French Markets: A Language Guide for Shopping

French markets hold an important place in French culture. More than just commercial venues, French markets are spaces of conviviality. Going to the market can be intimidating if you’ve just started learning French. But with a few key expressions, you’ll be able to easily chat with the merchants.

Here’s a little language guide that will help you shop at the market like a true French person!

Market Product Vocabulary

When you go to the market, it’s important to know the specific vocabulary for different products you might find there.

Fruits and Vegetables

At the greengrocer’s (le primeur), you’ll find fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here are some words to know:

• Une barquette de fraises (a punnet of strawberries)
• Un kilo de pommes (a kilo of apples)
• Une botte de carottes (a bunch of carrots)
• Des herbes fraîches : persil, ciboulette, basilic (fresh herbs : parsley, chives, basil)

Cheeses

France is the country of 1,200 cheeses. At the cheese vendor (le fromager), you can find:

• Soft cheeses (fromages à pâte molle) like brie and camembert or hard cheeses (fromage à pâte dure) like Comté or Emmental
• Strong-flavored cheeses (fromages forts en goût) like Roquefort or Munster

Seafood

You’ll find fish and seafood at the fishmonger (le poissonnier). Here are some terms to know:

• Des moules fraîches (fresh mussels)
• Un filet de poisson (a fish fillet)
• Un douzaine d’huîtres (a dozen oysters)
• Une grosse poignée de crevettes (a large handful of shrimp)

Meat and Cured Meats

You can buy meat and charcuterie from a butcher/delicatessen (boucher/charcutier). Here are some words to know:

• Une tranche de jambon (a slice of ham)
• Un saucisson sec
• Des saucisses (sausages)
• Une entrecôte (a ribeye steak)

Did you know?

People who sell produce at markets in France are called “maraîchers”, which translates to “market gardeners” in English.

Useful Phrases for Communicating at French Markets

Here are some common expressions that will be useful for interacting with merchant:

When you’re at the French market, the vendor might ask you: “qu’est ce qu’il vous faut ? (what do you need?)” or “vous désirez ? (what would you like?)”. You can respond: “je vais prendre… (I’ll take…)” or “je voudrais… (I would like…)”. For example: “je voudrais cinq cents grammes de tomates s’il vous plaît (I would like 500g of tomatoes, please)”.

Then, they might ask: “et avec ceci ? (anything else?)” or “il vous faudra autre chose ? (will you need anything else?)”. You can respond: “je vais prendre aussi… (I’ll also take…)” or “ce sera tout, merci ! (that’s all, thank you!)” if you don’t want anything else.

If you have questions about a price, you can ask: “ils/elles sont à combien les…? (how much are the…?)” For example: “elles sont à combien les pêches ? (how much are the peaches?)”.

If you’re at the cheese vendor, you can also ask to taste a cheese before buying it. For example: “est-ce que je peux goûter ce fromage, s’il vous plaît ? (may I taste this cheese, please?)”.

And to give you the price, the vendor will say: “ça vous fait…” or “ça fera…” (that’ll be…). 

Did you know?

Most French cities, towns and villages organize weekly markets, generally twice a week.

Tips for Fully Enjoying French Markets

To fully enjoy your visit to the French market, here are some practical tips:

• Arrive early: French markets are often lively and better stocked early in the morning. But at the end of market days, products are generally cheaper.
• Bring a reusable bag: to carry your purchases, remember to bring a reusable bag. It’s practical and environmentally friendly!
• Try something new: French markets are the ideal place to discover new products. Don’t hesitate to ask for a taste before buying, especially for cheeses.
• Chat with the merchants: don’t be afraid to talk with the merchants. Going to the French market is a good opportunity to practice your French and overcome your shyness. Je ne te raconte pas des salades (I’m not making this up)!

Did you know?

You can also buy fresh products at “les halles,” a covered market. In Lyon, don’t miss Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.

You’re now ready to go shopping at the French market. You’ll see, it’s a unique cultural experience in France. Plus, this approach also means supporting local producers!