attached to your purchases.

Simply hand in the form at the Détaxe desk in the airport and be prepared to show the items you purchased if they ask. You can find more on this topic at the official Paris website .

What is France Known for Souvenirs?

France happens to be known for many incredible products. The term, “ Made in France “, can be found on endless souvenirs scattered throughout the country which confirms the efforts of the endless artisans creating these products across France.

Just as a start, France is known for its unparalleled cuisine and wine . With everything from hand-churned butter to croissants that require 24+ hours of attention, there is no shortage of food souvenirs from France.

Additionally, you can find everything from authentic French berets to fine jewelry and even some of the leading fashion designs in the industry.

On any trip to Paris or France as a whole, picking out a souvenir should be at the top of your list!

What are the Best Things to Buy in France?

France, the epitome of craftsmanship and taste, offers a plethora of unique items that you can’t miss! I’m a foodie at heart, so you’ll notice I mentioned a few different food items, but you really can’t go wrong with what you decide to pick up from France.

• French Cheese: With over 1,000 varieties, it’s a cheese lover’s paradise. Bring home a slice of creamy Camembert or a chunk of Comté.
• French Wine: Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy… the list goes on. Delight your palate with some of the world’s best wines.
• Perfume: France, and particularly Grasse, is renowned for its perfume production. Pick up a bottle of artisanal fragrance for a truly French souvenir.
• Fashion: French chic is world-famous. Treat yourself to a designer piece or scout the boutiques for some local style.
• Macarons: These colorful, sweet meringue-based confections are an absolute treat for your taste buds.

Remember, the best souvenirs are the ones that bring a smile to your face when you look at them back home! So, your cup of tea may be different from mine and that’s totally acceptable.

Can you Order Souvenirs from France Online?

Absolutely, you can order French souvenirs online! If you’re not able to make it to France, don’t worry, the internet has got you covered. Many French brands and stores have an online presence and deliver worldwide, so even if you run out of room in your suitcase you can still get your favorite souvenirs home.

Amazon is a fantastic choice for finding authentic souvenirs, while you can also find unique items on Etsy , a marketplace for handmade and vintage treasures.

Don’t forget to check the shipping costs and customs regulations of your country before placing an order. And if you’re looking for something specific that you couldn’t find online, don’t hesitate to reach out to the brand or store directly via email or social media. They may be able to assist you in getting your perfect souvenir home safe and sound!

Other Helpful France Resources

✔️ Why Visit Paris? 25 Reasons to Visit Paris, France ✔️ Best Time to Visit Paris: 7 Things to Consider ✔️ 27 Incredible Day Trips from Paris ✔️ Paris At Night: 24 Amazing Things To Do in Paris at Night ✔️ Beaches Close to Paris: 17 Top-Rated Beaches Near Paris ✔️ Is Paris Safe? A Full Guide on Safety in Paris ✔️ Does France Celebrate Halloween? La Toussaint Explained

Want to learn how to speak some basic level French for your next trip to Paris? It really does come in handy! Check out some of our helpful articles below:

✔️ Good Morning in French: 17 Helpful French Greetings ✔️ How to Say Good Night in French 7 Different Ways ✔️ How to Say Nice to Meet You in French 15+ Ways ✔️ What Time Is It in French 11+ Ways: How to Ask and Tell Time in French ✔️ Saying No in French 31+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation) ✔️ 33+ Ways to Say Thank You in French (with Audio) ✔️ 1-10 in French: Learn to Count from 1-10+ in French (with Pronunciations) ✔️ Merry Christmas in French 17+ Ways ✔️ 60 Authentic Souvenirs from London to Bring Home

Wrap-Up: Souvenirs from France

When it comes to picking out the perfect souvenir, it can totally be stressful… especially if you’re trying to stick to a semi-tight budget or don’t have enough room in your suitcase, you can’t just buy each and every French product that you see.

Hopefully, this post has helped you gain some insight into some of the best souvenirs from France that you can buy. From more touristy options to authentic products that are strictly made in France, there is something on this list of souvenirs from France for everyone!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

• Packing Lists

Paris Packing List: What to Bring to France

Published June 11, 2023

Written by:

Stacey Ebert

Stacey Ebert is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, yogi and traveler who has adventured through over 50 countries. After a...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

France invites visitors into a world of sophistication, snowy and sun-filled retreats, and, of course, wine and cheese. Situated in western Europe, this country boasts a culture all its own. So you’re going to need a packing list for Paris and for the rest of France.

“I’m going to France,” means something different to each and every traveler. Perhaps it’s your first experience abroad after university. Maybe you’re headed to the City of Love to eat your weight in macaroons, crepes, and croissants. Or, perhaps you’re taking on the slopes at Chamonix, tasting sparkling goodness in Champagne, studying history at Normandy, or having a picnic on the grounds of the Eiffel Tower. Whatever you fancy, France can provide.

Paris was one of my first stops in Europe. I remember the feeling of landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport and heading out into the cultured mecca of Paris. I can still see the baguette and cheese in my hand, the entertaining buskers in the city square, and the glittering strip of lights along the Champs-Elysees.

We sunned ourselves on the sandy beaches of Cannes, ate more crepes than we knew what to do with, and spent one sunny afternoon strolling the rocky shores of Nice’s Cote d’Azur. Regardless of the reasons you’re headed to France, your voyage begins before you get that passport stamped. Dream up your favorite sort of experience, research city and countryside excursions, figure out what to pack, and get ready for adventure.

Bring everything you need without checking a bag.

• Carry-On-Sized
• Easy to pack
• Comfortable to carry
• Built to last

Weather: Packing List for France in All Seasons

Packing for France can get tricky. Are you headed during winter, spring, summer, or fall? Do you need layers, sunscreen, a raincoat, a hat, closed-toed shoes, or all of the above? Are you skiing, sunbathing, sightseeing, wine tasting, or a mixture of it all?

Pack for three seasons, no matter when you are going, because the weather is unpredictable. For Paris, bring something warm, a solid pair of shoes, a waterproof outer layer , and a light scarf for all seasons.

Check the specific regions to which you’re traveling. Temperatures will differ from cities to mountains to shoreline, but averages are as follows: 

• Spring (Late March-June): 40-70° Fahrenheit (4-21° Celcius)
• Summer (Late June-September): 55-75° Fahrenheit (13-24° Celcius)
• Autumn (Late September-December): 45-70° Fahrenheit (7-21° Celcius)
• Winter (Late December-March): 35-45° Fahrenheit (2-7° Celcius)

Depending on when you’re traveling to France, add the following to your packing list.

• Rain jacket or water-repellant outer layer
• Sturdy, closed-toed shoes (consider hiking shoes over sneakers)
• One extra pair of shoes
• Extra layers
• Warm jacket with a hood (if traveling in winter and especially if staying on the mountains)
• Bathing suit and beach cover up

What to Pack for Paris: The Essentials

Whenever you set off on the trip of a lifetime, there are a few things you can’t forget. Your passport, travel documentation, medications, and tech are the hardest things to replace.

• Wallet:  ID, passport, and an extra copy of front page of your passport
• Travel documents:  Including travel insurance and visa documents if you need them
• Medications:  Daily, important, and allergy medications
• Tech:  Chargers and converters

Pack a Personal Item

If you’re flying to France, you’ll want to think carefully about packing a personal item. On your flight, you can keep your personal item under the seat in front of you . After you land, you’ll carry this bag on your daily adventures.

Keep in mind the necessities you might want on hand for the flight, as well as immediately upon arrival, and don’t forget to check the weather at your destination.

What to Pack in a Personal Item or Daypack

• Mini first aid kit (including sea/car sickness tablets if needed)
• Liquids bag (follow 3-1-1 guidelines)
• Change of clothes
• Gum or mints
• Unscented lotion, essential oils
• Antibacterial or baby wipes (a must for Paris ventures – limited public toilet options available)
• Fuzzy socks or flip-flops (for the flight)
• Scarf, pashmina, or travel blanket
• Mini flash light
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses & travel size solution, or glasses
• Lacrosse or tennis ball (eases back pain and tight muscles)

Toiletries: Less is More

When traveling by air, always keep in mind the  TSA 3-1-1 rule as you  pack your toiletries . Less is always more. You can purchase anything else you need once you’re in France. Buying local is always a good idea. Keep an eye on all the new products on the market and perhaps consider experimenting with dry toiletries to make room in your quart-sized ziplock bag.

The basics include:

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Travel size shampoo, conditioner, and body soap
• Razor and grooming kit
• Travel towel

Tech for Traveling in France

If you’re coming from outside of Europe you will most likely need an adapter to plug into outlets and maybe a power convertor, too. Double-check to be certain you have all of your cords and other assorted goodies you need to connect. Plan for phone connectivity too.

• Power adapter
• Necessary converters
• Tablet, phone, computer, and necessary chargers
• Portable charger and cords
• Load your phone with travel apps 
• Perhaps a camera (and camera bag), lens, batteries (2), memory cards (2), and chargers
• External hard drive to back up your memories
• GPS/personal wifi hotspot if your phone won’t suffice

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Tortuga travel backpack pro $350.

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Stacey Ebert is a freelance writer, blogger, educator, yogi and traveler who has adventured through over 50 countries. After a 10-month honeymoon around the world, she started writing about adventure, journey and perspective changing life shifts.

She’s a badass at finding travel discounts, drilling down the details and asking the hard questions. Her work has been featured in both travel and educational publications.

Read more from Stacey

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35 Best French Gifts That Any Francophile Will Love

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Have a special person in your life that is a francophile? I’ve got the best French gifts that they’ll adore!

As someone who is also obsessed with traveling to France any chance I get, I’ve found many delightful products over the years that’ll make any lover of this country very happy. 

From regional products and perfumes to culinary delights and novelty gifts, these are hands down the most unique French gifts to give for any occasion! 

Best French Gifts For Francophiles

1. french cheeses, 2. macarons , 3. chocolate, 4. dijon mustard, 5. bonne maman advent calendar, 6. pain d’epices, 7. french spices/seasonings, 8. cheeseboard, 9. raclette grill, 10. crepe maker, 11. madeleine pan, 12. french cookbooks, 13. french wine, 14. hot chocolate, 16. french press, 17. french pharmacy products, 19. silk scarf, 20. french perfume, 21. french lingerie, 22. handbags, 23. paris nuit candle, 24. 3-d puzzle, 24. coffee mugs, 26. t-shirts, 28. french language course or book, 29. france scratch off map, 30. petanque set, 31. french books, 32. french wine map, 33. give them a piece of france…literally, 34. trip to france gift box, 35. trip to france.

For lovers of French culture and cuisine, check out the best gift ideas from France below! 

Best Food Gifts For French Lovers

To love France is to also love its rich cuisine, right? So here are some fantastic food gifts for Francophiles. 

Celebrate the season or birthday with delicious French cheese . Now, depending on where you live, you can purchase imported cheese if you’re not already in France. Many grocery stores and local cheese shops will sell things like Brie, Camembert, or perhaps Bleu D’Auvergne. 

So this makes it particularly easy to purchase and bring to a party or celebration as a gift. 

But, if you can’t get to the store and want more French cheese options, check out Fromages.com . They ship both within France and worldwide, and offer a wide variety of cheese. 

And they also have themed cheese boards! 

Buy it here!

Who doesn’t love the delights of 2 soft meringue cookies with a deliciously sweet filling? If you really want to impress your friends, you can make your own macarons to gift. 

If you don’t want to go through all that trouble, because let’s be honest, macarons can be quite finicky, you can also purchase them online. 

With chocolate shops all over Paris, it is always a lovely gift to bring to loved ones around the world. Now, this is far easier to transport on the plane, but you can also purchase delightful French chocolates from places like La Maison du Chocolat or Richart online and have it shipped. 

I absolutely loved visiting Dijon and sampling mustard at as many shops as I could find. And my favorite by far is Edmond Fallot. Luckily, for you, it is available to purchase online if you can’t take it in your suitcase. 

Enjoy regular Dijon mustard or gift them various kinds like tarragon, blackcurrant, and more!

Want to give them the gift that keeps on giving during the holiday season? The Bonne Maman Advent Calendar is always a popular French gift idea!

Yes, you could also purchase tasty jams alone as a gift, but who doesn’t love to be surprised each day with a new jam flavor? 

Nothing rings in the holiday season quite like the smell of pain d’epices. This gingerbread isn’t like the cookie but is actually a bread made with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc. 

It is delicious on its own or with some jam. Learn to make it yourself thanks to this simple recipe . It’ll have them reminiscing about the Alsace Christmas markets in no time!

Spice up their cuisine with French spices like Herbes de Provence and Fleur de Sel . Or, you can get them herbs like tarragon or thyme . 

What goes better with all that French cheese than a cheese board? Just a simple cheese board or cheese board with cheese knives is always a great gift idea for the cheese obsessed. 

I understand this is a little niche. Am I secretly hoping my husband sees this list and gets me this? Perhaps. But if you have a friend who LOVES raclette, this is a perfect gift. 

Raclette is a cheese that is melted and scraped over bread, meats, veggies, etc. And while the actual contraption you may see at restaurants near the alps may be a bit cumbersome, you can also get this raclette grill to conveniently grill veggies and meat on top while you melt the cheese in little drawers to pour over it. It is perfect for throwing a raclette party! 

A crepe maker is the perfect gift for aspiring home chefs and sweet tooths alike. If they love a good crepe, why not purchase them a gift that allows them to make them all the time?

For the bakers out there, a Madeleine pan is a great idea! These nonstick pans will have them making delicious Madeleines in no time. 

There are so many great cookbooks that’ll inspire the home chef in all of us. Here are some great French ones packed with tasty recipes!

• Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child
• Join Us at the Table by Annie Sargent
• My Paris Kitchen by David Lebovitz
• Let’s Cook French by Claudine and Jacques Pepin
• Let’s Eat France by François-Régis Gaudry
• French Pastry Made Simple by Molly Wilkinson

Drink Gifts Ideas for France Lovers

Aside from the delicious treats mentioned above, let’s talk about French gifts when it comes to beverages. 

It had to be said, right? One of the easiest and most delicious things to give someone who loves both France and French wine is a bottle of vino.

Thankfully, for the most part, it isn’t hard to find French wine. Head to a wine shop near you or bring some back from France (just be sure to pack it in a wine sleeve to keep it safe!). 

I’ve brought several bottles of wine home from France both from Burgundy and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As my husband is a big wine nerd and loves French wine, he always loves seeing what I bring home. 

But if you can’t ship it home from France, you can certainly purchase it from sites like Wine.com or even at your local wine shop. Ask the people working at the shop what they recommend based upon your loved one’s preferences. 

Have them reminisce on their time sipping creamy hot chocolate in France with the gift of their own hot cocoa. 

A popular French hot chocolate brand is Poulain, which you can get online here ! 

There is also the option to purchase hot chocolate mix from Edwart Chocolatier ! 

For a refreshing summer drink that they’ll love, purchase them some flavored sirops to add to their water. 

Mint, lemon, strawberry, and raspberry are all popular flavors to check out! 

For the person who really enjoys a cup of coffee at a sidewalk cafe, this is for them. Grab them this lovely French press so they can imagine a leisurely morning at a cozy spot in Paris. 

Best French-Made Gifts For Francophiles

Okay, we’ve covered food and drink. Let’s cover some French gifts you’re going to want to give your French-loving friend ASAP.

No, we’re not talking about medications or a first-aid kit. French pharmacy beauty products are top-notch. I seriously can’t get enough of them. And luckily, you can get many of these famous brands online! 

I’m obsessed with Nuxe. Their Reve de Miel line is incredible. For soft lips, I love the Lip Balm . 

For the best gentle makeup removal facewash, I love the Reve de Miel facial cleansing gel . Aside from that, their Huile Prodigieuse is a cult-classic fave. This nourishing face and body oil is lovely. 

Aside from Nuxe, I’m also a fan of La Roche-Posay skincare, especially their sunscreens and tinted sunscreen . 

French lavender or olive oil soap from Provence is always a lovely gift idea. Thankfully, you can get this soap year-round! 

While it is best picked up from a local market in Provence if you can, you can also get it online. 

I love a good scarf. On a chilly day, it is the perfect accessory. You can purchase a nice, silk scarf too to help them complete their perfect outfit. 

Buy it here! 

French-made perfume is always the way to go. Thankfully, there is no shortage of perfumes made in France. From YSL and Chanel to Diptyque , there are ample places to purchase French perfume for your favorite person. 

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but the sheer number of lingerie stores in any given French city or town is honestly impressive. So, if you are searching for French gifts for that special someone, then either purchasing a piece from a local shop or finding something online is a romantic and sexy idea. 

Feeling extra generous? Why not purchase a French-designed handbag? On the less expensive end is Longchamp , and on the higher end, you’ve got designers like Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Celine, etc. 

French Gift Novelty Items

Have a friend who loves French-inspired gifts and accessories? Look no further.

Created by influencer Lindsay Silberman, she knocked her Hotel Lobby Candle brand out of the park with this luxury hotel-inspired scent. While she makes a few other city-themed scents including New York and Miami, Paris is my favorite.

Feel as if you’ve stepped into a fancy Paris evening with this luxury candle. 

For a unique Paris gift idea for puzzle nerds, gift them a 3-D puzzle of architectural marvels like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

There are several cute French-themed coffee mugs you can give your friends. I love the “Je pense donc je suis,” or “I don’t need therapy I just need to go to France,” mugs. There are also coffee mugs of the Paris metro system, sites in Paris, and more! 

And for unique Paris sites printed onto coffee mugs, definitely check out the coffee mugs from Tubidu Design . That is where I got this mug pictured above! Use KAT20 for a 20% off discount!

There are several fun French t-shirts out there saying things like “Je m’en fous,” or “tout va bien.” So gift a friend a fun shirt they can wear around or even on the plane to France! 

For a fun “stocking stuffer” get them some socks with various French phrases they can wear! 

Other Great French Gifts For Francophiles

Want even more France-themed gifts? Don’t worry, there is more where these come from! 

Know someone who is a French fan but isn’t quite fluent yet? There are SO many great French language courses and books to choose from to help them continue their French education. 

Duolingo is always a great place to start, especially for beginners to learn grammar. You can pay for a subscription so they get unlimited access to this app. 

I also like Comme Une Francaise . The creator has a Youtube channel with helpful tips, but she also offers several courses ranging from beginner to advanced. I also love that she offers courses in spoken French so learners can sound like a local. 

And for a great book, the Easy French Step-by-Step book is great for learning grammar and getting the language down. 

I love our big scratch-off world map in our living room, but if you have a person in your life who loves traveling to France a lot, this is a fantastic gift idea! They can scratch off regions they’ve visited and inspire them to keep on traveling within France! 

Forget bocce, petanque is where it’s at! Hook your loved one up with a new set of boules and things so they can play petanque at home! 

Of course, for those interested in French literature, there are ample options! You’ve got the classics up to modern French authors, each of which makes for great gift ideas for avid readers! Here are some great books to check out: 

• Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
• Indiana by George Sand
• Candide by Voltaire
• The Lover by Marguerite Duras
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

These are some popular and classic French books. However, I’m also a fan of my friend Roobens Fils’ new book Traveling While Black , which you can read in both English and French. 

For wine lovers, get them a fun map of France’s most famous wine regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and more!

A really unique French gift idea is to literally give them a piece of France. HappyLand sells 100 square inches of land in France, and you even get a deed for it! 

As a bonus, you get access to the property the land is on for a picnic or to just enjoy the grounds. 

If they can’t go to France right away, gift them their own trip to France in a box complete with treats from the country including pate, cheese, smoked salmon, and blinis. 

And, of course, if you’re feeling super generous, you can purchase a whole trip to France for your loved one! 

Wow and surprise them with a full on expenses paid trip to France that they’ll never forget!

These are 35 of the best French presents that any France fan will thoroughly enjoy! Which would you most like to gift? 

Want more France travel ideas? Check out these posts!

• Best Day Trips From Annecy
• Paris Travel Tips For First Timers
• Hidden Gems of Paris
• Paris in 2 Days
• Paris in 3 Days
• 1 Day in Paris
• Best Things to do in Lyon
• Best Things to do in Grenoble
• Paris to Versailles Itinerary
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Weekend Trips From Paris
• Most Romantic Things to do in Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris
• France Bucket List
• Most Beautiful Cities in France
• Annecy in Winter
• 1 Day in Annecy
• Paris Bucket List
• How to Visit Paris in January
• Only South of France Itinerary You’ll Ever Need
• Best Things to do in Cassis
• 1 Day in Avignon
• 1 Day in Nice
• How to Spend 3 Days in Cannes
• 1 Day in Strasbourg
• How to Spend 7 Days in Paris
• How to Spend 10 Days in France
• Helpful French Phrases to Know
• Ultimate Paris 2024 Olympics Travel Guide
• 1 Day in Cannes
• 1 Day in Colmar
• Ultimate Guide to Champagne Tasting in Reims
• Paris in the Fall Guide
• Best Smaller Museums in Paris
• Best Things to Do in Epernay
• Top 15 France Road Trips
• Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide
• Colmar Christmas Market Guide
• Ribeauville Christmas Market Guide
• Obernai Christmas Market Guide
• Kaysersberg Christmas Market Guide
• Riquewihr Christmas Market Guide
• 31 Top Paris Gifts
• Ultimate 7-Day Normandy Road Trip
• Best Things to Do in Deauville
• Ultimate Normandy Cider Route Guide & Itinerary

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Kat is an American who really loves France and is now a France travel expert. After studying abroad in Grenoble and traveling all over, she fell head over heels for the country. She has since visited many times and is sharing all the tips for visiting France! Aside from France Voyager, Kat also has a couple’s travel blog called World Wide Honeymoon and a podcast that she co-hosts with her husband of the same name. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, baking, planning a million trips that she isn’t sure she’ll actually take and taking way too many photos of her cat, Professor.

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France Travel Blog

What to Buy in France: 13 Things You Need To Buy From France

I have been privileged to visit France many times in my lifetime. Each time I am scheduled to travel there, it’s a wonderful feeling I have for many reasons. Part of the several reasons why I relish going to this stunning country is the special stuff I get to see and buy there. Without a doubt, shopping in France positions you to such a delightful variety of regional crafts, traditions, and gastronomy that you just can’t have enough.

Experiencing France is not just about the outdoors. You should step into shopping stores too if you can afford them. But searching through items to buy doesn’t have to be a pricey task. Several affordable outlets have what you are looking for. I strongly recommend that you leave room for the unimaginable when you go out in France. Expect to be amazed, and who knows, you could discover gems in the stalls or corners you least expect.

In no particular order, let me share with you some of the best things to buy when you visit France.

French Perfume 

You can’t possibly go wrong buying a French perfume. France boasts of some of the best fragrances in the world thanks to its long and strong perfume-making tradition. For hundreds of years, the French have been the major producer of the most popular perfumes. From Christian Dior to Chanel and Estee Lauder, French perfume formulas have taken the world by storm.

Even though these brand names are popular and can be found across the world, some unpopular places in France have the secrets to the best perfume fragrances and experiences to always cherish. You can’t get these fragrances elsewhere in the world. 

You will still find small perfume shops around that tailor-make perfumes the same way it was done in the 1700s. These hidden gems will give you the chance to make a customized perfume as it matches your personality. What is more, you can modify a perfume to take it home as a souvenir. This ensures that every time you smell the fragrance, you take a step back to your time in France.

Lovers of perfume could visit Grasse situated northwest of Nice. The town has a Mediterranean climate that is ideal for lavender, jasmine, mimosas, and roses to blossom and provide the most exquisite natural aromas used to make perfumes. 

>>Also Read: What is France Famous For

Print Fabric

Provençal print fabrics are the best I’ve seen around. These gorgeous pieces are flashy and beamish- they would bring good memories of your sojourns in the sun. The fabrics have the colors of Southern France, Provence to be exact, and they are used for everything from aprons and tablecloths to cushion covers or small lavender sachets. Getting them is not difficult. You can find them in most big village markets and fabric stores in Provence. Make this one of the reasons to visit Provence.

Champagne Collectibles 

No one is probably prouder of their own wine like the French. They have an impressive range and a variety of wines you will find in specialty shops. The paraphernalia is second to none, too, from wine-centered implements for the home to professional sommelier tools. A good number of these items are difficult to find elsewhere, like the strikingly unfamiliar champagne cozies placed in champagne house gift shops. They help to keep the bottle chilled while the shipping cases protect the bottle in transit. Their sleek shapes and designs make for a memorable gift. 

Tropéziennes Sandals

Tropéziennes is a summer accessory for ladies, and it is best rocked with a sundress. The special leather sandal was invented in the French Riviera and is a top favorite for celebrities as well as models. Nicely packaged, the sandals could even be presented as a summer gift. 

Tasty Macaroons

During your trip to France, you need to put French macarons on your list of things to try out. When in Paris especially, savor these colorful bites of paradise so much that you wouldn’t want to have any other cookie. And if you could, take some home for the family.

These macaroons might not be the perfect souvenir that you could keep for too long, but the pleasure that comes in a few seconds while they melt delightfully in your month will be unforgettable. 

>>Also Read: Best French Pastries You Must Try in Paris

French Cheese

Do you know that France has over 400 types of cheese? So enjoy an incredible assortment if you want to find your favorite. You will likely find different ones that you will love to take home. You can also find French cheese around the world but will discover that the quality of the cheese you had in France is better than any you will find elsewhere. 

Lavender Products 

France is popular for its rich and lush lavender fields, and you can take some of this with you in the form of lavender products when heading home. I like the lavender satchels because they keep my drawers or luggage smelling fresh. 

A Flea Market Find

Remember what I said earlier about leaving room for the unimaginable? Sometimes, it is more about the experience you have when shopping than what you buy. So, if you want to examine the gems that have been delicately arranged inside calm French houses, go to one of the fantastic flea markets like Les Puces de Montreuil.

A French Cookbook

If you love cooking, buying cookbooks in France (one of the world’s iconic culinary destinations) will be a smart decision. You will find many books written on food and culinary concepts that are essential if you want to improve your skills. There might be no better place to buy such a book than in France. 

Mustard 

You can indeed find French mustard everywhere, but that is not the type of mustard I’m referring to. In Beaune and Dijon, specialty shops offer a wide range you have probably not heard of before. You will discover fresh mustard on tap and gorgeous small jars with flavors like chanterelle mushroom with sorrel, blue cheese, or mustard with Marc de Bourgogne. 

A Marinière

This is a long-sleeved jersey that was first worn by the French Marine in the 1800s. Originally, it was mainly blue and white and had more than 20 white stripes of 20 mm and over 20 blue stripes of 10 mm. The Striped Jersey ( Tricot Raye ) became popular when Coco Chanel launched it. Then other designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Yves Saint Laurent followed the trend and added a touch of genius to the original. 

In the case that you will be in France for the winter holidays, you are in luck as you will experience a fete marked with the legendary  foie gras.  This delicacy is made of the liver of a duck or goose, and it can be eaten cooked, semi-cooked, and fresh. Having it at Christmas is now a tradition, and that is why you should present it as a gift. Consider that a way to spread the magic of French Christmas festivities. 

An Eiffel Tower Miniature 

Don’t think it is a cliché to bear Eiffel Tower replicas to the point that you don’t get one yourself. In France, the ‘Iron Lady’ is one of the most visited and iconic monuments in France. From there you will see the views of Paris like no other. Therefore, you can share your Eiffel Tower experience with your friend and loved ones by presenting some of the replicas to them. 

Final Thoughts

French culture is popular for the world’s best wine, gourmet food, romance, and ravishing art. That is why there is so much to see, do, and buy when you visit. The things have I’ve mentioned barely scratch the surface of what to buy in France. Even if you are a budget traveler, there are lots of items that capture the Frenchy goodness. Be prepared to be dazzled. 

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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What to Pack for France: from Paris to Riviera

Europe Packing List , Travel Packing Lists

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Wondering what to pack for France? Follow this simple packing list for a stress-free guide for trips between Paris and the Riviera. If you’re only going to Paris, read this ten step packing guide !

What to Pack for France

Written By: Niki Landry

Planning what to pack for France can at first seem intimidating, with Paris being a world fashion capital, the opulent castles in France and the Cote d’Azur a popular destination of the rich and famous.

The truth is that it doesn’t have to be intimidating. You can pack a  stylish capsule wardrobe fit for France the same way you would for any trip. Look to the locals for guidance, evaluate typical weather, and let your itinerary lead you in your clothing choices and needs.

I’ve put together a packing list suitable for a typical spring or summer French vacation, taking you from Paris to the Riviera and everywhere in between.

The key to packing for France is to keep your wardrobe classic and minimal, with a touch of laid-back style. I chose a palette of black, blue, pale pink, and white for the majority of the clothing items. With this set of 10 pieces, plus the jacket, swimsuit, and scarf, you can mix and match to create an outfit for any activity.

Use slim packing cubes to save space in your suitcase and travel carry-on only.

Linen-Blend Skirt / Denim Short / Black Jean Legging

When creating a packing list, I always start with the bottoms. I like to combine a mixture of lengths, colors, and materials appropriate for the destination. I also stick to basic shapes and styles that can coordinate with the most number of tops.

For this trip, a black pair of skinny jeans, shorts at a modest length, and a casual skirt is all you would need. You can dress them up or down depending on the top and shoes chosen.

In addition to these bottoms, I added a gray jumpsuit with a tie waist. Pair it with the espadrilles and jacket on long travel days, or the black flats and scarf for a comfortable sightseeing outfit.

Peasant Top / Lace Yoke Tee /  Pintuck Flutter-Sleeve Top  /   Linen T Shirt

I selected four tops to be used interchangeably with the bottoms described above. A classic stripe tee is the perfect addition to a French travel wardrobe, and makes for a effortless outfit paired with the jeans and black flats. I normally use the tops to introduce pattern and color. The lace yoke, soft pink, and paisley pattern are all little details to upgrade the travel outfits, and keep them from being too boring.

Once you get to the South of France, you can wear the white off-the-shoulder top with the denim shorts to create an on-trend swimsuit cover up.

Speaking of swimwear, the gingham one piece above is super chic and would look right at home on the Riviera. You could even wear it with the black skirt to create another stylish outfit, and toss on the jacket if you would like extra coverage.

Eyelet Midi / Shirtdress

I’ve selected two solid color dresses for this packing list, with hem or eyelet details to make them a little more special. Dresses tend to be less versatile than skirts, but it’s just so easy to throw one on and run out the door that I love to bring them along.

The white number is perfect for summer and is especially nice for dressier occasions. The shirtdress is a travel staple and the classic shape can be worn in every city for an easy to style outfit.

Denim Jacket /  Jumpsuit /  Swimsuit  / Scarf / Bag / Flats / Espadrilles / Sandals

The affordable, structured bag is nice to keep all of your travel essentials close at hand, and will look great paired with every outfit. To liven up solid clothing items or keep warm at night, I’ve added a cute infinity scarf and denim jacket.

Jean jackets are the perfect lightweight travel jacket for your spring and summer destinations. They are versatile, easy to keep clean, and give just a bit of warmth.

For more ideas, take a look at these lightweight jackets for summer travel !

What are your tips on what to pack for France? Share you thoughts below!

For more tips on what to wear in France, please read this post:

• 10 Step Packing Guide for Europe
• 10 Step Guide to Packing in Paris
• Parisian Shoes: 6 Trends for Summer
• What to Wear in Paris

Suggested travel resources:

• Lonely Planet France (Country Guide)
• Travel Shoes for Europe
• The Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe

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Hope you liked this post on what to pack for France. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.  nikilandry.com   nikilandrydesigns   niki-landry-designs-llc

We are going to the French Riviera for 7 days at the end of September/early October and then in Paris for 2 days. What would you change up as I think it may be a bit cooler in Paris but still nice in the RIviera?

Hi Connie, take a look a TFG’s 10 step guide to Paris, it may be the best place for ideas to help with you packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-for-paris/ Check the weather forecast for the two different places you are visiting so that you have the most accurate info for both places to ensure you have packed the most appropriate clothing! Have an amazing trip!! 🙂

Thanks for this helpful list! I always travel with one bag only but even after many tips I’ve yet to get the ratios right – I’m always short a few things or I bring some things that are unsuitable, and they go unused (and I scramble to find something else!). I’m going to be in Paris for five days in October so I’m going to try going with something akin to this list. Thanks again!

You’re welcome Melissa 🙂 Good luck with your packing and have a fab time!

Great list! The only thing I would add is a lightweight sweater/cardigan or long sleeved top. Paris is in northern Europe and though it does experience very hot spells during the summertime, it can cool off at night, so having that extra layer could be helpful if the temperature drops. Also, make sure the shoes you bring are super comfortable! If you’ve never been to Paris you’ll be surprised at how much walking you will do. I live in Paris and on an average day I walk 3 miles. Tourists often tell me that they end up walking 6-9 miles a day without even realizing it! Shoe comfort is key.

Thank you for these extra tips Jennifer!

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French country decor ideas – 32 beautiful looks for every room

Disney fans are getting a new Villains land: D23’s biggest parks announcements

• Disney just revealed concrete plans for whole new lands and park experiences at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California.
• A new Villains land is coming to Magic Kingdom with two major attractions as well as shopping and dining areas.
• The first Montsters Inc. land in any Disney park is coming to Hollywood Studios.

Bye-bye, blue sky. 

Disney just revealed concrete plans for whole new lands and park experiences at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California.  

“We will completely, around the world, bring new stories to life in innovative ways for our fans,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, told USA TODAY.  

At past D23 events , Disney had only teased the idea of a land devoted to Villains or what else may lie beyond Big Thunder Mountain.  

Now we know what’s actually coming. Here are some of the biggest reveals from Saturday’s Disney Experiences Showcase. 

What’s coming to Disney World 

Magic Kingdom 

A new Villains land is coming with two major attractions as well as shopping and dining areas.  

A section of Frontierland will be reimagined with Cars . Unlike Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, this will remain part of Frontierland. The new space will have two attractions, one created especially with younger guests in mind. Construction will begin in 2025. 

A new nighttime parade in the spirit of the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade is coming Summer of 2025. It will be called Disney Starlight. 

Magic Kingdom's new Pirates-themed tavern will also open in 2025.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

The first Montsters, Inc. land in any Disney park is coming to Hollywood Studios, with construction beginning in 2025.

“Monsters remains one of the most beloved stories that Pixar has ever told. Our fans absolutely love it, and we knew we had an opportunity to bring to life this franchise in a way that it's never been brought to life before and extend the story from the screen into real life,” D’Amaro said.

There are Monsters, Inc. attractions at other Disney parks, but not whole lands.

“We're going to be building a land and an attraction that the Imagineers have wanted to build forever, and our fans, I think, have wanted to see built forever, and that's the door coaster,” he added.  

Guests will travel through Laugh Factory doors in the first suspended coaster in any Disney park. 

“And of course, we'll use all the latest technology, all the latest tricks, the most immersive environment you can imagine to create an experience that I think our fans are going to love,” D'Amaro said.   

Disney’s Animal Kingdom  

Disney’s previously announced Tropical Americas- themed land will open in 2027, replacing DinoLand U.S.A. Construction will begin in phases this fall, so guests have a chance to ride Dinosaur one last time before it closes.

The new land will feature a new Indiana Jones attraction, which D’Amaro says will differ from what guests have experienced at other Disney parks.  

It will also feature Disney’s first Encanto-themed attraction and a new carousel with characters from Disney stories. 

A new Zootopia Better Together show will open in Winter 2025 in the Tree of Life Theater, which currently features It's Tough to be a Bug!

Asked how Disney decides when to expand versus what to reimagine, D’Amaro told USA TODAY: “We have more space and more stories to tell than anyone else, and we're always looking around our portfolio for where we want to build totally incremental capacity or where we think we have an opportunity to reinvent existing spaces so that they can deliver even more.”

“In the case of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we saw an opportunity to use an existing parcel of land to update it with more powerful intellectual property and more powerful experiences that would add more value to an experience at Animal Kingdom,” he added. “It depends on the park that we're looking at, the spaces that exist, and then we make the best decisions, ultimately, for our fans.” 

The newly reimagined Test Track will open in 2025

A new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge will also open in 2025.

What’s coming to Disneyland

Disneyland Park 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland on Nov. 15.

Disney's first audio-animatronic of Walt Disney will debut next year as the park celebrates its 70th anniversary.

“This one's very important to me as a cast member,” D’Amaro said. “I've been at the company now for 26 years. I started at Disneyland. This was the park that Walt created and walked through and he's still a part of today.” 

“We're at a moment in time, 70 years after Disneyland opened, where we feel that the technology has caught up with our ambition to tell Walt's story and to let the newest generation of Disney fans experience what it felt like to be in a room with Walt,” he added. 

Walt Disney was a pioneer in audio-animatronics. His will be part of a show called “Walt Disney – A Magical Life." After its initial run, it will play in rotation with Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

“I think this is going to be incredibly special. It's going to be special for me, and I know it's going to be special for the Disney fans who just want more, who just want that emotional connection with the brand," D'Amaro said.

Disney California Adventure 

Avengers Campus is getting two new attractions, which will double the size of the land. Construction will begin in 2025. 

The previously announced multiverse attraction will be called Avengers Infinity Defense. A newly announced fourth attraction will be called Stark Flight Lab and allow guests to try out Stark's technology.

The first Coco ride at any Disney park is coming to Disney California Adventure, breaking ground in 2026.

Disney California Adventure is also getting the next Avatar destination . The setting will be another location on Pandora, not the same as Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It will be inspired by the second film, upcoming film and future ‘Avatar’ films.

What's coming to Disney parks abroad

A new Lion King attraction is coming to Disneyland Paris.

In January, the resort is also getting a new Disney and Pixar nighttime spectacular.

The resort's World of Frozen will open in 2026, as part of a previously announced massive reimagining of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World.

A new Spider-Man thrill ride is coming to Shanghai Disneyland.

A Spider-Man attraction is also heading to Hong Kong Disneyland's Stark Expo.

Tokyo Disney Resort, which opened its new Fantasy Springs port earlier this year, is getting a new nighttime spectacular called "Reach for the Stars" on Sept. 20. It will be located at Tokyo Disneyland.

"Some of the things that we've seen on the international front, we'll be expanding those around the world. And equally, things that we've done domestically get to expand around the world as well," D'Amaro said.

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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I Just Moved to Paris, and These Are the 12 French Fashion Basics That My Closet Was Desperately Missing

These essentials make any basic outfit look effortlessly more French, and start at $12.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

I landed in Paris in December with a suitcase filled with pots and pans, sheets and bath products, and very, very little clothing. Having been a professional travel writer for nearly two decades , I’m used to packing light, but the few essentials that I had brought with me were minimal, even for my standards. I was moving to Paris, and I wasn’t under any assumption that my California yoga pants lifestyle would fly in the city of fashion, and I also knew that my closet situation wouldn’t be anything like my former American walk-in. 

I have no grand desires of being mistaken for a French woman while living here, but the chance to update my very dated (i.e., very “I just had two kids and work from home”) wardrobe with some easy-to-pack, French-inspired capsule wardrobe staples wasn’t something that I planned to pass up. So, as I explored my new city, I kept an eye out for easy-to-copy styles.

Versatility is vital for Parisians, who are masters at repurposing basics in fresh ways, and it’s something that has guided my fashion choices for decades as I need to be able to throw together a suitcase bound for far off destinations in a matter of hours if/when the assignment arrives. When I’m planning a trip, I’d rather spend my time thinking about what I’m going to do once I’m on the ground rather than what I’m going to wear while I’m there, and these 12 French-inspired staples are my new favorite finds for an effortlessly fashionable travel wardrobe no matter where I’m wearing them. From a sleek pair of black boots for less than $40 at Amazon to a classic pair of jeans that are comfy enough for a long flight, these are the French looks that I’m throwing in my suitcase — and wearing as I’m strolling my local marché. 

Chunpin Women's Short-Sleeve Bodysuit 

I’ve seen Sézane's Coline bodysuit worn by so many people in so many different ways that it was my first purchase after arriving in Paris. It’s so popular that it’s nearly out of stock, which is why I’m including this copycat version from Amazon for now. Wear this short-sleeve bodysuit plain with some high-waisted straight leg jeans for a classic day look or pair it with a leather mini skirt for, yes, another classic French day look. 

Rouje Women's Paris Marias Jeans

You can’t go wrong with straight leg jeans, and right now, everyone is wearing them in gray. I love the versatility of gray denim, mainly because sometimes light washes seem too casual and dark jeans often seem too — well, dark — and Parisians agree. This version from Rouje hits just above the ankle, which is perfect for a low boot or a block heel. Over at Amazon, you can get a similar pair from Levi's on sale starting at $40. 

Sézane Women's Scott Trench Coat

A camel trench coat is a vital element of the unofficial French uniform, second only to the sleeping-bag-like puffers that blanket everyone during icy weather in the winter. This specific trench from Sézane is the best way to nail the look with its button-tabbed shoulders and cuffs and sleek slit on the back. Skip any wool versions and go straight for a waterproof material like this one, since it’s the better bridge between the seasons. Similarly, Amazon shoppers are flocking towards the SaphiRose Women's Waterproof Trench Coat for the upcoming rainy season — and it only costs $46.

H&M Women's Shoulder Pad Sweater

Wearing stripes in Paris is pretty much on the same playing field as wearing a beret through the city. Do I do it anyway? You better believe it, and so do some actual French women — the stripes that is, never a beret. It’s hard to find something so classic that so effortlessly pairs with gray jeans, black trousers, leather skirts, etc. This is the striped sweater I fell in love with once I moved here (although I removed the shoulder pads, like the elder millennial that I am) because I love the slightly cropped cut and flattering neckline, but Petite Bateau is where to score the French-approved version.

Soda Women's Pilot Chelsea Ankle Boots

I can count on my fingers the number of times that I’ve seen women wearing heels through this city. Living in Paris involves a lot of walking, and Parisians are smart about their footwear. Most would choose these leather boots from beloved French brand ba&sh , but this comfy find from Amazon-favorite brand Soda offers a similar look for so much less. And, they're available in 20 different colors. 

Ugg Women's Ronney Cropped Puffer

Everyone talks about how Parisians don’t like to show off their brands (i.e., even if a Parisian buys a Louis Vuitton bag, it likely won’t be laden in logos; “quiet luxury” is the key), but you can’t step on the Metro without running right into a JOTT logo. This European brand stands for Just Over the Top , and it is everywhere in Paris — and coming soon to America! Until then, we have this version from Ugg that does the trick nicely. 

Lo & Sons Waverley 2 Crossbody

Lo & Sons

For the most part, the only oversized bags that I’ve seen women carry around Paris are tote bags for going to and from the market. If they’re wearing a purse, you can almost guarantee it will be a crossbody bag. French brand Polène and UK-based Métier have a popular presence around town, but nothing competes with the versatility of my Lo & Sons Waverley 2. It can be worn four ways, which makes it super handy for commuting around Paris. Although I mainly wear it as a crossbody to match my French neighbors, I love the security and ease of wearing it as a belt bag while shopping.

Topshop Women's Slit Hem Faux Leather Mini Skirt

Nordstrom Rack

Leather is back in a big way in Paris, and if you’re in the city, you’d want to pick up this Capucine leather skirt available only at Galeries Lafayette. For everyone else, there’s Nordstrom Rack, where you can find leather skirts galore at budget-friendly prices — starting with the Topshop Slit Hem Faux Leather Mini Skirt for $20. People are wearing these skirts with oversized sweaters tucked in at the front or pairing them with bodysuits beneath sheer black tops, and, this time of year, they’re always finishing the look with black tights and boots.

Veja Campo Sneakers

Although I have yet to slip into my first pair from Veja, there’s no denying that this cool-kid brand is everywhere. I see them in line at my boulangerie in the morning, while walking the upscale sidewalks of the Champs-Élysées, while riding the Metro, and I even noticed my son’s principal sporting a pair as she strutted through the play yard and scolded kids in her chic pants suit. I’ve been holding out with my super comfy Stan Smiths , but it’s likely only a matter of time before I’m looking for a pants suit to go with my new pair of Vs. 

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump Lip Gloss 

Like me, you might have thought that most women in Paris were painting their lips crimson. If so, also like me, you would be among the rouge-lipped tourists. Parisians pride themselves on their skincare, and therefore do not typically wear much makeup. A glossy lip is the exception, but only in nude shades, like this flush-colored lip plumper from L’Oreal Paris that's enriched with moisturizing hyaluronic acid to banish dry, chapped lips. Dewy skin and a glossy lip with a slicked back ponytail, and you’re well on your way to getting asked for directions from an out-of-towner.  

ba&sh Women's Bilissi Belt 

The “old money” trend is alive and thriving in Paris, and, while I’m not sure that I’ll be getting on board with Dior brooches just yet, I am all about the statement buckle on this responsibly sourced leather belt. I love most pieces from this French brand, but specifically this belt, which can take a simple black outfit to a level of sophistication. For anyone not looking to drop over $100 for a belt, try this $16 Amazon version that comes in a stylish set of two. 

Ameline 14-Karat Gold Chunky Hoop Earrings

According to my French friends, the one piece of jewelry that nearly every French woman owns is a pair of gold hoop earrings. They can be small, big, oval, or thin, but wearing a pair is the easiest way to add a touch of elegance to a casual outfit. Judging by current trends spotted on the Metro, the chunkier the better. My favorite look has been these chunky gold hoops paired with a black turtleneck and my hair pulled back in a low ponytail, and also dangling over bare shoulders with hair tucked behind the ears and flowing long behind a black off-the-shoulder top. 

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Employees must follow the rules on using postal property

Usps-issued phones, vehicles and travel cards can’t be used for personal business.

The Postal Service is marking USPS Ethics Awareness Week by reminding employees to follow the rules on using the organization’s property.

Misusing postal property violates federal ethics rules and can result in discipline, fines, garnishment of wages and termination of employment.

Employees should never:

• Use a USPS-issued phone or work computer for an outside business or second job; partisan political activity; gambling; pyramid schemes; to send or store inappropriate pictures or email messages; or to go to inappropriate websites.

This applies whether employees are on or off duty.

• Use a Postal Service vehicle for personal trips or deviate from their route for personal reasons.

For example, employees cannot use a USPS vehicle to travel to the airport for annual leave, and they cannot use a postal vehicle to commute from home to work unless they have received authorization.

• Use a USPS travel card to pay for personal expenses. Employees should keep their postal cards in a different location from their personal cards so they don’t mix them up.

Also, employees should never use a Voyager card to put fuel in a personal vehicle or to pay for snacks, drinks or other convenience items.

Additionally, any reward points earned for using a Voyager card to purchase fuel are considered postal property.

Both the Postal Service and the USPS Office of Inspector General routinely audit Voyager card usage, and violators are regularly caught.

• Borrow money from a postal drawer, even if they intend to repay it later.

Additionally, employees should remember their USPS ID is postal property and an important security measure. They should never alter or damage the badge in any way or allow others to use it.

The Ethics Blue page covers these topics in more detail.

For more information, employees can email the Postal Service’s ethics helpline or call 202-268-6346.

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This week, USPS is focused on ethics

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Japan PM Kishida plans US visit in late September, Yomiuri reports

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is finalising plans to visit the United States in late September for the U.N. General Assembly and a possible meeting with President Joe Biden, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Saturday.