What To Buy In France

1. Stamped Book from Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company is just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame in Paris. If you are interested in literature, you will know that this is one of the famous bookstores in Paris. During its heydays, it was the favorite hangout for writing legends such as Fitzgerald and Hemingway. Through the years, the store has managed to maintain its ramshackle charm and it has hardly changed. For a souvenir or a gift to an avid reader, pick up a book and let the staff stamp the inside for you so that you have something to show that you have been to a place that was once visited by literary giants.

2. French baguette accessories

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There are lots of bakeries offering a variety of baguettes in France, and as part of celebrating the culinary diversity in France, especially in major cities like Paris, you should not only make sure to try them, but you can also pick a few French baguette accessories to carry back home. It is a shame that the baguettes have a short life span and they make not make it back home but you can always carry baguette-related souvenirs such as knives, cutting boards, and custom cloth bags among others.

3. French beret

At some time in the past, French berets were considered the national cap of France. For a very long time, it has been impossible to separate the black wool berets from the French traditions and it is an item with an incredible mass appeal in the country. Though presently, they are not as popular as they were back in the days, they are still seen as a strong sign of local identity in France. As far as souvenirs go, the berets are among the highly purchased items by foreigners coming into the country. You can pick a few pieces to not only remind you of your trip to France but also add a French touch to your attires back home.

4. Chestnut paste

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You don’t have to carry chestnut paste back home, but it is something you can relish while still in the country. Since 1885, the paste has been a classic in most of the homes in France, and it is one of those items are that highly recommended you try when you visit the country. It is a delicious paste which is a product of steamed chestnut flakes, chestnuts, vanilla, and sugar. You can use it as a topping on vanilla ice, spread it on toast, or let it be the filler in between the layers of a chocolate cake.

5. Rose salt

You are probably wondering why salt would be recommended in this list of the items you should buy in France, but just know that this is not your ordinary salt. As a country with well-rooted gourmet cooking traditions, the French take their salts seriously, and this is where rose salt comes in. It is primarily sea salt made with rose petals from Western France. The French chefs swear by it and it is one of the best gifts from France that you can ever give to a foodie back home.

6. Calvados

France is one of the best wine-producing countries in the world and as such, it makes perfect sense to bring home something along this line. Calvados is a strong apple brandy made in the orchards of Normandy. It is one of the most favorite accompaniment ideals for warming the atmosphere for a late-night tete-a-tete. Brandies are sold everywhere in the world but for some reason, it is very rare to find Calvados outside France, and if you desire the authentic taste, you will be better off grabbing a bottle when you are still in the area.

7. Savon de Marseille

Savon de Marseille, or simply soap from Marseille, is another unique item you must get your hands on when you are in France. These soaps have been around for nearly 600 years, and apart from their long history, their uniqueness comes from the fact that they are all made by hand, with the primary ingredients being natural oils, especially olive oils. They are available in a variety of sweet natural scents and they are highly recommended for dry skin. Additionally, they are relatively affordable so there is no cost barrier to getting one.

8. Herbes de Provence

This is an assortment of aromatic herbs and spices that have been blended with garlic and olive oil. It is believed that the herbs originate from Provence, hence, the name. The contents of the herbs remain a closely guarded secret but there is no denying that they make a great seasoning for fish and meat. If you are a foodie, or you love cooking with exotic spices, then you have to pick up herbes de Provence when in France.

9. Cognac

French wines and cognacs are some of the best in the world, and it will be a shame if you visit the country and you fail to appreciate the full scope of their prowess in winemaking. The country is littered with wine and cognac paraphernalia, and if you don’t feel like going for the tours, then feel free to buy a variety of cognacs from the stores. Just be warned that some bottles and brands may be very expensive but you will still find a humongous variety within lower price ranges.

10. Boules set

This is a typical French game played by two teams or simply two people. It is similar to bowls and boccie and it is believed to have started somewhere around 1910. The game is modeled after a very old French game. It is very authentic to the French people but also versatile enough to be played by just anyone.

Leave France with unique items

You will never be short of options when it comes to buying souvenirs in France. If you are overwhelmed, or you are struggling to choose a souvenir or a unique gift, refer to the list above of what to buy in France so that you can get going with some of the best and unique items.