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Gifts From France

In a country renowned for its distinguished taste in food, art and style, it is no problem to find many types of gifts for those of the most discriminating preferences.

World-Renowned French Wine

Different types of French wine have often been described as the best in the world. Bordeaux, Dordogne, Bourgogne, and St. Emilion are among many great places to shop for wine to take home due to their high concentration of wine shops and famed high quality. Generally vineyards have the best prices and offer a pleasant shopping experience, but shops and cellars are good options too.

Cheese and Chocolate Gifts

Wine and cheese party anyone? To go along with the wine, there are a variety of gourmet cheeses and chocolates available. French cheeses that are famous for their quality are ones such as Camembert or Roquefort. While these may be found in other countries they are best straight from a French fromagerie, which is a cheese shop usually found in large cities. French coffee and tea blends are also well loved and easy to bring home. These can be found at gourmet supermarkets around the country, such as La Grande Epicerie de Paris, which is one of the best. These gourmet supermarkets also sell treats such as tins of French candy, biscuits and marrons glacés or candied chestnuts, a French specialty. French chocolate is another great gift, especially when it is homemade.

French Fashion

The decadence of French food is certainly matched by French fashion. The latest styles are sold in shopping malls, fashion boutiques, and other stores in different cities, although cheaper and more casual items can be found throughout the country in smaller stores. Clothing from local designers offers an interesting alternative. The city of Lyon is particularly good for fashion, with many places to find unique, creative styles. Lyon’s expertise in the industry comes in part from its role as a center in the textile industry, in terms of trade, history, and technological development. Any gift found here is sure to be on the forefront of fashion. Bringing back some fabric from anywhere in the region is a great way to fill a room with the feeling of France. There is also plenty of fine jewelry to be found in France to accompany your high fashion gifts. Place Vendome in Paris is a good place to purchase items from some of the top designers, although the prices are as high as the quality.

Art as a Gift

French creativity is certainly not limited to the fashion sector, and many interesting crafts make great gifts as well. Pottery from Gien is very famous, though expensive. Vieux Lyon, a district of the city of Lyon, is filled with galleries showcasing traditional paintings, sketches, textiles, and arts and crafts items. Lace, crystal, ceramics and glass are other popular artistic gifts. Fine lace is especially available in Lille, the main town of French Flanders. Lalique is a famous French name in glass art, with shops around the country selling his designs. Additionally, many monasteries are known for their handicrafts. Another popular French souvenir is Laguiole knives, a tradition since the late 1800s. They are handmade, come in many varieties, and make a wonderful heirloom.

Stationary & Electronics

For those interested in bringing home books, comics, postcards, or music, Paris is full of bookstores with great selections. FNAC is an especially well-known chain, offering electronics and photography in addition to the above.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics, perfumes, and bath products are all great gifts for someone in need of some spoiling. Chanel No. 5 is world famous among perfumes. Scented soaps and bath soaps can be found in many locations and in many delicious scents. Monasteries also offer many handmade body care products, perfume, and scented candles. Any of these are excellent ways to give someone at home a taste of French luxury.

Antiques & Furntiture

There are many places around the country to find fine antique furniture and objects as well. Antique centers, such as Louvre des Antiquaires, Village Suisse, and Rue Auguste Conte are great places to find many shops in one area.

Other Information

Flea markets and hypermarkets, selling everything from food to furniture, are good places to sift through a variety of goods. Well-known department stores throughout the country include Au Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Bazar Hôtel de Ville, Samaritaine, and Bon Marché. Paris and Nice are especially full of good shopping opportunities. Most department stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 6:30pm, although many are closed Mondays or Monday afternoons. Many shops are also closed daily from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. Hypermarkets usually stay open until 9:00pm or 10:00pm.

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