From Grocery Store Gems to Fancy Finds: one of our favourite travel experiences
Do you know what we love to visit when travelling? The grocery store. It’s my favourite way to get a taste of the culture, quite literally, it is also the place where I get gifts.
When I go back to France, especially Provence where I grew up, stepping into a french grocery store feels like stepping into a museum of memory: childhood snacks, forgotten condiments (hello cornichons), and the smell of savon de Marseille all in one place. It's not just shopping, it's a sensory time capsule. I got shivers just thinking of it!
This guide is a gem honestly, it is full of things I actually buy, from nostalgic staples to beautifully crafted gifts. You’ll find my favourite grocery store gems, Provençal must-haves, and a few fancier treasures that are worth the suitcase space. Think less Eiffel Tower souvenirs and more fleur de sel, miel de Provence, and herbes de Provence, a delicious way to extend your French experience once you are back home.
Grocery Store Goodies: Affordable & Delicious
1. Tapenade: Whether black or green olive, tapenade is a staple on any Provençal apéritif table: briny, bold, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crackers, breadsticks, or slathered on toast with a chilled glass of French wine. Great to have in hand for an impromptu drink for apéro.
2. Miel de Provence: This isn’t basic honey. Provence honey comes in dreamy flavours like lavender, thyme, and rosemary. I use it in everything from yogurt to salad dressings, but it's especially delicious with my Apple Galette with Honey Whipped Cream. It also makes a thoughtful gift that travels well.
3. Lavender Syrup (or sirop de lavende): A unique souvenir that smells like a southern French summer. Use in lemonade, cocktails, or drizzled over stone fruit. Lavender, rose, and violet are all popular choices.
4. Fleur de Sel: No kitchen should be without it. A staple in my French cuisine, I sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, grilled fish, and even chocolate. Look for Camargue or Guérande salt in adorable packaging, another great souvenir for foodie friends.
5. Dijon Mustard (Moutarde de Dijon): This mustard is not the yellow stuff (sorry North American friends!). Try the artisanal jars with green peppercorns, blackcurrant, or walnut, there are often cute sets available. It’s the perfect pair for meats like my rack of lamb, trust me, a dollop can level up a whole dish.
6. Sucre Perlé: Tiny sugar pearls that add crunch and sparkle. I use these when making chouquettes or sprinkle them on brioche before baking. A great idea for the bakers in your life.
7. Nougats & Calissons: Sweet almond candy with regional charm. Great to gift but also perfect for your Christmas table, especially if you're embracing the Provençal tradition of the 13 desserts.
8. Palets Bretons: Yes, they’re from Brittany, I am cheating a little here but they're irresistible: buttery, slightly salty cookies that hold up beautifully in your suitcase. Add to your snack stash or share with coworkers if you’re feeling generous.
9. Herbes de Provence: Thyme, rosemary, oregano, sometimes lavender, these herbs are so versatile for meat, fish, vegetables. I put them everywhere. Some brands come in pretty little tins or ceramic jars, making them easy to gift and hard to part with. It is a must on your shopping list!
10. Pastis: The bold aniseed apéritif of the south. Serve with water and ice, and you’ll instantly be transported to a terrace in Marseille. Not for everyone but definitely a unique souvenir with character. This is one is so special, It really has a special place in my heart, I love sharing a moment with my family with a pastis.
11. Olives from Provence: Garlic-marinated, lemon-stuffed, herby, spicy, you name it. Like tapenade, olives are a staple in any French home. Offer them with drinks for apéro or serve with crusty bread and cheese. Look for vacuum-sealed packs or jars for safe travel.
Bonus (Non-Food but Still Grocery Store Gold):
- Petit Marseillais Soap: gentle, fragrant, and budget-friendly.
- Dish Cloths: a cute and useful souvenir.
- Crossword Books or Novels in French: so appreciated by francophone, relaxing with some French books from home feels special.
- Cute garlic or olive dises: so many in market too.
Fancy Finds & Artisan Treasures: For the Gourmets
This section might be a little more of a splurge for some, however, this can be money well-spent given the quality.
12. French Wine from Local Vineyards: From rosé in the French Riviera to full-bodied reds from the Rhône, local wine is a great gift or a beautiful addition to your table. Believe it or not, I am not a wine connoisseur, I do enjoy but I don't have much knowledge. However, if you visit a 'Domaine' or a 'cave viticole', they will guide you to make the best choice.
Side note: Always check import laws, many airlines and countries have limits on alcohol. I can’t be held responsible for customs heartbreak, make sure to be properly informed.
Mel's tip: Wrap it in a cellophane bag and roll in clothes for safety.
13. Upgraded Olive Oil: Infused with truffle, basil, or lemon and pressed using traditional methods, this is not your weeknight salad drizzle. Try to visit 'un moulin' where they grow the olive trees and press the olive oil. It is very interesting and an amazing discovery for your taste buds.
14. Honey & Jams from Artisans: Different from the supermarket versions, think fig & walnut jam, lavender honey, or even tomato-basil. High quality and beautifully packaged, these are ideal thoughtful gifts or pantry treats.
15: Sous-Vide Cheese (If Legal!): Comté, goat cheese, or even mini brie as long as it's sealed and allowed by customs of the country you are entering.
Disclaimer: Check your country’s laws. I’m not taking the blame for airport bribes involving camembert.
16. Lavender Sachets: These little elegant cloth bags filled with dried lavender should a staple in everyone's closet! A classic souvenir from Provence that will make your sheet drawer smell like summer months in the middle of winter. Any lavender product (edible or not) is a delicate gift for a women.
17. Fancy French Tea: I’m not a tea drinker (coffee team all the way!) but the French know how to do fancy. Try Palais des Thés, Mariage Frères, or specialty blends in beautiful tins. A perfect souvenir for tea lovers.
18. Essential Oils & Grasse Perfumes: If you’re near Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, bring back a bottle of high-quality perfume or a lavender-based essential oil, another way to keep that Provençal feeling alive in your everyday life. Look into that!
Where to Find These Foodie Souvenirs
French Grocery Stores: If you want to stock up on local products like tapenade, herbes de Provence, or moutarde de Dijon, the best place to start is one of the major French grocery stores. They're packed with affordable souvenirs and local food products that make great gifts.
Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of the best places to shop:
- Carrefour, my favourite: think a fancier Walmart but French
- Leclerc: excellent for regional products and fair prices
- Super U: smaller, more local feel, especially in villages
- Aldi: I love grabbing some items there too! Really affordable
Mel's tip: Check the local market if you’re in town on a Saturday or Wednesday morning, especially in Provence for fresh versions and seasonal specialties. Or for Brocantes on Sundays.
Did I forget anything? What do you like to bring back when you go on vacations?
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