Hypermarché

When Walmart moved into my town back home, it pretty much killed our struggling downtown retailers. How is it then, that French cities are able to have the best of both worlds. Don't be fooled by the vibrant markets and the lovely pedestrian shopping streets, France is the land of the hypermarché.


We do most of our shopping at Carrefour, one of at least three major supermarkets in Bagnols-sur-Cèze. It's just like Meijer. In addition having a fully stocked grocery, they also sell clothing, home goods and even electronics. The only thing we haven't been able to find in teriyaki sauce (that's another story).

The prices are absolutely competitive with individual retailers. Store-brand goods are an especially good deal. How about a 1/3 lb Roquefort cheese slice for about 1€? That would cost about $10 in the States. And as I mentioned in a previous blog, there are discount stores that are even cheaper. The French are bargain shoppers.