Shopping has been synonymous with travelling for as long as women have worn handbags and shopping in France is no different. While the sights of the Eiffel Tower and River Seine are a marvel to look at, no trip can be thought of as a success without a shopping frenzy in the middle and no, duty free won’t always please.
Duty Free Shopping In France’s Ports And Airports
There are many tax benefits to be had when travelling through no mans land – the international zones, airports especially are plots of land where tax is non descript, an international thoroughfare where tax is not charged – however you may be charged when entering your own country for certain items purchased previously.
Duty Free Shopping in France begins as soon as you land, that can be by ferry, cruise ship or by plane at the airport. Ports that you can revel in duty free are Calais, Cannes, Saint Malo, Marseilles, Caen, Dunkerque, Roscoff, Sete, Le Havre, Dieppe, Cherbourg, St Tropez, and Vieux Port.
Most airports in France offer duty free shopping in France as well as border crossings at Eurostar Lille, Paris, Calais road terminal, Disneyland Paris and Paris La Vallee and Calais CITI EU Shopping Centre.
Shopping In France And Saving On Clothes And Fashion
The European High Street is quite different to that of the UK with a wide range of retailers from a great many European and overseas countries all plying their trade which provides are far more competitive experience by shopping in France.
Most of the retailers that compete have a large presence in other countries in the EU which means their buying power is stronger and costs can be reduced. Shopping in France can both be relaxing as well as enable your money to go further but not on all items.
Food Shopping In France – Savouring A Culture
The boulangerie and delicatessens of France’s cultural heritage are by no means easily replicated elsewhere. Although the UK has its bakeries and fine foods and cuisine that will match, the French have an entirely different way of life and eating habit, the less said about frogs and horses the better.
However if shopping in France, it’s worth not resisting and instead diving into the food and specialties on offer and taking some to savour at home is a great idea. Shopping in France need not just be about a different high street, mid holiday rehab or making some savings, shopping in France for food could be well worth the treat.